An excellent gas heater fixing guide assists you in determining what is wrong with the heater based on its signs. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated information.
Repairing Common Gas Furnace Problems
Every year, countless Calgary homeowners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heating system?" If you remain in that situation, this guide will equip you with details before you call a furnace business. Understanding is security against being taken advantage of-- though most repair work experts have sound principles.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most typical issues, especially those most homeowners can easily check with no tools or standard 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 house's present temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The heating system switch (located on or near the furnace, looks like a typical light switch) is shut off and merely requires to be switched on, though the heating system may have a brief hold-up prior to beginning
- The circuit breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to journey after it is turned back on, there is likely an electrical wiring short in the furnace
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is easy to examine and fix
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is often caused by a wire coming loose, so inspect the electrical wiring connections
- The thermostat needs fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and must be changed, an issue that can be detected using an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is total
- The filter is dirty and need to be changed or cleaned up, an issue that is especially real on more recent heating systems that are equipped to shut down if the filter isn't enabling appropriate air circulation, a condition that can cause severe mechanical failure
- The heating system's primary circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be diagnosed by a HEATING AND COOLING service technician is nothing else fixes the issue
2. Furnace Blowing Cold Air
If the heating system will not 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 heater is getting power. The most likely issues 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 must be changed
- The ignitor is failing and need to be changed
- The draft motor isn't operating or the fresh-air intake is obstructed, perhaps by snow or particles, and requires to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heater Won't Start
The draft motor is likewise called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the heater and out the exhaust stack. If it starts and then the heater shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that controls it has actually failed and must be changed
- A blocked air consumption or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests prevail causes) must be cleared
- One efficient heating and cooling of the concerns gone over above with gas, gas valve and ignitor should be dealt with
4. The Draft Motor Will Not Start
The issue, in this case, is either that the motor is bad or the capacitor that supports it is bad. This video will help you in fixing draft motor concerns and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Starts, but the Heater Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat however soon shuts off without warming your home, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensor has rust 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 three typical issues:
- The fan switch on the thermostat is set to "on" rather than "vehicle".
- Relays in the control panel are heating and air conditioning stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a continuous supply of electricity, and the control board need to be replaced.
- The thermostat also has contacts that control power to the heater, and they can be worn, so the thermostat must be replaced.
7. Why Does the Heating System Keep Shutting Down?
If your furnace burner lights however the heater soon shuts off, there are a couple of typical issues that may cause this:.
- The furnace filter is dirty and need to be cleaned or changed.
- The flame sensor isn't working and ought to be changed.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these are common, there are a number of other potential causes finest identified by a heating system technician. This video gives extensive protection to the problem of heating system short-cycling.
8. The Furnace Runs however Can't Keep your house Warm.
If your furnace is properly sized for your house, then it needs to keep your house warm even in severe cold. If it runs constantly however isn't supplying enough heat, the most likely causes are:.
- An unclean filter that should be cleaned (just if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your heating system and limits airflow, so must be changed.
- The filter is installed backwards, a concern that can be checked by searching for the arrows on the filter frame that reveal appropriate setup instructions with the flow of air.
- Air ducts are leaking, often producing telltale whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as suggested by Energy Star.
9. The Heater Makes Loud Noises.
A loud furnace is usually the result of:.
- The heater being a single-stage design that operates 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 must be changed.
- A leak in the furnace cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heater that should be tightened up.
- A dirty filter, which can also trigger whistling.
10. The Heating System Leaks when AC is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heater, and if it leaks onto the floor, the problem is most likely a blocked drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heating System Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heating system are usually brought on by:.
- An extremely unclean filter that must be cleaned, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, usually a task for a professional heating system technician.
12. The CO Screen Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm ought to be taken seriously. Turn the heating system off at the thermostat. Do not enter into the space where the heating system is located. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a mobile phone outside your home.
How to Choose a Gas Furnace Repair Work Professional.
Some property owners choose the cheapest repair service in Calgary, and the results are usually bad. Cheap services are either just starting, so do not have experience or they have a bad track record, so should offer cheap rates to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best way to find quality heater repair at a reasonable cost is to get quotes from numerous of the leading furnace repair companies in Calgary. Consult with each, find out about their history and the experience of the professionals that will do the work. Select a skilled heater repair specialist with sensible rates.