Heater Issues

How Will a Failing Thermocouple Affect Your Heater in Cross Lanes, WV?

February 11, 2021

Snowfall, high winds and below-freezing temperatures in Cross Lanes, WV, require your home furnace to be in prime condition. To keep everything working throughout the spine-tingling winter, keep a constant eye on the thermocouple. If you’re not sure how a thermocouple affects your heater, read on to learn more.

What’s a Thermocouple?

A thermocouple is a critical part of the heating system, enabling it to measure the temperature. One of the most important roles of the thermocouple is to detect the burner. If there’s a problem with the thermocouple, you won’t be able to detect if the burner is lit or it went out.

The thermocouple also acts as a safety guard. Without a properly working thermocouple, the gas valve may remain open without lighting a burner. Under these conditions, dangerous carbon monoxide can leak, creating a serious health hazard.

When Do You Need to Replace a Thermocouple?

As with other parts of a heating system, it’s important to replace the thermocouple before it gets too old. A trained HVAC service technician can advise you if the thermocouple needs replacement and if they can change it during routine maintenance whenever necessary.

Symptoms of a Failing Thermocouple

It’s a good idea to keep an eye on the thermocouple so you can replace it before it fails. During a routine maintenance call, the HVAC service technician will usually look for these issues that signal trouble:

  • Discoloration, rust and cracks on the unit and connected wires.
  • Corrosion, missing insulation and bare wires.
  • Faulty connectors that can cause problems with the test readings.

A thermocouple is a sensitive device that only an expert should handle. If you need help with a failing thermocouple or any other HVAC service, call our team at E.J. Thompson & Son LLC. Our family-owned company has served the Cross Lanes, WV, area faithfully since 1949.

Image provided by iStock

You May Also Like

4 Bad Habits That Damage Your Plumbing System

4 Bad Habits That Damage Your Plumbing System

Maintaining the best household routines all year can be difficult. Even though it may be easy to slip into poor plumbing routines, it's important to remember how your daily habits can have a lasting impact on your pipes. Here are a few plumbing practices you should...

3 Problems Caused by Old HVAC Thermostats in Hurricane, WV

3 Problems Caused by Old HVAC Thermostats in Hurricane, WV

The average thermostat in Hurricane, WV, may last as long as 10 to 15 years. Even though your system may continue to run, an older thermostat may present issues you have yet to notice. Consider three problems you’re likely to encounter with an aging HVAC thermostat:...

Do You Need a Professional Duct Repair?

Do You Need a Professional Duct Repair?

Your home's HVAC system operates around the clock to keep you and your loved ones comfortable. The ducts within your air conditioner or heater are vital to its energy-efficient operation, transferring conditioned air from the system to your living spaces....

Why Choose Us

Emergency Service

Trane Comfort Specialists

Family-Owned & Operated Since 1949

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Pin It on Pinterest

Compliance Settings
Increase Font Size
Grayscale
Simplified Font
Underline Links
Highlight Links
Reset
Close