At Genuine Comfort, we get a lot of calls from people who are concerned about blinking lights on their furnaces. This isn’t surprising — every furnace model is different, and blinking lights can mean a number of things, both good and bad. Unless you’re an HVAC expert, it can be difficult to determine what exactly is going on. Just don’t panic — blinking lights don’t necessarily mean something’s wrong.
While we’re always happy to help customers with questions about their HVAC system, you can save yourself some time and stress by doing a bit of investigating on your own. In this blog post, we’ll give you the tools you need to determine what your furnace is trying to tell you.
Why Do Furnaces Have Blinking Lights?
If you’ve never paid attention to the little lights on your furnace before, we don’t blame you. They’re small and unobtrusive, making them easy to miss. However, if you suddenly notice blinking lights shining from your furnace — whether it’s experiencing issues or not — it can be troubling.
Because furnaces can’t talk to us, many of them communicate using tiny LED indicator lights on the control board. These lights serve as diagnostic tools for HVAC technicians, helping them understand the furnace’s status. Some blinking lights indicate normal operation, while others signal a problem. But how do you know which it is?
Checking the Furnace Blinking Light Code
The number and pattern of blinks correspond to specific issues. To decipher what the lights are trying to tell you, you need a furnace-to-English dictionary.
Luckily, most furnaces have a convenient code chart on the inside of the access panel. Go ahead and open the access panel to locate the chart. If there isn’t a chart on the furnace itself, check the owner’s manual. If you’ve misplaced the manual, check the manufacturer’s website; many companies archive owner’s manuals online.
Once you determine the pattern, you can use this chart to get a general idea of what’s wrong — if anything — before calling an HVAC technician.
Common Furnace Blinking Light Codes and Their Meanings
Depending on the make and model of your furnace, the blinking light codes could indicate:
- Normal operation: Some furnaces blink steadily when everything is working as it should. If this is the case, there’s no need to call in the professionals.
- No heat or system failure: If the light is blinking and there’s no heat coming from the furnace, it’s a good indication that there’s a system failure.
- Ignition failure: A specific blink pattern may indicate the furnace is struggling to ignite.
- Flame sensor issues: Certain codes signal a dirty or faulty flame sensor.
- Pressure switch problems: Blinking patterns can indicate a blocked vent or pressure switch failure.
- Other electrical or mechanical failures: More complex issues like a failing control board or motor problems can also be detected by deciphering the blink pattern.
When to Call a Professional
If an obvious problem accompanies the blinking lights — the furnace is not producing heat, is turning on and off erratically, or won’t turn on at all — it’s time to call an HVAC technician. They can get to the bottom of the issue and provide targeted solutions. Prompt professional diagnosis ensures proper repairs, keeping your furnace in optimal condition for years to come.
Even if the blinking light indicates a minor complication, it’s still important to seek professional help. Left unaddressed, these small issues can escalate into major malfunctions. Not only are these big problems inconvenient and stressful, but they can cost significantly more money to repair. It’s best to take care of these situations before they have the chance to cause bigger, costlier malfunctions down the line.
Preventive Maintenance to Avoid Furnace Issues
Preventive maintenance is key to avoiding furnace issues. Seek regular furnace tune-ups each year before winter descends to help prevent unexpected breakdowns. Clean or replace filters as recommended by the manufacturer to improve efficiency and prevent airflow issues. Check vents and ensure proper furnace ventilation to reduce the risk of system failures.
Expert Furnace Maintenance by Genuine Comfort
It’s important to pay attention to signs your furnace may need professional attention. If you encounter baffling blinking lights or major malfunctions, call the experts at Genuine Comfort. Our talented technicians are here to help you with whatever you need, whether it’s a simple tune-up or a full system replacement. Contact us today to get a quote.
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