What Happens When a Furnace Transformer Goes Bad in Lubbock, TX?
Are you looking to install or service your HVAC system? Call (806) 549-5973 to let us at On the Double Heating & Cooling serve you with excellence.
Your furnace, like most comfort appliances in your home, relies on various components to do a solid job of keeping you and your family comfortable. While you should always entrust the complex stuff to an expert, it helps to understand how some of these components work.
That said, it’s important to know a furnace transformer’s role and how it affects your unit’s overall functionality. What happens when a furnace transformer goes bad?
As the go-to HVAC service in Lubbock, Texas, the On the Double Heating & Cooling crew explores the effects of a faulty furnace transformer.
What Is a Furnace Transformer?
A furnace transformer, the part of your electric furnace responsible for increasing or decreasing the voltage of an alternating current, regulates incoming voltage to meet the furnace’s requirements. It transfers electrical energy from one circuit to another using electromagnetic induction.
As such, the transformer can scale down or step up electricity usage depending on the amount of power your furnace needs. This allows your furnace and fan to work seamlessly during the on-and-off cycles.
What Causes a Furnace Transformer to Go Bad
Your furnace transformer might fail for various reasons. Common culprits include:
- A faulty contactor: A bad contactor often results in a blown transformer. This is because a malfunctioning contactor can overburden the entire system, causing the transformer to blow.
- Power surges: A power surge may also result in your furnace transformer blowing out, resulting in system-wide issues.
- Wiring issues: If your transformer has loose wires or cables, they may cause a short circuit that may burn out the transformer.
What Happens When a Furnace Transformer Breaks Down
Are you still wondering what happens when a furnace transformer goes bad? It receives insufficient or no power at all. Start by powering off the unit and then turning it back on to check whether it’s receiving power.
Nonetheless, a malfunctioning furnace will need a quick repair or replacement, especially during those frigid winter days when you need it the most. Alternatively, if you know how to check your furnace’s voltage points, you can give it a go.
Weak or non-existent voltage could mean one or more issues that need an expert’s attention. Hire an expert to eliminate the need for guesswork.
Symptoms of a Defective Transformer
A faulty furnace transformer will often display the following symptoms of failure:
Buzzing and Vibrating Sounds
During normal operation, your transformer’s iron core or laminations produce a humming sound as they expand and contract. However, loud humming or buzzing coupled with vibrations point to a faulty furnace transformer.
It helps to note that a faulty furnace capacitor can also cause humming. As such, you want to hire a seasoned furnace expert to inspect your unit, get to the root cause of the problem, and recommend a suitable solution.
A Tripped Circuit Breaker
A faulty furnace transformer will usually trip the circuit breaker to prevent a voltage surge. A voltage surge can cause irreparable system damage, including frying various furnace components.
If your furnace keeps blowing fuses or the breaker trips often, the problem might trace back to your furnace transformer.
Furnace Malfunction
A bad transformer may prevent the unit from working altogether. The furnace does this to protect itself from severe electrical damage that may cause house fires.
Unless you have technical furnace knowledge, narrowing down your furnace malfunction to a faulty transformer with certainty may prove challenging. If you experience issues with your furnace, contact a dependable HVAC contractor to inspect it thoroughly.
Call On the Double Heating & Cooling for HVAC Service in Lubbock, Texas
Trust On the Double Heating & Cooling for top-tier HVAC solutions, from heating installation and regular maintenance to AC unit repairs and replacements. We value each client and strive to maintain the highest standard of excellence.
Now that you know what happens when a furnace transformer goes bad, you want to hire only the most competent professionals for your HVAC needs. We have what it takes to deliver superior service.
Need an expert’s opinion on what to do with your troublesome furnace? Reach out for tips on when to repair or replace a furnace. We offer no-interest and low-interest financing options.
Call On the Double Heating & Cooling at (806) 549-5973 to schedule HVAC service in Lubbock, Texas, or nearby. Count on us for a memorable and remarkable experience.
