A good gas heating system troubleshooting guide helps you in determining what is wrong with the heating system based upon its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated details.
Fixing Common Gas Heater Issues
Every year, thousands of Calgary property owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heater?" If you remain in that scenario, this guide will arm you with info prior to you call a heating system company. Understanding is security against being benefited from-- though a lot of repair experts have sound ethics.
Note: This guide covers the most typical problems, specifically those most homeowners can quickly talk to no tools or fundamental tools heating and air conditioning such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Furnace Won't Start
If absolutely nothing occurs when the thermostat is set above the home's current 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 simply requires to be turned on, though the heating system might have a brief delay before starting
- The circuit breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to journey after it is turned back on, there is likely a wiring brief in the heating system
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is easy to inspect and correct
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is in some cases caused by a wire coming loose, so check the electrical wiring connections
- The thermostat needs fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and must be replaced, an issue that can be identified utilizing an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is total
- The filter is unclean and need to be replaced or cleaned up, a problem that is especially true on more recent heating systems that are equipped to shut down if the filter isn't enabling sufficient air flow, a condition that can cause severe mechanical failure
- The furnace's main circuit board/control board is bad, a concern that can be detected by an A/C technician is nothing else fixes the problem
2. Furnace Blowing Cold Air
If the heater won't produce heat, you can check to see if it is getting power by moving the fan switch from the "Car" position to the "On" position. If the fan begins, then the heater is getting power. The likely issues then are:
- The gas is turned off, so inspect 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 must be changed
- The ignitor is stopping working and must be replaced
- The draft motor isn't operating or the fresh-air consumption is obstructed, maybe by snow or debris, and needs to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heater Won't Start
The draft motor is likewise called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the heating system and out the exhaust stack. If it starts and after that the furnace shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that controls it has failed and must be changed
- An obstructed air intake or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird's nests are common causes) need to be cleared
- Among the issues talked about above with gas, gas valve and ignitor must be attended to
4. The Draft Motor Won't Start
The problem, in this case, is either that the motor furnace replacement calgary is bad or the capacitor that supports it is bad. This video will assist you in troubleshooting draft motor issues and what is triggering them.
5. The Flame Starts, but the Furnace Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat however soon shuts off without warming your house, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensing unit has corrosion on it, sanding it might work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting repair.
6. The Blower Won't Turn Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three common concerns:
- The fan switch on the thermostat is set to "on" rather than "automobile".
- Relays in the control panel are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a continuous supply of electrical energy, and the control board need to be replaced.
- The thermostat also has contacts that manage power to the heating system, and they can be worn, so the thermostat needs to be replaced.
7. Why Does the Furnace Keep Shutting Off?
If your furnace burner lights but the furnace quickly shuts off, there are a few common issues that may trigger this:.
- The furnace filter is filthy and must be cleaned up or replaced.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and should be changed.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these prevail, there are several other prospective causes best identified by a heating system technician. This video provides in-depth coverage to the issue of heating system short-cycling.
8. The Furnace Runs however Can't Keep the House Warm.
If your heating system is appropriately sized for your house, then it needs to keep your home warm even in extreme cold. If it runs constantly however isn't supplying adequate heat, the likely causes are:.
- A dirty filter that should be cleaned (just if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the wrong type for your furnace and limits airflow, so must be replaced.
- The filter is set up in reverse, a problem that can be checked by trying to find the arrows on the filter frame that show correct setup direction with the circulation of air.
- Air ducts are dripping, sometimes producing telltale whistling noises, and it is time to have them sealed as recommended by Energy Star.
9. The Heating System Makes Loud Noises.
A noisy heating system is usually the outcome of:.
- The heating system 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 need to be replaced.
- A leakage in the heater cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heating system that should be tightened.
- A dirty filter, which can also trigger whistling.
10. The Furnace Leaks when A/C is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your furnace, and if it leaks onto the floor, the concern is more than likely a stopped up drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Furnace Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the furnace are usually triggered by:.
- An extremely filthy filter that need to be washed, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, usually a job for a professional furnace technician.
12. The CO Screen Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm need to be taken seriously. Turn the heater off at the thermostat. Don't enter into the room where the heater is located. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cell phone outside your house.
How to Pick a Gas Heating System Repair Expert.
Some homeowners select the cheapest 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 track record, so must offer cheap prices to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best way to discover quality furnace repair at a fair rate is to get quotes from numerous of the top heater repair work business in Calgary. Consult with each, find out about their history and the experience of the technicians that will do the work. Pick an experienced heater repair contractor with affordable rates.