Decode Furnace Error Codes Fast: Furnace Repair Greater Toronto
When your furnace flashes an error—on a freezing Toronto night—clarity and speed matter. This guide from For Saving Home Services explains what common furnace error codes mean, the safe first steps to try, and when to call furnace repair Greater Toronto. You’ll also see how proactive HVAC services Greater Toronto stop repeat faults by fixing root causes (airflow, venting, controls), not just clearing codes.
What to do right now (quick triage)
Stay safe. If you smell gas, a CO alarm sounds, or you see scorching/soot: switch the furnace OFF and call a licensed tech immediately.
Capture the evidence. Take a clear photo of the display/LED flashes and the model/serial sticker (inside the blower-door panel).
Try these safe fixes:
Replace a dirty filter; open blocked returns/supply registers.
In winter, clear snow/ice from outdoor intake/exhaust pipes.
Confirm the furnace switch is ON; check the breaker (if it trips again, stop).
Verify thermostat mode/temperature; replace batteries if used.
Check condensate drain/pump (high-efficiency units).
Do a soft reset (power OFF 2–3 minutes, then ON). If the code returns, call us.
Ontario safety note: Gas work must meet TSSA requirements; electrical changes fall under ESA. Never bypass safeties, jump wires, or open gas lines.
How furnace error codes work (30-second primer)
Most modern furnaces report faults as:
Digital “E” codes (e.g., E1–E6) on a board or thermostat; and/or
LED flash codes (1–5 flashes) on the control panel.
A basic legend is often printed inside the blower door. Meanings are brand/model-specific, so treat any list as directional and confirm with your manual (we’ll do this during the visit).
Furnace Error Codes (Toronto & GTA) – Quick Reference
Use the Safe First Steps before booking furnace repair Greater Toronto or broader HVAC services Greater Toronto.
Furnace Error Codes (Toronto & GTA) – Quick Reference
For Saving Home Services created this quick table to help homeowners in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area understand common furnace error codes. Use the Safe First Steps column before booking furnace repair Greater Toronto or broader HVAC services Greater Toronto.
| Error Code | Meaning | Safe First Steps (Before Calling a Pro) |
|---|---|---|
| E1 | Low gas pressure / control fault | Confirm other gas appliances work; ensure the appliance gas shutoff handle is fully open. Do not adjust gas pressure. If you smell gas or the code returns, shut the system off and book a TSSA-licensed technician. |
| E2 | Ignition failure | Set thermostat to Heat, verify temperature is above room temp, replace thermostat batteries if used. Power the furnace off for 2–3 minutes, then back on (soft reset). If you smell gas or the code returns, call for furnace repair Greater Toronto. |
| E3 | Overheating / high-limit open | Replace a dirty filter (equipment-appropriate MERV), open blocked returns/supplies, and ensure interior doors aren’t starving airflow. If the code reappears, schedule a professional airflow/coil check. |
| E4 | Blower motor / control fault | Confirm the furnace door is fully closed (door-switch engaged) and breaker is ON. Do not bypass safeties. Persistent alarms, humming, or no airflow = call a licensed technician. |
| E5 | Flame sensor fault (weak or no flame signal) | After replacing the filter and a soft reset, if the code returns, book service. Flame-sensor cleaning/replacement and gas sequence checks should be done by a pro. |
| E6 | Pressure switch / inducer fault | In GTA winters, clear snow/ice from outdoor intake/exhaust pipes. Verify condensate drain/trap/pump isn’t blocked (high-efficiency units). If the code persists, call for diagnosis—do not jump the pressure switch. |
Important: Code meanings vary by brand/model (Lennox, Goodman, Carrier, Trane, York, Keeprite, etc.).
Check the code chart inside your furnace’s blower-door panel and contact For Saving Home Services for exact verification and repair.
We provide HVAC services Greater Toronto across Toronto, North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Mississauga, Brampton, Pickering, Ajax, and Whitby.
LED flash codes (typical patterns)
Confirm against your model sticker/manual.
1 flash: Ignition/lockout—no flame proved.
2 flashes: Pressure switch fault—venting/inducer issue.
3 flashes: High limit open—overheat/airflow problem.
4 flashes: Flame rollout/temperature fuse—unsafe; shut down and call.
5 flashes: False flame/grounded sensor—call a tech.
When to call a pro (no DIY)
Codes return after filter/vent checks and a soft reset
Breakers trip; you hear arcing or smell burning
Flame rollout, sooting, or repeated lockouts
Puddles or a tripped condensate switch
Any gas smell or CO alarm
A licensed technician will test static pressure, temperature rise, ignitor amp draw, flame-rectification microamps, inducer/pressure-switch inches WC, and confirm the exact manufacturer fault logic—so you get a precise fix (not guesswork).
How we stop repeat errors (fix the root cause)
For Saving Home Services delivers HVAC services Greater Toronto focused on prevention:
Airflow recovery: proper filter cabinet, return sizing, blower/coil cleaning, duct balancing
Combustion & venting: inducer performance, clearances, correct intake/exhaust routing
Controls & wiring: board, sensors, safeties, thermostat/C-wire verification
Owner setup: best thermostat profiles, filter schedule, quick “what to check first” card
Ask about our maintenance plan—one fall tune-up often costs less than a single emergency visit and keeps warranties valid.
Brands we service & decode in the GTA
Lennox, Goodman/Amana, Carrier/Bryant, Trane/American Standard, York/Luxaire, Keeprite/ICP, Rheem/Ruud.
Send us a photo of your model/serial and the code; we’ll reference the exact manual for your unit.
Service areas (same-day options)
We provide furnace repair Greater Toronto and full HVAC services Greater Toronto across Toronto, North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, East York, York, Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Mississauga, Brampton, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby.
CTA: Need help now? Book For Saving Home Services—fast, licensed furnace repair in the GTA with clear pricing and measurable results.
FAQs
Can I clear a code and keep running?
You can try a soft reset after replacing the filter and clearing outdoor vents. If the code returns, stop—repeated lockouts can damage components.
Is it safe to clean a flame sensor myself?
It’s easy to scratch or mis-seat; if you’re not comfortable, don’t. Any gas/ignition concerns require a licensed tech.
How much is a diagnostic?
Costs vary by model/time/parts. Bigger savings come from accurate diagnosis—measured readings prevent part-swaps and repeat visits.
Should I repair or replace the furnace?
If your furnace is 15+ years, has multiple major faults, or a suspected heat-exchanger issue, we’ll provide a safe repair quote and a right-sized replacement option so you can compare ROI.
