Not all furnaces have a sequencer. If you own an electric furnace, it will likely have a sequencer, but they are not found in gas furnaces. The sequencer will regulate the heating element while allowing your electric furnace to safely produce heat. How does a sequencer work exactly?
What Is a Sequencer?
Electric heating elements consist of a set of metal coils that heat up as electricity flows through them.
They are referred to as resistive heating elements because they leverage electrical resistance. Resistive heating elements create friction-like resistance for electricity. All electric furnaces use resistive heating elements consisting of multiple coils.
When your electric furnace initially turns on, however, electricity won’t travel through all of the coils at once. As the name suggests, the sequencer will regulate the operation of the coils by activating them in a specific sequence. Sequencers consist of circuits that control the flow of electricity. They will only allow electricity to travel through some of the coils at any given time.
Why Electric Furnaces Need a Sequencer
Electric furnaces need a sequencer to prevent them from tripping the circuit breaker. Without a sequencer, all of the heating element’s coils would draw current at one time and this would overload your home’s circuits and trip the breaker.
Sequencers protect against overcurrent and related problems by ensuring that the heating element doesn’t draw too much current at once.
If your electric furnace has a bad sequencer, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- The heating element won’t turn on, resulting in room-temperature air coming out of the vents.
- The circuit breaker may trip shortly after your electric furnace activates.
- Your electric furnace may blow a fuse.
- Only the blower turns on after setting the thermostat to heat.
- Your electric furnace may overheat while running.
Heat Pumps Also Feature a Sequencer
Sequencers aren’t found exclusively in electric furnaces; most heat pumps feature a sequencer as well. Many heat pumps feature an electric heating element similar to that of an electric furnace.
In heat pumps, heating elements are often used for defrosting and emergency heating. Regardless, they are typically controlled by a sequencer. Sequencers in electric furnaces and heat pumps work the same way to protect their respective systems from overcurrent.
If you are experiencing a problem with your air conditioning or heating call us at 512-336-1431 to schedule an appointment. We’ll be glad to come out and take a look at the issue.
1431-183 A/C & Heating proudly serves Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Leander, Liberty Hill, and North Austin.
