An excellent gas heater repairing guide helps you in identifying what is wrong with the furnace based on its symptoms. 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 heater?" If you remain in furnace replacement that situation, this guide will arm you with info before you call a heating system business. Knowledge is defense versus being benefited from-- though a lot of repair experts have sound ethics.
Note: This guide covers the most common problems, specifically those most house owners can easily contact no tools or basic tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heating System Will Not Start
If nothing happens when the thermostat is set above the home's present temperature, the most likely causes are these:
- The heating system switch (situated on or near the heating system, appears like a common light switch) is shut off and merely requires to be turned on, though the furnace 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 wiring brief in the furnace
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to check and correct
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is in some cases triggered by a wire coming loose, so inspect the wiring connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and need to be replaced, a problem that can be diagnosed using an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is complete
- The filter is unclean and must be replaced or cleaned, a concern that is especially true on newer heating systems that are geared up to close down if the filter isn't allowing adequate air circulation, a condition that can cause serious mechanical failure
- The heater's primary circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be identified by a HVAC technician is absolutely nothing else solves the problem
2. Heating System Blowing Cold Air
If the furnace won't produce heat, you can check to see if it is getting power furnace companies in calgary by moving the fan switch from the "Automobile" position to the "On" position. If the fan begins, then the heating system is getting power. The likely problems then are:
- The gas is switched off, so inspect the gas dick near the furnace to make certain it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and need to be replaced
- The ignitor is failing and need to be changed
- The draft motor isn't working or the fresh-air consumption is obstructed, maybe by snow or particles, 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 furnace 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 consumption or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests prevail causes) must be cleared
- Among the problems gone over above with gas, gas valve and ignitor need to 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 assist you in troubleshooting draft motor problems and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Begins, but the Furnace Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat but soon turns off without warming your home, the flame sensor 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 Will Not Shut Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three typical issues:
- 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 constant supply of electrical power, and the control panel need to be replaced.
- The thermostat also has contacts that control power to the heating system, and they can be worn, so the thermostat should be replaced.
7. Why Does the Heating System Keep Shutting Down?
If your heater burner lights however the heater soon shuts down, there are a couple of common issues that may trigger this:.
- The heater filter is dirty and need to be cleaned up or changed.
- The flame sensor isn't working and should be changed.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these are common, there are a number of other potential causes finest diagnosed by a heating system specialist. This video offers extensive coverage to the problem of furnace short-cycling.
8. The Heating System Runs but Can't Keep your house Warm.
If your heating system is appropriately sized for your home, then it needs to keep your home warm even in extreme cold. If it runs constantly however isn't offering enough heat, the most likely causes are:.
- A filthy filter that must be washed (only if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the wrong type for your heater and restricts airflow, so ought to be changed.
- The filter is set up in reverse, a concern that can be inspected by trying to find the arrows on the filter frame that reveal correct setup direction with the flow of air.
- Air ducts are leaking, 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 furnace is frequently the outcome of:.
- The heater being a single-stage model that works 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 replaced.
- A leakage in the heater cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heating system that must be tightened up.
- A filthy filter, which can likewise trigger whistling.
10. The Heating System Leaks when Air Conditioner is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heating system, and if it leaks onto the floor, the concern is most likely a stopped up drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heating System Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heating system are usually caused by:.
- A very dirty filter that need to be washed, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, normally a job for a professional furnace professional.
12. The CO Screen Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm must be taken seriously. Turn the heater 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 Pick a Gas Furnace Repair Work Specialist.
Some house owners choose the most affordable repair work service in Calgary, and the outcomes are normally bad. Cheap services are either just getting going, so lack experience or they have a bad track record, so must offer low-cost rates to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best way to find quality furnace repair work at a reasonable cost is to get price quotes from several of the top heating system repair work business in Calgary. Consult with each, find out about their history and the experience of the specialists that will do the work. Choose an experienced heating system repair work contractor with reasonable rates.