bryant furnace troubleshooting

Keeping your home cozy during the chilly months largely depends on the reliable operation of your Bryant furnace. Knowing the right steps to identify and fix common issues not only ensures continuous comfort during the heating season but can also extend the lifespan of your heating unit.

In this article, we’re looking at a detailed guide on how to handle and troubleshoot typical problems encountered by owners of Bryant furnaces.

How to troubleshoot your Bryant furnace?

Bryant Furnace and Air ConditionerSymptoms: The furnace does not activate, the heating is unusual, or the furnace cycles on and off too frequently.

Solutions:

  1. Power Check: Make sure the thermostat has power. If it runs on batteries, install new ones if needed.

  2. Settings Adjustment: Confirm the thermostat is set to "heat" instead of "cool." Raise the set temperature by 5 degrees above room temperature to trigger the furnace.

  3. Wire Inspection: Check for any loose or corroded wires that could disrupt communication between the thermostat and furnace. Tighten connections or replace damaged wires as necessary.

  4. Calibration Check: An uncalibrated thermostat may not accurately read the room temperature. Consider recalibrating or getting the thermostat replaced by a service tech if the issue persists.

Symptoms: The furnace starts but there's weak airflow, uneven heating, or the furnace is overheating.

Solutions:

  1. Filter Replacement: Inspect and replace the air filter if it's full of dirt. You can choose to vacuum around it consistently to avoid this from happening. A congested filter limits airflow, forcing the furnace to work harder and potentially overheat.

  2. Vents and Grilles Check: Make sure all air supply and return vents are open and free from blockages. Move furniture or drapes that might be covering vents.

  3. Ductwork Evaluation: Damaged or blocked ductwork can significantly hinder airflow. Check ducts for any signs of damage or blockage and repair as necessary.

Symptoms: The furnace won’t power on, stops operating shortly after starting, or doesn’t respond to thermostat changes.

Solutions:

  1. Circuit Breaker Review: Look at your home’s electrical panel for any tripped breakers or blown fuses. Reset or replace as needed and try to start the furnace again.

  2. SSU Switch Verification: Ensure the safety switch on the furnace, known as the SSU switch, is in the "ON" position. If not, turn it on and attempt to operate the furnace.

  3. Connection and Wiring Audit: Check all electrical connections within the furnace for signs of wear or looseness. Secure all connections and replace damaged wires.

Symptoms: The furnace cycles excessively or fails to complete a full cycle.

Solutions:

  1. Flame Sensor Maintenance: A dirty or malfunctioning flame sensor can cause the furnace to shut off prematurely. Clean the sensor with fine steel wool or replace it if it appears to be faulty.

  2. Gas Valve Inspection: Confirm that the gas valve is open and gas is flowing to the furnace. Replace the valve if it is malfunctioning.

  3. Check the Pressure Switches: A malfunctioning pressure switch can stop the furnace from operating. Ensure there are no blockages in the tubing, the inducer motor is functional, and the switch itself is in good working order.

Symptoms: The furnace fails to ignite, resulting in no heat production or cold air circulating in your home.

Solutions:

  1. Igniter Inspection: Look for any signs of cracks or damage in the igniter. If found defective, replace it.

  2. Electrical Supply Check: Ensure the furnace is receiving power and all connections to the ignition system are secure.

  3. Gas Supply Confirmation: Check that gas is flowing to the furnace. Issues with pilot lights or electronic ignition can prevent heating.

Symptoms: Rattling, banging, or whistling sounds from the gas furnace.

Solutions:

  1. Secure Loose Components: Rattling often comes from loose screws or panels. Secure all accessible components.

  2. Blower Motor Lubrication: If the induction motor is noisy, it might need lubrication. Use the manufacturer-recommended oil for its moving components.

  3. Ductwork Inspection: Banging noises may be caused by ducts expanding and contracting. Check for loose duct segments and secure them.

Additional Note
  • To make sure your system and warranty is well taken care of, it’s best to turn to a professional for your Bryant furnace issues.

What do Bryant Furnace Error Codes mean?

Error Code 11 (No Previous Code)

Meaning: Indicates that there is no previous code and that the system experienced a power interruption or reset.

Resolution: Ensure that the power supply, including circuit breakers and switches, is stable and reset the system if needed.

Error Code 12 (Blower on After Power Up)

Meaning: Signifies that the blower is operational following a system power-up, which isn’t indicative of a fault but a recent power reset.

Resolution: Generally, no action is required unless the blower remains operational excessively without producing heat.

Error Code 13 (Limit Circuit Checkout)

Meaning: This code appears when the airflow through the furnace is limited or the limit switch malfunctions.

Resolution: Examine the air filter, air vents, and ductwork for any obstructions. Consider replacing the limit switch if the issue persists.

Error Code 14 (Ignition Lockout)

Meaning: This occurs when multiple unsuccessful attempts are made to ignite the burner.

Resolution: Inspect the igniter, flame sensor, and gas supply to ensure all components are functioning correctly and that gas is being delivered.

Error Code 21 (Gas Heating Lockout)

Meaning: Indicates that the control will shut off gas to the furnace due to a heating lockout.

Resolution: Confirm that all gas valves are open and the flame sensor is operating correctly. If the issue continues, professional help may be needed.

Error Code 22 (Abnormal Flame-Proving Signal)

Meaning: There is an abnormal flame-proving signal, suggesting the flame has been detected unexpectedly when the gas valve is off.

Resolution: Investigate for a possible leaky gas valve or defective flame sensor.

Error Code 23 (Pressure Switch Did Not Open)

Meaning: This code means the pressure switch failed to open as expected.

Resolution: Check the pressure switch and associated tubing for blockages or defects, ensuring proper venting and inducer motor functionality.

Error Code 24 (Secondary Voltage Fuse is Open)

Meaning: Indicates that the secondary voltage fuse within the furnace is open, suggesting an electrical issue.

Resolution: Examine the furnace’s wiring and replace the fuse. Look for potential short circuits.

Error Code 31 (High-Heat Pressure Switch or Rollout Switch Open)

Meaning: Shows that the high-pressure switch is open while the inducer is operational, indicating a venting or pressure switch circuit issue.

Resolution: Verify the proper functioning of the pressure switch, venting, and inducer motor. Clear any obstructions in the vent pipes.

Error Code 32 (Low-Heat Pressure Switch Did Not Close or Reopened)

Meaning: Similar to Code 31, but for the low-heat cycle, indicating issues with the switch itself or the pressure it monitors.

Resolution: Troubleshoot the low-heat pressure switch for proper operation and remove any blockages that may be affecting the pressure.

Error Code 33 (Limit Circuit Fault)

Meaning: A fault in the limit circuit or an open flame roll-out switch, pointing to a potentially hazardous condition.

Resolution: Inspect the heat exchanger for cracks, examine the flame roll-out switch, and ensure no air flow restrictions.

Error Code 34 (Ignition Proving Fault)

Meaning: Indicates a failure in ignition proving, where the furnace fails to detect a flame after opening the gas valve.

Resolution: Verify the igniter, gas flow, flame sensor, and their connections are in good working order.

Error Code 42 (Inducer Motor Fault)

Meaning: It is generally a sign of an issue with the inducer motor.

Resolution: Check the inducer motor for proper operation or signs of damage and replace it if necessary.

Error Code 43 (Low Heat Pressure Switch Open)

Meaning: Indicates the low-pressure switch is open while the inducer is active.

Resolution: Check the inducer motor’s operation, clear any blockages, and ensure the pressure switch is functioning correctly.

Error Code 44 (Blower Calibration Lockout)

Meaning: A calibration fault in the motor, indicating issues with blower motor calibration.

Resolution: Ensure the motor is operating correctly and recalibrate if needed.

Error Code 45 (Control Circuitry Lockout)

Meaning: Suggests a lockout due to control circuitry issues, possibly due to internal control failure.

Resolution: Power-cycle the furnace. If the issue remains, inspect the control board for any signs of damage.

Note icon | Comfort Union

Furnace Troubleshooting Guides

Our comprehensive troubleshooting guide offers step-by-step solutions to common issues. From heating failures to airflow problems, we've got you covered."

Contacting a Professional to troubleshoot your Bryant Furnace

Don’t want to deal with the intricate steps of troubleshooting your Bryant furnace? Comfort Union is the right solution for you! Whether you want a quick inspection or you want repairs/replacement for your furnace, we’re the perfect service providers in your area.

Browse our website to learn all about our HVAC contractor services including installations, replacements, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

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