Bryant Furnace_Control Board Programming

9 years ago

We had a very bad electrical burned smell all over the house. It was coming from the Bryant furnace Model 315AAV048090. The control board and wiring harness is burned. There might be other damage but to figure it out I have to spend $1000 for parts if I go through the service company.

My first question is if I were to order part myself is this something a novice can do? I was told it requires some programming which I assume it is done through the fancy thermostat.

Second question is does it worth to replace the parts to find out better or worse. Is it wiser to replace the furnace? I am in process of getting quotes for furnace starting this afternoon but considering the heat index I am rushing to find out more before I sit down at the table with someone who is looking forward to sell me a unit.

Thank you for your help in advance.

-VR

Heather

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

mike_home
9 years ago
How old is the furnace, and how long to you plan to live in this house? Furnaces have a 15-20 year life. It may make sense to do the replacement now rather than later.

The furnace board has several DIP switches that have to be set properly. If you bought an exact replacement it is possible you could copy the settings. Replacing a burned harness is difficult even for an experienced tech. You may be replacing so many things that it may not be practical assuming you had the skills to do it. You can get a quote on a repair, but a replacement is a more likely option.

You need to find out why this happened. Was there a power surge from an electrical storm? If yes, then you should have a surge protector installed on the new furnace.
Heather
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you so much mike_home. The unit was installed sometime 2003. I realize it is coming to end of its life span. It is actually scaring me to replace anything and find out more issues as well. I will take your advice on the harness.The cost can add up quickly. I rather downgrade the system and get a new one.

I called the electric company to find out about the power surge. There was none reported.The maintenance company was not able to tell me why it might have happened and they have never seen such thing before. The hot surface igniter was also turned on and stayed on during the incident which probably made the problem worse. I am not sure what other things were on or off. Long term damage is unpredictable.There was also so much water around the unit.So I am leaning towards replacing the furnace . Does anyone have an idea about the figure that I might be looking at considering it has to be something compatible of course? I am not going to get anything this fancy but it has to perform in similar manner.

Thank you!
Related Professionals
Sarasota General Contractors · Alexandria General Contractors · Natchitoches General Contractors · Elkton General Contractors · Brattleboro General Contractors · Daytona Beach Home Remodeling · Pensacola Home Remodeling · Hopkinsville Home Remodeling · Parkersburg Home Remodeling · Orange County Home Remodeling · Stockton Home Remodeling · Vineland Bathroom Remodelers · Williamsburg Bathroom Remodelers · Buffalo Bathroom Remodelers · Vancouver Bathroom Remodelers
mike_home
9 years ago
The power surge may have been to your local area and the power company may have no knowledge of it.

Contact your insurance company. May you be able to put in a claim. The adjuster would have to inspect it before any repair or replacement.

A new stand alone furnace could be $2500-$4000. If it is attached to a coil for an AC system then it gets more expensive. You may have to modify duct work. Get 2-3 quotes if possible. That is is the only way to determine if you are getting a fair price. Don't be tempted by the lowest bid. A good installation costs money.