Ever thought about bypassing the pressure switch on your Lubbock, Texas furnace? Probably not, but it is a question Armstrong Plumbing, Air & Electric often receives when people are having trouble with their furnace. Let’s take a closer look at why fooling around with a pressure switch is not a wise thing to do for most homeowners.
THE ROLE OF A PRESSURE SWITCH
The pressure switch plays a vital safety role. It’s normally located near the furnace motor and is designed to sense negative air pressure which causes dangerous back drafting, a leading cause of carbon monoxide poisoning. This system is also designed to protect against gas leaks. In either situation, the system will shut the furnace down.
BYPASSING THE PRESSURE SWITCH IS NOT A REPAIR
On some occasions this system can be faulty or fail entirely, meaning the furnace won’t work. The problem is that homeowners often want to try and diagnose this on their own or bypass the switch in an attempt to restart the furnace. The first thing they need to realize is that bypassing this system is not meant to repair a furnace. It is simply an attempt to troubleshoot the furnace by isolating what might be causing the problem. Additionally, any attempt to bypass the pressure switch should only be done by a qualified HVAC technician.
TESTING A PRESSURE SWITCH
Testing a pressure switch is not something most homeowners are qualified to do. It takes an electric multi-tester and the knowledge to use it correctly to measure resistance and voltage. On the plus side, replacing this system is not a huge job for an HVAC technician. It also costs much less than many furnace repairs.
SCHEDULE FURNACE MAINTENANCE
This is also another opportunity to emphasize the importance of furnace maintenance. A technician will test the switch during a visit to your home. It’s just one more way Armstrong Plumbing, Air & Electric can protect your Lubbock, Texas home against a furnace breakdown. Call now to make an appointment for your seasonal furnace maintenance.
