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We know how crucial and essential a heat sequencer is. This is very important, especially for a furnace. This controls the heat as long as the furnace runs. But it becomes problematic when the sequencer stops working.
So, how do you bypass the heat sequencer?
To bypass the heat sequencer, you can follow 3 different methods. First, you can set the tester to Ohm resistance and troubleshoot it. If not, you can also troubleshoot it by applying a low voltage. Finally, if you are comfortable with none of these, take professional help.
No, this is just a brief of the solutions. By reading along, you’d get to the detailed part we got here.
How Do I Bypass The Heat Sequencer?
Bypassing a heat sequencer might not be the cup of tea of everyone. You must be well aware of the consequences before you go through this.
Below are the three methods of bypassing a furnace heat sequencer-
Method 1: Set The Tester to Ohm Resistance
At first, we need to set the tester to Ohm resistance. See if there is any continuity across any of the terminals.
Now, if you see no beep or continuity, then the sequencer is fine. However, any different than this would indicate the fault of the sequencer.
So, if you notice any beep, you need to replace the sequencer.
Method 2: Apply Low Voltage
You would find a coil around the heat sequencer. So, you need to apply a low voltage to the coil. Make sure the low voltage supplied matches the requirement of the sequencer.
Like, you can see a rate of voltage mentioned on the heat sequencer. So, keep the voltage the same as that.
Now, allow for like 3 minutes to test the continuity of it. After that, you need to look at the 4 contracts around your sequencer.
If you do not understand these parts, they are aluminum and greyish in color. So, see if there is any continuity among them.
If you do not find any continuity, then replace the heat sequencer.
Method 3: Take Professional Help
If you think you have come up with symptoms, you must not ignore the fact. Because overlooking the symptoms of a bad sequencer could leave deadly consequences.
In that case, what you do is seek help. Do not just go to a random neighbor and ask for help because this needs professional assistance in no time.
So, these are the methods to follow for this. Remember one thing. We recommend not to do anything that is out of your knowledge!
Why Does Heat Sequencer Need a Bypass?
Bypassing a heat sequencer is not a very common phenomenon. But when the heat sequencer stops working, this is treated as a temporary solution to get your furnace working.
Here are a couple of reasons behind the issue-
Reason 1: The Switch Gets Stuck
The switch of the heat sequencer plays a vital role; as you know, this can impact the operation of the heat sequencer.
As for this, the switch of it gets stuck at times. While you turn it on or off, the switch fails to move correctly. This happens in the open or close position.
As a result, the heat sequencer fails to continue working for this. Following this, there might be a current outbreak as well. And this would be a symptom of a bad heat sequencer.
Moreover, there might be other additional problems too. So, you can not take this one lightly anyway.
Quick Solution
Try to ensure the switch is properly turned on or off. If needed, replace the switch. While replacing the switch, ensure it matches the previous switch’s specs. Otherwise, it will short-circuit or cause an overload of electricity and worsen your situation.
Reason 2: Frequent Use of The Heat Sequencer
The furnace has an approximate limit on running continuously. You must not let the furnace run more than its limit.
During the winter, it will be used frequently all across the season. The conductive metal switch flexes and straightens as a result of this.
Sequencers are basic switches with a bimetal button and a heating coil. The heating coils get a voltage level. This causes the bimetal switch to heat up.
This is a thermostat that rises as the temperature rises. The bimetal switch flexes due to the heat, creating contact throughout the switch.
Then it continues to transmit power to the components.
Quick Solution
Let the heat sequencer be idle for some time after you use it. And ensure to ground the furnace properly, which is important for frequent usage.
Reason 3: Extended Uses
This is kind of similar one to the second one. Because this is also related to somewhat like over-usage. You know we use furnaces only in the winter season.
We do not any way even look at it in the summertime. Thus, the heat sequencer sits idle in the summer. However, some people try to do something different.
Perhaps they enjoy the summer with an air conditioner and a furnace because this might seem cozy to them.
However, using a furnace in the summer has a side effect. That is, it can damage the heat sequencer.
As it is already hot in summer, the heat sequencer goes through even more heat. Thus, the sequencer needs to take more pressure working for the furnace.
And therefore, the heat sequencer might have issues eventually. It’d take longer to heat the house than the general time to heat the house.
Quick Solution
Do not use the furnace in summer without any valid reason. You must stop using the furnace in summer continually if you do so.
Reason 4: No Operation for A Long Time
You know summertime is a break for your furnace. But it might still need an operation at times.
Because the furnace’s internal parts might get damaged by being idle for so long, the heat sequencer is one of the most vulnerable.
Remember that it is a very general thing for a device. You must not keep a device turned off for so long. Even if it is in a seasonal break, consider turning it on at times.
Quick Solution
Turn on your furnace at least once or twice in the summertime. But you do not have to keep it turned for a long time.
So, these are the main reasons for the heat sequencer problem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where do I locate the heat sequencer?
The heat sequencer would be just between the thermostat and the heating elements. You may notice a square outer housing around it. A heat sequencer’s color is generally black, greyish, or blueish. This also looks like a magnetized motor of a machine.
What happens if the heat sequencer is faulty?
A heat sequencer is one of the main and basic parts of a furnace. If it turns bad or is faulty, the furnace will not continue working correctly because the circuit might blow out at anytime. Moreover, there would be overheating too. You need to fix it as soon as possible.
Is a heat sequencer used only in a furnace?
No, a heat sequencer is also commonly used in heat pumps and furnaces. A heat sequencer is used in any heating device. A heat sequencer keeps one portion of the machine shut, so it does not overheat. It also prevents the internal parts from damaging.
Final Words
Now you know how to bypass the heat sequencer! You also got several useful info about it in our article here.
But one more thing to go. Electrical or mechanical stuff might have issues at times. However, you must make sure not to play with it. That is, you need to handle this with proper knowledge!
HVAC tech with over 30 years of experience. Retired and doing repair work on the side around Madison County, AL.