Where is the high limit switch on my furnace

The high limit switch is usually attached to a metal plate, which is bolted to the outside of the furnace plenum (the large metal box where air is heated.) You will have to remove the furnace cover to find it.

How do you reset a high limit switch on a furnace?

  1. Locate your furnace’s heating duct. …
  2. Locate the white limit switch. …
  3. Look at each arm to identify the settings. …
  4. Identify the component (setting) located in between the two arms. …
  5. Set the temperature on the middle component to approximately 105 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit.

Where is furnace reset button?

Locate the reset button on the furnace and press it to reset the furnace. It is usually located inside the blower compartment on the side of the blower motor. Be cautious as the housing may be hot. If the button is popped up, press it down.

Where is the open high limit switch?

The high limit switch consists of a long temperature-sensing probe attached to a metal mounting plate. From the mounting plate, the switch is wired to the blower fan motor and to the gas valve. The switch is generally located just past the heat exchanger. This is so that it can detect the temperature of the supply air.

How do I know if my limit switch is bad on my furnace?

The most common sign of a malfunctioning limit switch is the continuous operation of your furnace’s blower. Just as the limit switch won’t allow the fan to turn on until the warm air has reached the right temperature, the limit switch also shuts down when the air cools to a certain temperature.

Where is the furnace switch located?

Most building codes require a furnace switch or “disconnecting means” within sight of the furnace itself. It’s usually mounted on the side of the furnace or a wall nearby.

What causes high limit switch on furnace?

The high limit switch has a flame sensor rod that detects air temperatures in the plenum of the furnace. If it is dirty, it cannot properly detect temperatures, which is one reason why the furnace high limit switch trips.

How long does it take for furnace to reset?

Either way, restarting a furnace is a relatively simple task that takes no longer than 10 minutes to complete. Follow these steps to reset your gas furnace: Turn the circuit breaker off and switch the furnace power button off too.

Is a high limit switch normally open?

Limit switch information page. The limit switch is a normally closed switch in series with the sail switch and the thermostat. Being temperature actuated, it is designed to “snap open” when an over temperature condition occurs.

Why is my furnace running but not blowing air?

Your filter could be so saturated with dust and debris. … Every modern furnace is equipped with a safety shutoff that will be tripped if your furnace gets too hot, and a clogged air filter can cause your furnace to overheat, shut itself off and give you the illusion of a furnace not blowing air.

Article first time published on

Why is my furnace not heating up?

Dirty filters are the most common cause of furnace problems. Dust and dirt restrict airflow—and if the filter gets too clogged, the heat exchanger will overheat and shut off too quickly, and your house won’t warm up. If the blower is running but no heat is coming out, replace the filter.

How much does it cost to replace a limit switch on a furnace?

Average Cost of a New Furnace Limit Switch Depending on who your OEM is, this component could roughly cost you anywhere from $4 to $25.

Does furnace have on off switch?

Furnaces have another switch, simply known as the “furnace switch.” It’s a power switch that often looks like a regular light switch. It can be located either on the unit or—because electricians often work before the furnace is installed—on a wall nearby.

Should a furnace limit switch be open or closed?

The fan limit switch should be open when the furnace is off and full of cool air, so you should get an OL reading; if not, there’s a short, and the switch should be replaced. The high limit switch should be closed when the furnace is cold, so you should get a zero reading; if you get the opposite, replace the switch.

Why is my limit switch open?

Limit switch codes The limit switch shuts off the burner when the temperature exceeds a preset temperature. When the temperature reduces to normal, the burner will come back on. The most common reason for limits to open is a plugged filter or a dirty blower wheel.

What is an open high limit device on a furnace?

Also known as the fan limit switch or simply the limit switch, it has two functions in the furnace’s operation: It turns the fan on and off during the normal heating cycles of the furnace, and it senses heat and shuts down the furnace if the interior temperature gets too high.

What does open high limit device on a furnace mean?

The limit switch will open periodically to prevent over heating. A fault will appear when it’s open or if it doesn’t reset within a specified period of time during which the blower is expected to circulate enough air to cool the heat exchanger to below the set point.

Where is furnace pilot?

Near the bottom of your furnace is a switch that normally says “Pilot,” “On” and “Off.” Find this switch and turn it to the “Off” position. Wait at least five minutes. This is important because it gives the gas time to dissipate, which is necessary to avoid possibly starting a fire.

Why is my furnace reset button not working?

Obstructed airflow: Sometimes the reset button gets tripped because the furnace isn’t receiving enough airflow. … Dirty flame sensor rod: Every now and then, the flame sensor rod gets dirty and shuts the furnace off. Make sure you wipe it off regularly. Low fuel: Low fuel is also a common cause of burner failure.

How do you reset a furnace blower?

  1. Step 1: Turn off the power to the furnace. …
  2. Step 2: Remove the blower compartment cover. …
  3. Step 3: Make sure the blower is completely cooled off. …
  4. Step 4: Locate the reset button. …
  5. Step 5: Press the button in (assuming that this is your issue and that the button has popped).

Why is my furnace kicking on but not blowing heat?

Airflow Problems When you turn the furnace on but no heat comes out, there may be an obstruction. Dirty air filters restrict airflow, which can make it feel like not much heated air is coming out of your vents. Check the furnace filter and replace it if its surface is covered with contaminants.

Why is my furnace blowing cold air instead of heat?

Your furnace may be blowing cold air because the filter is too dirty. A dirty air filter blocks airflow over the furnace’s heat exchanger, causing it to overheat. When overheating, your furnace can trip a high limit switch, causing the furnace burners to shut off so that the heat exchanger does not crack.

Why is there no air coming from vents in my house?

The most common cause of low air flow through the vents in your home is blocked or dirty AC filters. … Be sure to keep the area around your AC filters clear of furniture and anything else that might block the flow of air, and be sure to clean or change your AC filters once a month.

How do you clean a high limit switch?

  1. Shut off power to the furnace and remove the access panel.
  2. Locate the high limit switch. …
  3. Remove the high limit switch from the plenum by unscrewing it and taking out the wire connectors. …
  4. Clean the limit switch sensor using fine-grit sandpaper or a scouring pad.

You Might Also Like