The Daily Insight
updates /

furnace high limit switch

How to Reset a Furnace Limit Switch
Locate your furnace’s heating duct. Locate the white limit switch. Look at each arm to identify the settings. Identify the component (setting) located in between the two arms. Set the temperature on the middle component to approximately 105 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit.

What causes a high limit switch to trip?

A high limit switch will keep tripping due to a dirty flame sensor, short cycling, obstructed airflow, or a defective switch. These lead to overheating within the gas furnace that triggers tripping as a safety measure to prevent fires. Clean and replace dirty and worn-out parts to fix the problem.

What does a high limit switch do on a furnace?

If the air inside your furnace gets too hot, the limit switch trips to prevent overheating. If the furnace high limit switch trips due to overheating, there is likely an airflow issue that is preventing proper air movement through the system.

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

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.

Can I reset a high limit switch?

High limit switch is one little known about sensor that will shut off the furnace when it overheats. This switch however, can send your furnace into a lockout mode. To resolve this problem, you’ll need to service the furnace thoroughly then try to reset the limit switch manually.

How do you manually reset a limit switch?

Find the ‘limit switch’

Once you’ve opened the control panel, search for a red or yellow elevated switch or button near the ignition control box. Now all that is left is to push and release the limit switch to reset your furnace manually.

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

You’ll need to get a limit switch from the same company that makes your furnace. This component could cost anywhere from $4 to $25, depending on your original equipment manufacturer.

What causes limit switch failure?

Airflow issues usually cause a high limit switch to trip out. With less airflow going through your furnace, the heat exchanger excessively heats up and causes the limit switch to trip. Airflow issues can be caused by many different things such as: Dirty air filter.

Why does my gas furnace keep tripping the reset button?

A furnace reset button is an important feature included with your HVAC system. Designed to quickly shut the unit off, the function is key to safely heating your home. If your furnace reset button keeps tripping, it’s likely that your furnace is overheating. This may indicate a need for furnace repair services.

How much does it cost to replace a high limit switch?

Average Cost of a New Furnace Limit Switch

You will need to buy a high limit switch that is produced by the same manufacturer as your furnace unit. Depending on who your OEM is, this component could roughly cost you anywhere from $4 to $25.

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 furnace blowing cold air?

If your furnace is blowing cold air in your home, this is a sign of an issue with the flame detector, gas supply, air filter, pilot light, or condensate lines. Many of these issues are able to be easily solved on your own by sanitizing or replacing components in the gas furnace.

How do I test a high limit switch?

With the furnace in full operation, connect a digital voltmeter across the two connections of the limit switch. The voltage drop should be less than or a maximum of 0.1 VDC. The switch should be immediately suspect if the voltage drop is 0.2 VDC or higher (Fig. 1 indicates a bad limit switch).

What does open high limit switch mean?

An open high limit error on a furnace means the heating system turns off the fuel to prevent overheating. Ultimately, it is a key safety component of your furnace.

How do I get my furnace fan to run continuously?

A summer switch is a small toggle switch attached to the furnace, which, when set to the ‘on’ position, will allow the furnace fan to run continuously. Another common place to find a summer switch setting is on your thermostat.

Where is the reset button on my furnace?

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.