An excellent gas heating system troubleshooting guide assists you in determining what is wrong with the heating system based upon its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, straightforward details.
Troubleshooting Common Gas Heater Problems
Every year, thousands of Calgary house owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heating system?" If you're in that scenario, this guide will arm you with details before you call a furnace company. Knowledge is defense versus being benefited from-- though most repair work experts have sound principles.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most common problems, particularly those most property owners can quickly contact no tools or basic tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Furnace Will Not Start
If nothing takes place when the thermostat is set above the house's present temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The heating system switch (situated on or near the heater, looks like a typical light switch) is shut off and merely needs to be turned on, though the heating system might have a short hold-up prior to beginning
- The breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to trip after it is turned back on, there is likely a circuitry brief in the heating system
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to check and treat
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is sometimes brought on by a wire coming loose, so check the circuitry connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and must be replaced, a problem that can be diagnosed using an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is complete
- The filter is unclean and should be replaced or cleaned up, a problem that is specifically real on more recent heaters that are equipped to close down if the filter isn't enabling sufficient air flow, a condition that can cause severe mechanical failure
- The furnace's primary circuit board/control board is bad, an issue that can be identified by a HVAC professional is absolutely nothing else resolves the problem
2. Heater Blowing Cold Air
If the furnace will not produce heat, you can inspect to see if it is getting power by moving the fan switch from the "Vehicle" position to the "On" position. If the fan furnace installation comes on, then the heating system is getting power. The most likely problems then are:
- The gas is turned off, so check the gas dick near the furnace to ensure 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 consumption is blocked, possibly by snow or debris, and needs to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heating System Won't Start
The draft motor is also called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the furnace and out the exhaust stack. If it begins and after that the heater closes down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that controls it has actually stopped working and need to be replaced
- A blocked air consumption or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests prevail causes) must be cleared
- One of the concerns discussed above with gas, gas valve and ignitor must be dealt with
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 fixing draft motor problems and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Starts, however the Heater Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat but quickly shuts off without warming your house, the flame sensing unit isn't working. If the sensor has rust on it, sanding it might work, though changing it is a longer-lasting repair.
6. The Blower Will Not Turn Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 typical issues:
- The fan switch on the thermostat is set to "on" rather than "car".
- Relays in the control board are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a constant supply of electricity, heating and cooling near me and the control panel must be changed.
- The thermostat also has contacts that control power to the heater, and they can be worn, so the thermostat should be changed.
7. Why Does the Furnace Keep Shutting Off?
If your furnace burner lights but the heater soon turns off, there are a couple of common concerns that may trigger this:.
- The furnace filter is filthy and must be cleaned or changed.
- The flame sensor isn't working and must be replaced.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these are common, there are a number of other possible causes best detected by a heater specialist. This video gives extensive protection to the problem of heater short-cycling.
8. The Heater Runs however Can't Keep your house Warm.
If your heating system is effectively sized for your home, then it needs to keep your house warm even in extreme cold. If it runs constantly but isn't offering sufficient heat, the likely causes are:.
- A filthy filter that must be washed (only if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your heating system and limits airflow, so need to be replaced.
- The filter is installed in reverse, a problem that can be checked by trying to find the arrows on the filter frame that reveal proper installation direction with the flow of air.
- Duct are dripping, often producing telltale whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as suggested by Energy Star.
9. The Heating System Makes Loud Noises.
A loud furnace is frequently the result of:.
- The heating system being a single-stage design 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 must be replaced.
- A leakage in the heating system cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the furnace that must be tightened up.
- An unclean filter, which can also trigger whistling.
10. The Heating System Leaks when Air Conditioning is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heating system, and if it leakages onto the floor, the issue is more than likely a blocked drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heater Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heater are typically caused by:.
- A very unclean filter that should be cleaned, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, generally a task for an expert furnace specialist.
12. The CO Monitor Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm need to be taken seriously. Turn the furnace off at the thermostat. Do not enter into the room where the furnace lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a mobile phone outside your home.
How to Select a Gas Furnace Repair Specialist.
Some homeowners select the least expensive repair service in Calgary, and the outcomes are typically bad. Low-cost services are either simply getting started, 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 find quality heater repair at a reasonable price is to get quotes from several of the leading heating system repair work business in Calgary. Meet with each, learn more about their history and the experience of the professionals that will do the work. Select an experienced furnace repair contractor with sensible rates.