Boiler displays AF or Air Flow Fault; unit will not fire or shuts down shortly after starting the fan.
Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Shut off power before inspecting venting. Never operate the boiler with vent pipes disconnected or modified from the approved Laars installation.
- Check vent terminations: Outside the building, inspect the Laars boiler intake and exhaust terminations. Remove snow, ice, leaves, or other obstructions. Ensure screens are clean.
- Inspect vent slope: For condensing Laars models, verify that horizontal vent runs slope back toward the boiler as specified. Sagging pipes can trap condensate and restrict airflow.
- Check condensate trap and drain: A blocked condensate trap can cause water to back up into the combustion chamber or vent. Clean the trap and ensure the drain line is clear and properly routed.
- Reset and test: After clearing any obstructions, restore power and reset the boiler. If AF returns, the airflow sensor or pressure switch may be faulty.
When to call a professional: Persistent AF faults after vent and condensate checks require a technician to verify vent sizing, combustion setup, and sensor operation.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
We may earn a commission from links on this page.