RV Furnace Shuts Off After 30 Seconds (Reasons and Solutions)
RVs are man’s best friend while we are out camping or taking a long trip around the country. They are so much convenient that some even live in them. No wonder there are RV parks all over the country.
And why wouldn’t one live in it? You have your kitchen with running water, the bathroom, a refrigerator, hot water, a running shower in the toilet, air conditioning, and a furnace to keep you warm in the winter.
But like any other appliance, the furnace sometimes malfunctions. The common one being the rv furnace shuts off after 30 seconds. Which most RVers experience.
So what may cause that? And what can you do about it? The reason behind it can be a clogged vent, faulty thermostat, low propane flow, bad ignitor, or damaged flame sensor. Some of them will need cleaning and filling, and some might need a replacement. We are going to talk all about them today.
5 Reasons And Solution To RV Furnace Shuts Off After 30 Seconds
Your RV furnace is a combination of a lot of elements. The air filter and vents, gas tank, ignitor, thermostat, and also the flame detector. Any of these components fails and your furnace will shut off or malfunction. Here is what might be causing your furnace to shut off after 30 seconds and how to fix them.
1. Clogged Up Air Vent And Air Filter
Ever lit a campfire? There should be two airflow sections so that the fire can stay lit. Same thing for a furnace. Well, a bit different.
Airflow maintains the furnace air circulating around the RV. And there is the vent and the air filter that does the work for it. With prolonged usage, both of them can get clogged or corroded.
Blower wheels can also cause the airflow to get clogged up if they are dirty.
At the same time, the sail switch also gets dirty, which is one of the main components that keep the furnace running.
Solution: You should check if your air filter and vents are clogged or dirty. If they are then you should clean them and check if your furnace is turning off again. Also make sure to clean the other components like the blower wheel, sail switch, etc. Any damaged or old components should be replaced. And your furnace will be running nicely.
2. Faulty Thermostat
Any heating and cooling appliance comes with a thermostat. This is a convenient tool that turns the heat or cooling on when it is needed to the exact temperature. And your RV furnace also has one.
Sometimes after a long time of use, an electrical surge, overload or short circuit damages the thermostat. Wiring damage is also possible. No matter what happens to the thermostat, if it is compromised, then your furnace will turn off after 30 seconds or so.
Solution: The best solution to your damaged thermostat is to check the wiring, settings, or fuse. If you are not familiar with electrical components, ask a professional. And if the thermostat is beyond fixing, then you might have to replace it.
3. Low Propane Tank
Most RVs if not all, use propane gas tanks to operate the furnace, heater, and other appliances. It is the most efficient way to get by. And with use, the propane tank valves get dirty, the flow might also get tempered, resulting in a low pressure.
Also, if your RV uses propane on other appliances like the stove or heater, chances are the flow gets directed towards it. And sometimes, the tank is just, empty.
Solution: The first thing to do is to check if the tank is empty or not. If it is, you need to replace it. Make sure to inspect the valve and clean it and check the flow meter too. A lower setting might cause your furnace to go out fast, to crank it up a bit.
4. Bad Or Damaged Ignitor
Furnace ignitors are just like any oven ignitor, but rugged. And with long usage, it gets damaged. Hence it can’t light up the gas as it should. As the spark isn’t good enough, it keeps the furnace shut down quicker than it should.
It’s a common thing for any RVer. and you know what you have to do.
Solution: You should check after cleaning the ignitor if it works. But if it doesn’t, you need to replace it. As it has a 5-year lifetime, maybe it’s time to get a new one.
5. Damaged Flame Sensor
One of the most important components of the furnace is the flame sensor. It gives the go to the ignitor that gas is flowing and it’s time to work.
As it is inside the furnace, it gets clogged up. Also gets damaged over time. Hence, it cannot detect the gas, and can’t send any signal. So your furnace keeps turning off.
Solution: Clean the flame sensor. And it should be good to go. But if the sensor is damaged beyond fixing and cleaning, it’s time to get a new one.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Where is reset button on furnace?
The reset button can be on the side of the blower or blower compartment. Depending on the model of your furnace, it can be in different places. So make sure to check your RVs manual to know it perfectly or search on the internet for your RVs model.
Is RV furnace AC or DC?
RV furnaces are DC powered. Even if it is plugged into a Shoreline, the power comes from the DC source.
Why does my furnace run for 4 minutes then shut off?
If your RV furnace is running for 4 minutes and then shutting off, it might need a cleaning. The air vents and blowers, flame sensor, and ignitor, all should be cleaned. And also make sure they are in top condition. If not, replace them.
Conclusion
RV furnace is like any home appliance. The better you maintain it, the better it serves you. So make sure to clean and check all the components of your furnace from time to time. If there is some fixing needed, get it done. And enjoy your outing in the winter.
