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Troubleshooting Trane Furnace Vent Pressure Switch Error
In an ideal world, every part of your furnace would operate perfectly all of the time. But with so many moving parts and sensors monitoring various functions, inevitably, things will occasionally go wrong. That’s why it’s important to know how to troubleshoot any issues you might encounter with your Trane furnace vent pressure switch error. Even though modern heating systems are packed with sensors and other self-diagnostic features, there are still several common repairs for nearly every type of system. Knowing how to troubleshoot your heat system can save you from having to call a repairman on a Saturday or spending needless money on an unnecessary service call. In this blog, we’ll discuss possible reasons why your Trane furnace vent pressure switch error might occur, what you can do about it, and how you can avoid it in the future.
Check the sensor.
If your furnace vent pressure switch error is due to a broken or bent sensor within the pressure switch, then the error is harmless and does not require any action on your part. A bent or broken sensor may indicate that a pet or child has been playing near your furnace, or it could indicate an unsafe condition in the area where the sensor is located. Consult with a technician to determine the cause of the broken sensor. If the sensor is not broken, then the error may be caused by a dirty sensor, a sensor that isn’t secured properly, or a sensor that is out of calibration. In each of these cases, the sensor needs to be cleaned or replaced.
Reset the pressure switch.
If you believe that a dirty or misaligned sensor is causing your Trane furnace vent pressure switch error, then you may be able to reset the pressure switch by simply resetting the pressure switch. Trane pressure switches are designed with a reset button that can be used to override an error condition. If you reset the pressure switch with the button, you’ll need to clean or replace the sensor. Resetting the pressure switch won’t permanently fix the problem, but it will temporarily solve the Trane furnace vent pressure switch error.
The pressure may be too high.
A common reason why the Trane furnace vent pressure switch error occurs is if the pressure reading inside the pressure switch is too high. While there are acceptable pressure levels, too much pressure can cause damage to the switch and force it to shut down. These high-pressure readings may indicate a clogged vent, a clogged filter, or a vent that isn’t properly vented. If your vents are clogged, your Trane furnace will work harder to push air through the system, which will cause the pressure to rise inside the system. If your vents aren’t properly vented, then the pressure will rise. If your vents are clogged, or if your filters are dirty, the additional pressure will cause the pressure switch to shut down.
There’s an issue with your vents.
If your Trane furnace vent pressure switch error is due to a blockage in the vent system, then you’ll need to unclog the vents. Your Trane furnace has two vents: One is in your outdoor unit, and the other is in your indoor unit. Your outdoor unit’s vent is usually located on the back of the furnace. Your indoor unit’s vent can be found in the wall behind the furnace. If your vents are blocked with leaves or other debris, then you can use a vacuum to remove the obstruction. If your vents are blocked with rodent feces or nesting materials like leaves and twigs, then you’ll need to hire a professional to remove the blockage. Whereas a vacuum cleaner can remove an obstruction caused by leaves and debris, a professional will need special equipment to remove a blockage caused by rodent waste.
Your filter may be clogged.
Trane furnaces are equipped with a removable filter that’s designed to catch large dust and debris before it reaches the internal components of your furnace. If your filter is clogged with dust and other debris, the pressure inside your furnace will increase to dangerous levels. To check your filter, remove the filter cover from the front of your furnace, and then remove the filter. If the filter is dirty, clean it with a vacuum, and then reinstall it in the filter bracket. If the filter is clogged with dust, you can wash it with soap and water. If the filter is damaged beyond cleaning, you can replace it with a new filter.
Your vent pipe has a blockage.
If your Trane furnace vent pressure switch error is due to a blockage in the vent pipe, then you’ll need to use an air pressure cleaner to remove the obstruction. Most vent pipes are made from PVC or metal, so an air pressure cleaner can remove any debris from the pipe. To determine which type of cleaner you should use, you’ll need to know the material of your vent pipe. Once you’ve cleaned the vent pipe, you can re-engage the pressure switch to start the furnace again.
Conclusion
Making sure that your furnace is operating at peak performance will help you to save money and extend the life of the system. That’s why it’s important to be familiar with the common issues that can cause your Trane furnace vent pressure switch error and how to solve them.
