A furnace control board is the master control part of a Furnace system in a building. Some functions include switching the blower fan on and off, switching and regulating the igniter and gas valve, monitoring safety switches, and regulating the temperature. If your furnace has a problem, there could be a problem with the control board. Replacing a furnace control board is an easily doable fix for any handy homeowner. Below are the procedures for repairing or replacing your faulty furnace control board.

Things You’ll Need

• A new or a replacement furnace control board that fits with your furnace’s type
• Some of them include Phillips and flathead screwdrivers.
• Needle nose pliers
• Multimeter
• Wire cutters/strippers
• Wire nuts
• Protective gloves and eyewear

Turn Off the Power Supply

The power supply must be turned off if you want to work on your furnace. Find out where the main circuitry switch that directs the furnace is located and change it to the off state. Switching off the gas valve usually situated on or near the unit is also advisable. This should be done only if the power and the gas are switch off to avoid accidents.

Opening the Furnace

To access the control board, you have to be able to remove the front of the furnace and access the back of the stove. Consult your manual. Check that furnace covers and doors are closed differently. On most furnaces you will have to take off a panel on the side of the outside casing of the stove. As to the inner compartment there should probably be a cover of the blower, which will also have to be unbolted. Any covers, doors or screws that were removed should be placed in a safer place.

Finding and Eradicating the Control Board 

The control board is frequently located at the back or close to the blower motor area. Search for wires from the blower to find the board easily and quickly. Before touching it, use the metal part of the furnace to discharge any remaining electricity lingering in the board.

Explore the ways that the control board is fixed and then try to unscrew or demount all the screws, brackets and wires which connected the control board to the appliance. Remove connected wires one after another using needle nose pliers being very gentle. Label particular locations where each cable should be connected to ease replacement of the old board.

Know How to Install New Control Board

If possible, align the new control board next to the old one while connecting the wires to avoid confusion. If there is a replacement part, follow the product diagram and your notes if any about the product. Safely join all cables by removing the insulation and implanting the bare ends onto the terminal locations of the control board and finally tightening the screws on the terminals with a screwdriver.

Change the control board on proper form; check whether the required screw or bracket used for mounting control board is tightened or replaced according to the need. Make sure that all the connections are secure. Gently locate all the wire leads in such a way that they do not come in contact with other parts otherwise.

Reassembling the Furnace

Reverse the first section to put back the furnace casing after the board has been fitted. Take off the blower motor compartment panel, the side panel, the doors and so on Screws all back in firmly. See that the furnace has been shut down and all internal parts are well fitted.

Restore Power and Test

Once everything is fixed you can connect the Furnace power supply back in place. Toggles on the circuit breaker together with the unit gas valve. The furnace blower should come ON. Turn the dial on the thermostat to call for heat. Make sure the igniter is red to light the burners. Make sure a flame is steady and burns. Observe the furnace as it performs at least one cycle. Then look at the control board one more time, hoping to find some indications of faults as odors or sounds.

Conclusion

Of course, with proper tools, safety, and some reasonable mechanical skills any homeowner will be able to replace the furnace control board on their own. refer to the product manuals whenever necessary. When it comes to combustion components be very careful when operating inside a furnace and best option is to take help from professionals if you have any doubts.