What Is a Limit Switch On a Furnace?

A furnace is a complicated appliance with many features. It helps to understand all of them so that you can diagnose issues when they arise and provide proper maintenance to your HVAC system. Some of the essential components include limit switches, which begs the question, what is a limit switch on a furnace?

What Does a Furnace Limit Switch Do?

There are actually two types of limit switches. Learn all about the differences between fan limit switches vs. high limit switches so you can get the right part:

What Is a Fan Limit Switch?

Because it operates in conjunction with the blower, it is referred to as a fan limit switch. It tells the blower assembly when to kick on and off. It does this by sensing the hot air created within the furnace, then sending a signal to the blower to initiate.

Furnace Fan Limit Switch Location

A common question we get is, where is the limit switch on a furnace? If you remove the furnace panel cover, you should typically find it in the upper right corner.

What Is a High Limit Switch?

Also referred to as an upper limit switch, it serves its function as a safety feature. The high limit switch senses when the furnace is overheating, and as a precaution, it shuts everything down.

Save On Limit Switches at PlumbersStock

Now that you are familiar with the basics check out our inventory of furnace limit switches. As a leading online retailer of HVAC switches, we carry all kinds of HVAC parts. Did you know that you can find member pricing here on certain items (typically name brand, MAP priced items) if you log in? For industry professionals buying in bulk, please consider contacting us directly for extra special pricing and extra savings.