
The last thing you want to face is a furnace error code when you come home from a great day at the Museum of Aviation. The experienced team at Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling near Macon, GA knows how to interpret these error codes across many popular brands to help you troubleshoot and repair the issue. Here’s how to understand the basics of furnace error codes, details about these codes by brand, and when you should call the professionals for help.
Understanding Furnace Error Code Basics
A furnace error code is usually either flashing light(s) or a series of letters and/or numbers displayed on the furnace’s control panel. These unique codes indicate a specific problem with the system and make it easier for homeowners to identify which component might need attention. Not all error codes constitute an emergency, but it’s still very important to pay attention to them if you see one.
Comprehensive Furnace Error Code Guide by Brand
Every furnace brand is different, and in some cases, even each furnace model may use different codes for different errors. Here is a more comprehensive furnace error code guide by brand so it’s easier for you to determine what these error codes might be telling you.
Carrier furnace error codes
Most Carrier furnace error codes appear as a series of flashing lights on the control board. To read the code, count the number of short and long flashes. Here are some of the most common error codes you may see on a Carrier brand furnace:
- Two-three: The pressure switch will not open
- Two-three: Secondary voltage fuse is open
- Three-one: The pressure, draft safeguard, or aux-limit switch did not close
- Three-three: The limit or flame roll-out switch is open
Bryant furnace error codes
Just like Carrier furnaces, Bryant furnace error codes use a series of flashing lights located on the control board. Each pattern of short and long flashes represents various issues, such as:
- Two short and one long flash: There is a gas heating lockout potentially due to a faulty gas valve or flame sensor.
- Three short and two long flashes: This error code could indicate a limit circuit fault or problem with the high-limit switch.
- Four short and one long flash: The blower motor is operating outside of its normal speed range.
- Two short and two long flashes: There is a low flame sensor signal, typically caused by a dirty flame sensor.
Trane furnace error codes
Trane furnace error codes use a series of flashing lights to indicate issues, but they typically just flash in set numbers rather than a combination of long and short flashes, such as:
- Two flashes: A faulty flame sensor, gas supply issue, or wiring problem is causing flame failure (for gas furnaces).
- Three flashes: There is a problem with the pressure switch, likely caused by a clogged condensate drain or blocked vent.
- Four flashes: The furnace is overheating due to a clogged filter, ductwork issues, or a blocked secondary heat exchanger.
- Five flashes: A flame is sensed with no flame present, which may indicate a leaky gas valve or malfunctioning flame sensor.
Lennox furnace error codes
Lennox also uses flashing lights to indicate various errors. However, the Lennox furnace error codes correspond with a series of letters and numbers that are typically found listed on a label added to the furnace’s main enclosure or door. Common codes include:
- E200: The furnace rollout limit switch is open.
- E201: The unit has lost communication with the blower motor.
- E223: The low-pressure switch is open.
- E241: For Lennox gas furnaces, this code means the flame sensor is out of sequence.
Rheem furnace error codes
Rheem furnaces use lights that blink a specific number of times to indicate error codes. Here are some commons Rheem furnace codes:
- One blink: The furnace is in soft lockout mode and will automatically retry after a short time.
- Two blinks: There is a pressure switch failure, which usually indicates that it’s open.
- Three blinks: The furnace’s limit switch is open.
- Four blinks: Pressure switch failure, meaning the switch is likely closed.
- Five blinks: Twinning circuit failure (this error code only applies to Rheem models with this feature).
Amana furnace error codes
Amana furnace error codes are typically displayed as a sequence of flashing lights on the control board. Here are some examples of common error codes for Amana furnaces:
- Constant flashing: This code indicates that there could be a wiring issue causing reversed polarity.
- One flash: A single flash indicates flame failure or lockout due to too many ignition attempts.
- Two flashes: This error code means the draft inducer is not operating or there is a pressure switch failure, AKA a closed pressure switch circuit.
- Three flashes: The furnace has an open pressure switch, a faulty pressure switch, or a blocked hose.
American Standard furnace error codes
If you own an American Standard furnace and see an error code, don’t turn the furnace off. Doing this will reset the unit and clear the error code. Here are some of the most common American Standard furnace error codes, which are indicated by a series of flashing LED lights.
- LED light off: If the LED light is completely off, the furnace has no power.
- LED flashing slowly: This means that your furnace is operating normally, however, if you’re still having problems, it may be due to issues with the thermostat.
- LED flashing quickly: If the lights are flashing quickly, the furnace should be running or cycling normally.
- LED light on but not flashing: This may indicate an issue with the control board, wiring, or transformer.
- One flashes: The furnace has gone into lockout mode due to too many retries.
- Two flashes: There is a pressure switch error.
- Four flashes: The furnace’s limit switch is open.
- Five flashes: A flame is sensed when the gas valve is off, indicating a possible faulty gas valve or control board.
- Six flashes: A potential transformer, control board, or wiring issue has caused incorrect line voltage polarity.
- Seven flashes: Problem with the gas valve circuit due to a possible faulty gas valve or control board.
- Eight flashes: A faulty flame sensor, igniter, or gas valve has caused a low flame error.
- Nine flashes: There is an igniter problem due to a faulty igniter or gas valve.
When to Call a Professional
Most furnace error codes are quite accurate, so it’s important to know how to decipher them in case you need to call a professional. You can manually reset your furnace after you see an error code, but if the problem continues to exist or the error code still flashes, it’s time to consider calling the pros. Here are other times you should call the experts at Ricky Heath to help with your Macon, GA area furnace:
- You followed the directions in your furnace manual but the problem persists.
- Error codes that were reset reappear.
- You replaced the air filter and checked the thermostat, but the error code is still there.
- There are safety concerns such as a potential gas leak or overheating.
- You can’t find the error code in your owner’s manual.
Get In Touch With Ricky Heath Today!
Don’t let a furnace error code ruin your day. The experts at Ricky Heath know how to decipher these codes, troubleshoot your furnace, and make the necessary repairs to keep you comfortable all winter. If you see a furnace error code or need furnace repairs, maintenance, or a new furnace installation for your Macon, GA area home, contact us today!