How Do I Know If My Furnace Circuit Board Is Bad?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Common warnings signs that your control board is bad include

warning lights on your furnace's diagnostic system

(see step 1 below), temperature instability (significant fluctuations in temperature, especially when the is ok) and interruptions in the normal sequencing of your furnace.

How much does it cost to replace a circuit board in a furnace?

Replacing a furnace control board typically costs

$200 to $600 or

more depending on brand and age. It's the main circuitry responsible for operating the components. High efficiency models will cost close to $600 while simple, single-stage models may only run you $75 to $200, the price of a service call.

How do you reset a furnace control board?

  1. First, turn off the power supply to the furnace by turning off the breaker in the circuit box.
  2. Locate the reset button on the furnace and press it to reset the furnace. …
  3. If the button is popped up, press it down.
  4. Return the cover to the blower compartment and turn the power on.

What does a circuit board do in a furnace?

Furnaces use a circuit or control board to

perform any number of activities from simply igniting your furnace to alerting you to problems within your unit

. This “brain” within the furnace initiates and ends the heating operation, monitors the temperature and watches your furnace for signs of problems.

What causes furnace circuit board failure?

Debris and dust can cause the air filters to clog, resulting in the overheating of the blower motor.

Dirty or wrong fuse

. A wrong fuse that's too small for your furnace or one that hasn't been cleaned in a while can also cause the circuit board to break down.

Do all furnaces have a reset button?


All furnaces are equipped with a reset button

. They are generally red or yellow and are located inside the blower compartment. The reset button is a safety feature that will shut down the furnace when a problem is detected, often a hot or overheating furnace, before it trips the circuit breaker.

Where is the reset button?

The Reset button is usually located

on the back of your device

but can be found on the bottom in some cases.

How long should a furnace circuit board last?

If it is already 15 years old, getting a new circuit board may only add another five years or so to the life of the furnace. On the other hand, investing in a new furnace means you will have

between 15 and 20 years of

life.

How much does it cost to replace a circuit board?

The average furnace circuit board replacement cost is

$700

. Homeowners can spend $50 on a circuit board, $80 on a furnace inspection, $25 per hour on HVAC technicians, and $500 in total labor costs. Tuning can cost another $120 if the circuit board isn't working properly but doesn't need to be replaced yet.

Can you fix a burnt circuit board?

Apply the

circuit board epoxy

over the damaged area with a cotton swab, building up the surface so it is even with the top of the circuit board. Use the tip of a small spatula to level the epoxy material, creating an even surface. … Allow the epoxy to dry and cure according to directions.

Where is control board on furnace?

The circuit board is usually located in

the furnace's blower chamber near the bottom of the unit

. This is where the circulation blower fan motor is mounted.

How much does a circuit board cost?

A circuit board typically costs from

50 cents to $300 dollars to

produce, depending on your needs. The price to produce a circuit board has many different factors, and may depend on the number layers, complexity, quantity and components included on the board.

How do you change a furnace circuit board?

  1. Ensure that the power to the furnace is off.
  2. Mark all of the wires and write down which connections they go to on the board.
  3. Remove the wires.
  4. Remove the old board (The board may be held in place by screws or plastic clips. …
  5. Attach the new board with the screws or snap it in with the plastic clips.

How do you reset a furnace?

  1. First, turn off the power supply to the furnace by turning off the breaker in the circuit box.
  2. Locate the reset button on the furnace and press it to reset the furnace. …
  3. If the button is popped up, press it down.
  4. Return the cover to the blower compartment and turn the power on.

How do you restart a furnace?

  1. Change the Filter. Before you do anything, check the furnace filter. …
  2. Check the Pilot Light. If the pilot light is off, your furnace can't get the spark necessary to light the boilers. …
  3. Turn the Furnace Off and Back On Again. …
  4. Call a Certified HVAC Professional.

What do you do when your furnace doesn't turn on?

  1. Check Your Circuit Breakers. Even if you use a gas or propane furnace, some of the components run on. …
  2. Check Your Thermostat. …
  3. Check the Drain Pan. …
  4. Check Your Air Filter. …
  5. Check the Pilot Light. …
  6. Check Your Natural Gas or Oil Supply.
David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.