A great gas heater troubleshooting guide helps you in determining what is wrong with the furnace based on its signs. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated information.
Fixing Common Gas Heating System Problems
Every year, countless Calgary property owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heater?" If you remain in that scenario, this guide will arm you with info before you call a heater company. Knowledge is protection versus being taken advantage of-- though many repair work experts have sound principles.
Note: This guide covers the most typical problems, specifically those most house owners can easily talk to no tools or basic tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heater Will Not Start
If absolutely nothing takes place when the thermostat is set above the home's present temperature, the most likely causes are these:
- The heater switch (located on or near the furnace, looks like a typical light switch) is turned off and merely needs to be turned on, though the heater may have a brief hold-up prior to starting
- The circuit breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to trip after it is turned back on, there is likely an electrical wiring brief in the furnace
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to examine and treat
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is in some cases brought on by a wire coming loose, so examine the electrical wiring connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and need to be replaced, a concern that can be diagnosed utilizing an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is total
- The filter is filthy and must be replaced or cleaned up, a problem that is particularly true on more recent heaters that are equipped to shut down if the filter isn't allowing sufficient air circulation, a condition that can trigger major mechanical failure
- The heating system's primary circuit board/control board is bad, an issue that can be identified by an A/C service technician is absolutely nothing else resolves the concern
2. Heating System Blowing Cold Air
If the furnace will not produce heat, you can examine to see if it is getting power by moving the fan switch from the "Vehicle" position to the "On" position. If the fan comes on, then the furnace is getting power. The most likely concerns then are:
- The gas is switched off, so check the gas dick near the heater to make sure it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and need to be replaced
- The ignitor is stopping working and must be replaced
- The draft motor isn't working or the fresh-air consumption is blocked, perhaps heating and air conditioning by snow or debris, 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 begins and then the furnace closes down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has actually failed and need to be changed
- An obstructed air intake or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird's nests prevail causes) need to be cleared
- One of the concerns talked about 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 assist you in repairing draft motor concerns and what is triggering them.
5. The Flame Starts, but the Heating system Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat but quickly turns off without warming your house, the flame sensing unit isn't working. If the sensing unit has deterioration on it, sanding it may work, though changing 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 issues:
- The fan turn on the thermostat is set to "on" instead of "car".
- Relays in the control board are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a continuous supply of electricity, and the control board must be changed.
- The thermostat likewise has contacts that manage power to the heating system, and they can be used, so the thermostat must be replaced.
7. Why Does the Heating System Keep Shutting Down?
If your furnace burner lights however the heating system soon turns off, there are a couple of typical issues that may trigger this:.
- The heater filter is filthy and should be cleaned up or replaced.
- The flame sensor isn't working and must be replaced.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these are common, there are numerous other possible causes best diagnosed by a heater specialist. This video offers thorough coverage to the problem of heater short-cycling.
8. The Heater Runs but Can't Keep your home Warm.
If your heating system is properly sized for your house, then it needs to keep your house warm even in severe cold. If it runs furnace company calgary constantly but isn't providing enough heat, the likely causes are:.
- A filthy filter that need to be washed (just if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your heater and limits airflow, so need to be replaced.
- The filter is set up backwards, a problem that can be checked by trying to find the arrows on the filter frame that reveal proper installation direction with the flow of air.
- Air ducts are dripping, sometimes producing obvious whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as advised by Energy Star.
9. The Furnace Makes Loud Noises.
A noisy heating system is frequently the outcome of:.
- The heater being a single-stage model that runs 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 should be replaced.
- A leak in the heating system cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heater that must be tightened up.
- A filthy filter, which can also cause whistling.
10. The Furnace Leaks when Air Conditioning is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heater, and if it leaks 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 typically caused by:.
- A really dirty filter that should be washed, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, usually a job for an expert heating system specialist.
12. The CO Screen Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm need to be taken seriously. Turn the heating system off at the thermostat. Do not go into the room where the furnace lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cell phone outside your home.
How to Select a Gas Heating System Repair Professional.
Some homeowners pick the cheapest repair service in Calgary, and the outcomes are generally poor. Inexpensive services are either just starting, so lack experience or they have a bad credibility, so need to give inexpensive prices to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best method to find quality heater repair work at a fair rate is to get quotes from several of the top furnace repair work companies in Calgary. Consult with each, discover their history and the experience of the technicians that will do the work. Pick a knowledgeable heating system repair professional with sensible rates.