The Furnace heating element plays a key role in maintaining the warm atmosphere in our homes during the winter season. A malfunctioning furnace can directly lead to cold, uncomfortable living and increase energy bills. Their performance decreases, as it impacts on generating heat. The common reason behind furnace issues is the furnace heating element. Understanding how to troubleshoot, replace, and maintain this important part can save you time, money, and frustration. In this article, we will guide you, in understanding the furnace heating element problems, and replacement, And also tips to maintain your furnace to keep your system running smoothly throughout the year to avoid frequent breakdowns.
The furnace heating coil converts electrical energy into heat energy for warm air distribution throughout the room. The electric furnace heating element uses nichrome as its main source because it displays high resistance and exceptional heat tolerance. HVAC heating element depends on these essential components to generate heat and maintain room temperature.
The heating element maintains its functionality for many years, later it will eventually become worn out like other home appliances. When the heating element fails, The furnace stops proper heating and complete operation. Your furnace requires attention when it fails to distribute hot air or heat inadequately because you should check the HVAC heating element for repair or replacement.
At PartsHnC, we provide a wide selection of top-quality furnace parts from gas valve, draft blower, thermocouple, ignitors to heating elements from trusted brands like Carrier, Armstrong, Goodman, and Lennox. Whether you're replacing a faulty heating element or upgrading your system, we offer reliable options
Signs Your Furnace Heating Element Needs Replacement
The heating element for furnace damage can be identified through visible signs before it completely breaks down. But how do you know if heating element is bad? The furnace displays two main warning signs: improper heating performance and inadequate hot air distribution. With proper detection of these signs, you will prevent further complications from developing.
Furnace Not Blowing Hot Air: When your furnace heating element requires replacement you will immediately notice the unit stops producing hot air. The furnace operates while the air through the vents remains either cool or lukewarm.
Furnace Not Heating Properly: The heating element requires inspection when your furnace operates yet your home temperature fails to reach set levels. The heating system operates in an irregular pattern or produces air temperature fluctuations.
No Power to the Furnace: Sometimes, when the heating element fails, it may cause an electrical issue. This could result in the furnace not turning on at all, which is a clear indication that a replacement is needed.
Burning Smell or Overheating: A heating element failure can result in excessive heat production that may trigger the emission of an abnormal burning odor. The element requires immediate replacement when you detect this sign because it indicates deterioration.
Blown Fuse or Circuit Breaker: A furnace heating element may cause a fuse to blow or trigger a circuit breaker. The element draws excessive current which triggers the fuse to blow or the circuit breaker to trip because of operational problems.
Tools & Safety Precautions Before Furnace Heating Element Replacement
The heating element requires attention when your furnace fails to heat or fails to produce hot air. It is important to detect such symptoms early because they lead to savings in repair costs and maintenance time. This guide provides instructions effectively for furnace heating element troubleshooting and replacing furnace heating elements.
Safety Precautions:
Turn off Power: The first step is to disable power to your furnace by using the circuit breaker. The power should be turned off at the circuit breaker to prevent accidental shocks when working on the unit.
Wear Protective Gear: Wear gloves and safety glasses to defend eyes and hands from contacting dangerous edges and keep away from electrical hazards and flying debris.
Ventilate the Area: Proper ventilation must exist in small furnace rooms to stop inhaling furnace fumes.
Steps to Replace a Furnace Heating Element
A proper replacement of furnace heating elements demands a systematic process that guarantees correct installation and operational safety. Begin by shutting off power while accessing the element through the furnace panels. Start by disconnecting the power and accessing the element through furnace panels before you remove the old part and install the new one for a functional test of the furnace.
Step 1: Turn off the Power Supply:
Safety first requires you to disconnect power from the furnace at the main electrical panel before starting work. The system remains safe from electrical shock during maintenance because power has been disconnected at the main electrical panel. Verify that the furnace has a complete power outage before starting work.
Step 2: Access the Heating Element:
To access the heating element you need to remove all protective panels and covers that shield the furnace. The panels securing the furnace need screwdrivers or wrenches to remove them properly. You can reach the heating element during this step for both examination and replacement purposes.
Step 3: Disconnect the Old Heating Element:
You need to disconnect the heating coil from its electrical terminals at the furnace location. The wires need to be detached from electrical terminals by loosening screws or bolts while taking care to protect all components from damage. The connections must be fully detached before you can remove the old element.
Step 4: Remove the Heating Element:
Extract the previous heating element from its chamber with extreme caution. Note down the size and model of the heating element before buying a suitable replacement part. You should gently move the stuck heating element but never apply strong force because it could harm your furnace.
Step 5: Install the New Heating Element:
Insert the new furnace electric heating element into its housing while making sure it aligns correctly with electrical connections. Fasten the new furnace electric heating element securely by tightening screws or bolts to achieve stability and safety.
Step 6: Reconnect the Wiring:
Connect the wires to the new heating element terminals by following the original wiring pattern of the old element. The element needs proper wiring to function safely and effectively so verify all connections.
Step 7: Test the Furnace:
Turn on the power to the furnace after installing the new heating element then verify its operation. Check that the heating element generates hot air while verifying the system functions properly by inspecting the vent airflow.
Step 8: Close the Furnace:
After the furnace operates correctly you should reinstall all panels and covers which were taken off during maintenance. The furnace remains protected from the elements through proper sealing to continue its operational state.
Furnace Heating Element Replacement Cost
The expense to replace a furnace heating element depends on the furnace type and model along with any professional labor costs, The furnace heating element replacement cost between $200 and $800. The total expense includes both the heating element price range from $100 to $400 and any technician fees for the replacement.
Checking the heating element represents a crucial diagnostic step to determine if it triggers furnace problems. A multimeter should be used to verify continuity because it helps electricity pass through the element. The heating element requires replacement when it shows no signs of continuity.
Turn off the Power: The first step is to shut off the furnace power at the electrical panel for safety purposes. Working on the system becomes safe because the power remains off at the electrical panel.
Use a Multimeter: Use your multimeter to set ohms to check for continuity between the terminals. Insert the probes onto the terminals of the heating element. The multimeter displays continuity when the heating element remains operational. A broken element requires replacement when the multimeter detects no continuity.
Visual Inspection: When you see a heating element coil that is burnt or broken you can easily identify a faulty heating element. The furnace requires a new element for proper operation when visible damage is present.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Furnace Heating Element Replacement
The process of replacing a heating element appears simple at first but several typical errors can make it more challenging. The process of replacing a heating element becomes complicated when users fail to disconnect power or use improper wiring or select the wrong replacement component.
Not Turning off Power: Working on your furnace without turning off the power supply creates a dangerous situation. You should disable power at the circuit breaker to avoid electrical shock. The safety of your work environment depends on this basic power cutoff procedure when dealing with electrical components.
Incorrect Wiring: Proper connection of wiring to the right terminals remains essential when replacing the heating element. The furnace will either fail to function correctly or experience malfunctions when wiring is incorrect. Verify that all connections are properly made to maintain system operational efficiency.
Using the Wrong Replacement Part: The correct replacement heating element is a basic requirement to maintain proper furnace operation. Using the wrong heating element or one that is incompatible with your furnace system will lead to reduced heating efficiency and potential damage to your furnace. Check both the model number and specifications before purchasing any replacement component.
Skipping Safety Precautions: Protective gear including gloves and safety glasses must always be worn during furnace maintenance tasks. The lack of protective equipment when working with electrical components will result in injuries or electrical burns. Safety measures reduce the probability of accidents that may occur while performing the replacement work.
Learning how your furnace heating element functions along with fixing and swapping it out enables homeowners to preserve warmth at home and reduce expensive maintenance costs. Your ability to test and heating element replacement of your furnace will help you avoid both system downtime and expensive repair costs when your furnace shows signs of failure. The combination of correct procedures and safety measures with appropriate tools enables you to maintain furnace operation while keeping your home heated during all seasons. Let professionals handle your HVAC issues whenever you lack confidence about a problem since they are experts in their field.
FAQs
Why is my furnace turning on but not heating?
If your furnace is turning on but not heating, the most likely culprits are a clogged air filter, a faulty thermostat setting, issues with the pilot light or ignition system, problems with the gas supply, blocked vents or ductwork, or a malfunctioning flame sensor;
What is the life expectancy of a furnace heating element?
A furnace heating element typically has a life expectancy of between 15 to 20 years when properly maintained, with electric furnaces generally lasting longer than gas furnaces due to their design and operating principles;
Why is my furnace not kicking on for heat?
a faulty thermostat (incorrect settings or malfunctioning), a clogged air filter restricting airflow, a tripped circuit breaker cutting power to the furnace, issues with the gas supply, a broken flame sensor preventing ignition, or blocked vents/ductwork hindering heat distribution.
Why is my furnace running but the house is cold?
If your furnace is running but your house is still cold, the most likely issues are a clogged air filter, leaky ductwork, a malfunctioning thermostat, blocked vents, or an undersized furnace that can't keep up with your home's heating needs.
