Your Furnace Can’t Talk, So When There Are Issues with It, It Uses This Light to Communicate and Provide a Code as to What Is Wrong. Think of It as Morse Code.
It is never a good thing when you see a blinking light of any sort on one of your electronics, appliances, or other household devices. It is especially not ideal when the blinking light is on your furnace and it’s in the middle of winter in Buffalo. While all furnaces are different, we are going to review, in most cases, what a blinking light on your furnace means, so you can start speaking its language.
What Does the Blinking Light on Your Furnace Mean?
Most modern day furnaces are equipped with a light that is used to indicate if all is well or if there is a problem with your Buffalo furnace. In most cases, this light remains solid while your furnace is on, letting you know that your furnace is on and working as it should be; however, there are some scenarios where this light may start blinking.
Your furnace can’t talk, so when there are issues with it, it uses this light to communicate and provide a code as to what is wrong. Think of it as Morse code. If you can catch the blinking code, write it down, as that is the first step in helping determine the problem. Furnaces usually have a code chart on them that can help you decipher the code, so you can determine what the issue is and if you need to call in a local heating expert for reinforcement.
Below are some of the more common reasons that the light is blinking on your furnace. Keep in mind, as we said before, all furnaces are different, so if in doubt, call in a professional.
Ignition Failure or Fault
An error with the gas, ignition failure, or flame can cause the red light to start blinking. This could be an indication that your flame sensor is dirty, and/or could also mean there is a problem with the gas valve or ignitors.
Pressure Switch Inducer Issue
A furnace pressure switch is a safety device located near the draft inducer motor of a gas forced-air furnace. Inducers and pressure switches are parts of the furnace that make sure the furnace is venting unwanted gas. The blinking light could indicate that there is a blockage or other issue preventing these components to function as they should.
Roll-out Switch Problem
A roll-out switch is a safety feature on gas furnaces. This switch stops the furnace from igniting if the part of the furnace that is supposed to stay cool gets too hot. Heat being detected where it shouldn’t be in your furnace, is a problem. This is usually caused by an issue with your air filter, but you should call a heating expert to help you confirm the problem is not larger.
Furnace ‘Lock Out’
Modern furnaces have several safety sensors that keep track of furnace operation. The furnace controller monitors these sensors constantly. If one of the sensors reports an unsafe condition, the furnace controller shuts off fuel and power to prevent unsafe operation. This condition is known as ‘lock out’. A furnace ‘lock out’ occurs when a furnace has attempted to fire multiple times but has failed to ignite. A ‘lock out’ can usually be resolved by powering off your furnace for a few minutes and then turning it back on.
While we have only reviewed a few of the common things a blinking light on your furnace may mean, each unit is different and speaks their own language.
Get to know your furnace and where the indicator light is, so you can keep an eye on it to ensure it is not trying to tell you something. If there is a light and it isn’t on at all, there is no power to the unit and that could mean a cold day and night for you and your family.
Professional Furnace Repair Services Near You!
If you have heating problems in Buffalo, NY, Reimer Home Services is here for you Day or Night. You don’t have to be an expert at Morse code and decoding, you can call us if your furnace light is trying to tell you something, and we can take care of the rest.
We’re Western New York’s heating repair specialists. We fix all types of heating systems, from all manufacturers and brands. No matter what the problem is, our heating repair team can fix it.
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