A good gas heater fixing guide assists you in identifying what is wrong with the furnace based upon its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated details.
Troubleshooting Common Gas Furnace Issues
Every year, thousands of Calgary homeowners ask, "What's wrong with my gas furnace?" If you remain in that situation, this guide will equip you with info prior to you call a heater business. Knowledge is security versus being benefited from-- though a lot of repair experts have sound principles.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most typical problems, especially those most house owners can quickly talk to no tools or fundamental tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heating System Will Not Start
If absolutely nothing occurs when the thermostat is set above the home's current temperature, the most likely causes are these:
- The heater switch (located on or near the furnace, looks like a common light switch) is turned off and simply requires to be turned on, though the furnace might have a short hold-up before beginning
- The circuit breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to journey after it is turned back on, there is likely a wiring short in the furnace
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is easy to check and fix
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is in some cases triggered by a wire coming loose, so check the electrical wiring connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and need to be changed, an issue that can be diagnosed using an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is total
- The filter is filthy and should be replaced or cleaned, a problem that is specifically real on newer heaters that are geared up to close down if the filter isn't permitting sufficient air circulation, a condition that can trigger severe mechanical failure
- The heating system's main circuit board/control board is bad, a concern that can be detected by a HEATING AND COOLING professional is absolutely nothing else fixes the issue
2. Heater Blowing Cold Air
If the heating system won't produce heat, you can check 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 furnace is getting power. The likely issues then are:
- The gas is turned off, so inspect 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 should be changed
- The draft motor isn't working or the fresh-air intake is obstructed, maybe by snow or debris, and needs to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heating System Will Not Start
The draft motor is also called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the heating system and out the exhaust stack. If it starts and then the heater shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has actually failed and need to be replaced
- An obstructed air consumption or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests are common causes) need to be cleared
- One of the issues talked about above with gas, gas valve and ignitor need to be dealt with
4. The Draft Motor Won't Start
The issue, 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 issues and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Begins, however the Heater Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat however quickly shuts off without warming your house, the flame sensing unit isn't working. If the sensing unit has deterioration on it, sanding it might work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting repair.
6. The Blower Won't Shut Down
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 typical concerns:
- The fan turn on the thermostat is set to "on" instead of "automobile".
- Relays in the control board are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a constant supply of electricity, and the control board must be changed.
- The thermostat also has contacts that manage power to the heater, and they can be used, so the thermostat needs to be changed.
7. Why Does the Heater Keep Turning Off?
If your furnace burner lights but the furnace soon turns off, there are a couple of typical concerns that might trigger this:.
- The furnace filter is dirty and should be cleaned up or changed.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and ought to be replaced.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these are common, there are numerous other prospective causes finest identified by a heating system specialist. This video provides thorough protection to the problem of heating system short-cycling.
8. The Heating System Runs however Can't Keep your house Warm.
If your heating system is appropriately sized for your house, then it must keep your home warm even in severe cold. If it runs constantly but isn't supplying enough heat, the most likely causes are:.
- An unclean filter that should be cleaned (only if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the wrong type for your heating system and limits airflow, so must be changed.
- The filter is installed in reverse, a problem that can be checked by looking for the arrows on the filter frame that reveal correct installation direction with the circulation of air.
- Air ducts are dripping, sometimes producing telltale whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as advised heating and cooling near me by Energy Star.
9. The Furnace Makes Loud Noises.
A loud furnace is usually the result of:.
- The heating system being a furnace service near me single-stage design that works 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 need to be changed.
- A leakage in the heater cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heater that should be tightened.
- A dirty filter, which can likewise cause whistling.
10. The Furnace Leaks when AC is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heater, and if it leakages onto the floor, the issue is more than likely a clogged up drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Furnace Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heating system are generally triggered by:.
- A very unclean filter that must be washed, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, usually a job for an expert furnace professional.
12. The CO Screen Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm should be taken seriously. Turn the furnace off at the thermostat. Do not go into the room where the furnace is located. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cell phone outside your house.
How to Choose a Gas Heater Repair Expert.
Some house owners choose the most inexpensive repair work service in Calgary, and the results are usually bad. Cheap services are either just getting going, so lack experience or they have a bad credibility, so should give low-cost prices to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best way to discover quality furnace repair at a fair price is to get quotes from numerous of the leading heating system repair companies in Calgary. Consult with each, learn more about their history and the experience of the specialists that will do the work. Pick an experienced heater repair contractor with sensible rates.