An excellent gas furnace fixing guide assists you in determining what is wrong with the heating system based on its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, straightforward information.
Troubleshooting Common Gas Heater Problems
Every year, thousands of Calgary homeowners ask, "What's wrong with my gas furnace?" If you remain in that scenario, this guide will equip you with info before you call a furnace business. Understanding is security versus being taken advantage of-- though many repair specialists have sound principles.
Note: This guide covers the most common problems, especially those most homeowners can quickly contact no tools or basic tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heating System Won't Start
If nothing occurs when the thermostat is set above the home's existing temperature, the most likely causes are these:
- The heating system switch (situated on or near the heating system, looks like a common light switch) is turned off and just requires to be switched on, though the heater might have a short hold-up before starting
- The circuit breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to trip after it is turned back on, there is likely an electrical wiring brief in the heating system
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is easy to check and fix
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is sometimes triggered by a wire coming loose, so examine the circuitry connections
- The thermostat needs fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and must be replaced, a concern that can be identified using an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is total
- The filter is unclean and must be changed or cleaned, a problem that is specifically real on newer furnaces that are geared up to shut down if the filter isn't allowing appropriate air flow, a condition that can cause serious mechanical failure
- The furnace's primary circuit board/control board is bad, an issue that can be detected by a HVAC specialist is nothing else solves the problem
2. Heating System Blowing Cold Air
If the furnace won't produce heat, you can examine to see if it is getting power by moving the fan switch from the "Auto" position to the "On" position. If the fan begins, then the heating system is getting power. The likely concerns then are:
- The gas is shut off, so examine the gas dick near the furnace to ensure it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and should be changed
- The ignitor is stopping working and must be replaced
- The draft motor isn't functioning or the fresh-air consumption is blocked, maybe by snow or debris, and requires to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heating System Will Not Start
The draft motor is likewise called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the heater and out the exhaust stack. If it starts and then the heater closes down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has stopped working and should be replaced
- A blocked air consumption or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, debris 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 Won't Start
The problem, in this case, is either that the motor is bad or the capacitor that supports it is bad. This video will assist you in repairing draft motor concerns and what is triggering them.
5. The Flame Starts, but the Heating system Shuts Down
If the burner starts hvac company calgary making heat however quickly turns off without warming your home, the flame sensing unit isn't working. If the sensor has corrosion on it, sanding it might work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting fix.
6. The Blower Will Not Shut Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 typical problems:
- The fan switch on the thermostat is set to "on" instead of "car".
- Relays in the control panel are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a consistent supply of electrical energy, and the control panel need to be replaced.
- The thermostat likewise has contacts that manage power to the furnace, and they can be used, so the thermostat needs to be replaced.
7. Why Does the Heater Keep Turning Off?
If your furnace burner lights however the heating system quickly turns off, there are a couple of common issues that might trigger this:.
- The heater filter is unclean and must be cleaned or replaced.
- The flame sensor isn't working and ought to be replaced.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these are common, there are a number of other prospective causes best detected by a furnace professional. This video offers thorough protection to the problem of furnace short-cycling.
8. The Heater Runs however Can't Keep your home Warm.
If your furnace is effectively sized for your home, then it must keep your house warm even in severe cold. If it runs constantly however isn't supplying enough heat, the most likely causes are:.
- An unclean filter that need to be washed (only if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the wrong type for your furnace and restricts air flow, so need to be changed.
- The filter is set up in reverse, a problem that can be inspected by trying to find the arrows on the filter frame that show proper setup direction with the circulation of air.
- Air ducts are leaking, often producing obvious whistling noises, and it is time to have them sealed as suggested by Energy Star.
9. The Heating System Makes Loud Noises.
A noisy heater is frequently the outcome of:.
- The heater being a single-stage model that operates on high capability all the time, so it's going to be loud.
- A bad bearing in the draft motor or the blower motor that should be replaced.
- A leak in the heater cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heater that need to be tightened up.
- A filthy filter, which can likewise cause whistling.
10. The Heating System Leaks when AC is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your furnace, and if it leaks onto the floor, the problem is most likely a clogged up drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heater Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heating system are normally triggered by:.
- A really filthy filter that need to be cleaned, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, usually a task for an expert heating system specialist.
12. The CO Screen Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm need to be taken seriously. Turn the heater off at the thermostat. Do not enter into the space where the heating system lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a mobile phone outside your home.
How to Select a Gas Heating System Repair Specialist.
Some house owners choose the least expensive repair service in Calgary, and the results are generally poor. Low-cost services are either just beginning, so do not have experience or they have a bad reputation, so need to give inexpensive prices to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best method to discover quality heater repair at a reasonable price is to get estimates from numerous of the top heater repair companies in Calgary. Meet with each, find out about their history and the experience of the service technicians that will do the work. Choose an experienced heater repair professional with sensible rates.