Furnace displays E16; condensate pump runs frequently or furnace shuts down during wet weather.
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: Turn off power before working on the condensate system. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination.
- Inspect drain tubing: Locate the condensate drain line from the furnace's collector box or drain pan. Check for kinks, sags, or algae buildup. Remove and flush with warm water if clogged.
- Clean condensate trap: If your Alpha furnace has a removable trap, detach it and rinse thoroughly to remove debris and slime. Reassemble according to the manual, ensuring correct orientation.
- Check condensate pump (if present): Pour water into the pump reservoir and verify it activates and pumps water away. If it does not run or fails to pump, replace the pump.
- Reset float switch: Some systems have a float switch in the drain line. Once water is cleared, the switch should close automatically.
After clearing, restore power and test a full heat cycle. If E16 persists, have a technician inspect the internal condensate passages.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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