A great gas furnace troubleshooting guide helps you in identifying what is wrong with the heating system based upon its signs. That's what we do here with clear, straightforward info.
Troubleshooting Common Gas Heater Issues
Every year, countless Calgary homeowners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heating system?" If you're in that situation, this guide will equip you with details prior to you call a furnace company. Understanding is protection against being made the most of-- though the majority of repair work specialists have sound ethics.
Note: This guide covers the most typical problems, particularly those most property owners can easily talk to no tools or standard tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heater Will Not Start
If absolutely nothing happens when the thermostat is set above the home's current temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The heater switch (situated on or near the furnace, looks like a typical 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 circuit breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to trip after it is turned back on, there is likely a hvac contractor wiring short in the furnace
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is easy to check and remedy
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is often caused by a wire coming loose, so examine the wiring connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and need to be changed, an issue that can be detected using an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is complete
- The filter is dirty and should be replaced or cleaned, a problem that is especially true on more recent furnaces that are equipped to shut down if the filter isn't permitting sufficient air flow, a condition that can trigger severe mechanical failure
- The heater's primary circuit board/control board is bad, an issue that can be identified by an A/C service technician is absolutely nothing else solves the issue
2. Furnace Blowing Cold Air
If the furnace will not produce heat, you can inspect to see if it is getting power by moving the fan switch from the "Auto" position to the "On" position. If the fan comes on, then the heater is getting power. The likely issues then are:
- The gas is shut 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 need to be changed
- The ignitor is failing and must be replaced
- The draft motor isn't operating or the fresh-air consumption is obstructed, possibly by snow or debris, and needs to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heating System Won't Start
The draft motor is also called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the furnace and out the exhaust stack. If it begins and after that the heater shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that controls it has failed and must be replaced
- An obstructed air consumption or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests are common causes) need to be cleared
- One of the concerns talked about above with gas, gas valve and ignitor must be dealt with
4. The Draft Motor Will Not Start
The problem, in hvac company calgary 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 Starts, however the Heater Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat however soon turns off without warming your home, the flame sensing unit isn't working. If the sensing unit has deterioration on it, sanding it may work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting fix.
6. The Blower Will Not Turn Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 common problems:
- The fan turn on the thermostat is set to "on" rather than "automobile".
- Relays in the control board are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a consistent supply of electricity, and the control panel need to be changed.
- The thermostat likewise has contacts that control power to the furnace, and they can be used, so the thermostat needs to be changed.
7. Why Does the Heater Keep Shutting Off?
If your heating system burner lights however the heater quickly turns off, there are a couple of typical issues that might cause this:.
- The furnace filter is unclean and must be cleaned up or replaced.
- The flame sensor isn't working and must be changed.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these prevail, there are a number of other possible causes best detected by a furnace service technician. This video provides extensive protection to the issue of furnace short-cycling.
8. The Heating System Runs but Can't Keep your home Warm.
If your furnace is properly sized for your home, then it needs to keep your home warm even in extreme cold. If it runs constantly but isn't offering adequate heat, the most likely causes are:.
- A dirty filter that must be cleaned (just if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the wrong type for your furnace and limits airflow, so need to be changed.
- The filter is installed backwards, an issue that can be examined by looking for the arrows on the filter frame that show proper setup direction with the circulation of air.
- Duct are leaking, often producing telltale whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as advised by Energy Star.
9. The Heating System Makes Loud Noises.
A loud heater is most often 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 changed.
- A leakage in the heater cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the furnace that should be tightened.
- An unclean filter, which can likewise trigger whistling.
10. The Heating System Leaks when A/C is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your furnace, and if it leaks onto the floor, the issue is more than likely a stopped up drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heater Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heating system are usually brought on by:.
- An extremely filthy filter that ought to be washed, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, generally a task for an expert heater technician.
12. The CO Screen Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm should be taken seriously. Turn the heating system 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 Furnace Repair Expert.
Some house owners pick the least expensive repair work service in Calgary, and the results are normally poor. Cheap services are either just getting started, so lack experience or they have a bad track record, so must give low-cost prices to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best way to discover quality heater repair work at a reasonable price is to get quotes from several of the top heating system repair work business in Calgary. Meet with each, find out about their history and the experience of the professionals that will do the work. Choose a skilled heater repair specialist with sensible rates.