A great gas furnace troubleshooting guide assists you in determining what is wrong with the heating system based on its signs. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated information.
Repairing Common Gas Heating System Problems
Every year, thousands of Calgary house owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heater?" If you remain in that scenario, this guide will arm you with details prior to you call a heating system company. Knowledge is protection versus being benefited from-- though the majority of repair experts have sound principles.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most common issues, particularly those most house owners can quickly consult no tools or standard tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Furnace Will Not Start
If absolutely nothing takes place when the thermostat is set above the house's current temperature, the most likely causes are these:
- The furnace switch (situated on or near the furnace, appears like a typical light switch) is switched off and simply needs to be switched on, though the furnace may have a short delay before starting
- The circuit breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to trip after it is turned back on, there is likely a wiring brief in the furnace
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is easy to inspect and correct
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is often caused by a wire coming loose, so check the wiring connections
- The thermostat needs fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and need to be replaced, a problem that can be detected utilizing an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is total
- The filter is filthy and need to be replaced or cleaned up, a concern that is particularly real on newer heating systems that are equipped to close down if the filter isn't allowing sufficient air flow, a condition that can trigger major mechanical failure
- The heating system's main circuit board/control board is bad, an issue that can be detected by an A/C technician is nothing else fixes the problem
2. Heater Blowing Cold Air
If the heater won't produce heat, you can examine 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 heating system is getting power. The likely problems then are:
- The gas is shut off, so inspect the gas cock near the heating system to make certain it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and should be changed
- The ignitor is failing and should be replaced
- The draft motor isn't working or the fresh-air intake is obstructed, perhaps by snow or debris, and requires to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Furnace Will Not Start
The draft motor is likewise called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the furnace and out the exhaust stack. If it starts and then the heating system closes down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has stopped working and should be replaced
- An obstructed air intake or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests prevail causes) should be cleared
- One of the issues discussed above with gas, gas valve and ignitor should be attended to
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 help you in repairing draft motor problems and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Starts, however the Heater Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat but soon shuts down without warming your home, the flame sensing unit isn't working. If the sensing unit has corrosion on it, sanding it may work, though changing 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 switch on the thermostat is set to "on" rather than "vehicle".
- Relays in the control panel are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting heating and cooling companies near me a constant supply of electrical power, and the control panel must be replaced.
- The thermostat likewise has contacts that manage power to the heater, and they can be used, so the thermostat must be replaced.
7. Why Does the Furnace Keep Shutting Down?
If your heating system burner lights but the heating system soon turns off, there are a couple of common concerns that may trigger this:.
- The heating system filter is unclean and must be cleaned or replaced.
- The flame sensor isn't working and must be replaced.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these are common, there are several other prospective causes finest identified by a furnace professional. This video provides thorough coverage to the problem of heating system short-cycling.
8. The Heating System Runs but Can't Keep the House Warm.
If your heating system is effectively sized for your house, then it should keep your house warm even in severe cold. If it runs constantly however isn't providing adequate heat, the likely causes are:.
- A dirty filter that should be washed (only if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your heater and restricts air flow, so need to be changed.
- The filter is set up in reverse, a concern that can be examined by looking for the arrows on the filter frame that show appropriate setup direction with the circulation of air.
- Air ducts are leaking, often producing telltale whistling noises, and it is time to have them sealed as suggested by Energy Star.
9. The Heater Makes Loud Noises.
A noisy heater is most often the result of:.
- The heating system being a single-stage model that runs on high capacity all the time, so it's furnace repair calgary going to be loud.
- A bad bearing in the draft motor or the blower motor that need to be replaced.
- A leakage in the heating system cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heating system that must be tightened up.
- A filthy filter, which can likewise cause whistling.
10. The Heater Leaks when Air Conditioning is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heater, and if it leaks onto the flooring, the problem is more than likely a clogged up drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heating System Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heater are usually triggered by:.
- A really dirty filter that ought to be cleaned, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, normally a task for a professional heater service technician.
12. The CO Screen Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm should be taken seriously. Turn the heater off at the thermostat. Don't go into the space where the heater is located. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cell phone outside your home.
How to Select a Gas Heating System Repair Specialist.
Some house owners pick the least expensive repair work service in Calgary, and the outcomes are typically poor. Cheap services are either simply beginning, so lack experience or they have a bad track record, so need to provide low-cost pricing to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best method to find quality furnace repair work at a reasonable rate is to get estimates from several of the leading furnace repair companies in Calgary. Meet each, learn more about their history and the experience of the professionals that will do the work. Select an experienced heater repair work contractor with reasonable rates.