A great gas heating system troubleshooting guide helps you in identifying what is wrong with the furnace based upon its signs. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated information.
Troubleshooting Common Gas Heater Issues
Every year, thousands of Calgary homeowners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heating system?" If you're in that situation, this guide will equip you with information prior to you call a heater business. Knowledge is security against being taken advantage of-- though most repair experts have sound ethics.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most common issues, particularly those most house owners can quickly consult no tools or basic tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heater Won't Start
If nothing occurs when the thermostat is set above the house's present temperature, the most likely causes are these:
- The heater switch (located on or near the furnace, appears like a typical light switch) is turned off and just needs to be switched on, though the heating system may have a brief delay before starting
- The breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to trip after it is turned back on, there is likely an electrical wiring short in the furnace maintenance calgary furnace
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to check and correct
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is sometimes triggered by a wire coming loose, so examine the wiring connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and need to be replaced, an issue that can be detected utilizing an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is total
- The filter is dirty and need to be changed or cleaned up, a concern that is particularly real on newer heaters that are geared up to shut down if the filter isn't allowing adequate air flow, a condition that can trigger severe mechanical failure
- The furnace's primary circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be identified by an A/C specialist is nothing else solves the concern
2. Heater Blowing Cold Air
If the heater won't produce heat, you can inspect to see if it is getting power by moving the fan switch from the "Car" position to the "On" position. If the fan comes on, then the heater is getting power. The most likely concerns then are:
- The gas is turned off, so examine the gas dick near the heating system to make sure it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and need to be changed
- The ignitor is failing and need to be replaced
- The draft motor isn't functioning or the fresh-air intake is blocked, possibly by snow or debris, and needs to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Furnace Won't Start
The draft motor is also called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the heater and out the exhaust stack. If it begins and after that the heating system closes down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that controls it has stopped working and should be changed
- A blocked air consumption or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests are common causes) must be cleared
- Among the issues gone over above with gas, gas valve and ignitor should be attended to
4. The Draft Motor Will Not Start
The issue, in this case, is either that the motor is bad or the capacitor that supports it is bad. This video will help you in troubleshooting draft motor concerns and what is triggering them.
5. The Flame Begins, but the Furnace Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat but quickly turns off without warming your house, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensing unit has rust on it, sanding it might work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting repair.
6. The Blower Won't Shut Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three common issues:
- The fan turn on the thermostat is set to "on" instead of "automobile".
- Relays in the control board are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a continuous supply of electricity, and the control board need to be changed.
- The thermostat also has contacts that manage power to the furnace, and they can be worn, so the thermostat needs to be changed.
7. Why Does the Furnace Keep Turning Off?
If your heating system burner lights but the heater soon shuts off, there are a couple of common problems that might cause this:.
- The heating system filter is filthy and heating & cooling near me must be cleaned or replaced.
- The flame sensor isn't working and should be replaced.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these are common, there are several other prospective causes best diagnosed by a furnace service technician. This video provides in-depth protection to the problem of furnace short-cycling.
8. The Heater Runs however Can't Keep your home Warm.
If your heater is effectively sized for your home, then it needs to keep your home warm even in severe cold. If it runs constantly however isn't offering adequate heat, the most likely causes are:.
- A dirty filter that must be cleaned (only if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the wrong type for your heating system and limits airflow, so ought to be changed.
- The filter is installed in reverse, an issue that can be inspected by searching for the arrows on the filter frame that show proper installation instructions with the circulation of air.
- Duct are dripping, in some cases producing telltale whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as recommended by Energy Star.
9. The Heater Makes Loud Noises.
A loud heater is usually the result of:.
- The furnace being a single-stage model that runs on high capacity all the time, so it's going to be loud.
- A bad bearing in the draft motor or the blower motor that should be changed.
- A leakage in the heater cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heater that need to be tightened up.
- A dirty filter, which can also trigger whistling.
10. The Heating System Leaks when A/C is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heater, and if it leakages onto the floor, the problem is most likely a clogged drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Furnace Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the furnace are usually triggered by:.
- A really dirty filter that should be washed, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, generally a task for a professional heating system technician.
12. The CO Monitor Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm should be taken seriously. Turn the heating system off at the thermostat. Don't enter into the space where the furnace lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cell phone outside your house.
How to Choose a Gas Heating System Repair Expert.
Some property owners pick the most inexpensive repair service in Calgary, and the results are generally poor. Cheap services are either simply starting, so do not have experience or they have a bad credibility, so need to provide cheap prices to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best method to discover quality heater repair at a fair price is to get estimates from numerous of the top heating system repair business in Calgary. Meet with each, learn more about their history and the experience of the specialists that will do the work. Pick a knowledgeable furnace repair work contractor with sensible rates.