Considering how reliant upon our home heating systems we are during the winter season, most homeowners actually have very little understanding of how their heaters actually work. While you really don’t need to know much more than how to set your thermostat in order to use your heater in the most basic manner, we do believe that it is beneficial for homeowners to have a foundational understanding of just how it is that their heaters operate. You should never attempt to service your system on your own, of course, but this rudimentary understanding of your heater in Everett, WA can help to eliminate some basic confusion. Read on to learn about a component called the limit switch, and remember to leave your heating services to the experts at G & S Heating Cooling & Electric.
What Is a Limit Switch?
A limit switch is a device in a forced air heating system that senses the temperature therein. Many homeowners worry because they hear the burner of their system kick on, but it takes a few minutes for the blower to follow suit. In fact, though, this is not a problem at all: it is simply a sign that the limit switch is functioning properly. You see, were both your burner and your blower to come on at the same time, you’d wind up blowing cold air into your home. That air may get progressively warmer as the chamber heats up, but doesn’t it make more sense to wait until the desired temperature is reached before distributing heated air throughout your home?
This is what the limit switch allows for. It registers the temperature level, and activates the blower once the predetermined temperature is reached. Additionally, the limit switch will turn the blower off when the lower temperature limit is hit. This switch even acts as a safety device, shutting down the burner if the temperature exceeds a safe operational level. Contact us with any questions that you may have.
