A good gas furnace fixing guide assists you in determining what is wrong with the heater based on its signs. That's what we do here with clear, simple info.
Troubleshooting Common Gas Heating System Problems
Every year, thousands of Calgary homeowners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heater?" If you remain in that scenario, this guide will equip you with information before you call a furnace business. Knowledge is protection versus being benefited from-- though the majority of repair specialists have sound ethics.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most common problems, specifically those most homeowners can quickly talk to no tools or fundamental 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, the most likely causes are these:
- The heater switch (situated on or near the heater, looks like a common light switch) is turned off and just requires to be turned on, though the heater might have a short delay before 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 heater
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is easy to examine and correct
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is often caused by a wire coming loose, so check the electrical wiring connections
- The thermostat needs fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and heating and cooling should be replaced, a problem that can be detected utilizing an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is total
- The filter is unclean and need to be replaced or cleaned up, a problem that is especially true on newer heaters that are geared up to close down if the filter isn't enabling adequate air circulation, a condition that can cause severe mechanical failure
- The furnace's primary circuit board/control board is bad, a concern that can be identified by an A/C professional is absolutely nothing else solves the issue
2. Heating System Blowing Cold Air
If the heating system won't produce heat, you can inspect 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 heating system is getting power. The most likely problems then are:
- The gas is turned off, so inspect the gas cock near the heater to ensure it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and should be replaced
- The ignitor is stopping working and need to be replaced
- The draft motor isn't working or the fresh-air consumption is blocked, possibly by snow or debris, and requires to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Furnace Will Not Start
The draft motor is likewise called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the heating system and out the exhaust stack. If it begins and then the furnace shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has actually stopped working and need to be changed
- A blocked air intake or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests are common causes) should be cleared
- Among the problems talked about above with gas, gas valve and ignitor should be dealt with
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 problems and what is triggering them.
5. The Flame Starts, however the Furnace Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat but quickly shuts down without warming your house, the flame sensing unit isn't working. If the sensor has corrosion on it, sanding it might work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting repair.
6. The Blower Will Not Turn Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three common concerns:
- The fan turn on the thermostat is set to "on" calgary furnace repair instead of "vehicle".
- Relays in the control board are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a constant supply of electricity, and the control panel should be replaced.
- The thermostat also has contacts that manage power to the heater, and they can be worn, so the thermostat should be replaced.
7. Why Does the Heating System Keep Shutting Down?
If your heating system burner lights however the furnace quickly shuts down, there are a few typical issues that may trigger this:.
- The furnace filter is filthy and must be cleaned up or replaced.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and need to be changed.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these prevail, there are numerous other possible causes finest identified by a furnace specialist. This video provides in-depth coverage to the problem of heating system short-cycling.
8. The Furnace Runs but Can't Keep the House Warm.
If your furnace is properly sized for your home, then it should keep your house warm even in severe cold. If it runs constantly however isn't supplying sufficient heat, the most likely causes are:.
- An unclean filter that need to be washed (only if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the wrong type for your heater and limits air flow, so need to be changed.
- The filter is set up in reverse, a problem that can be inspected by searching for the arrows on the filter frame that show correct setup direction with the circulation of air.
- Air ducts are leaking, in some cases producing telltale whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as advised by Energy Star.
9. The Furnace Makes Loud Noises.
A loud heating system is frequently the result of:.
- The furnace 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 replaced.
- A leak in the heater cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heater that need to be tightened up.
- A dirty filter, which can likewise cause whistling.
10. The Heating System Leaks when Air Conditioner is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your furnace, and if it leaks onto the flooring, the issue is most likely a stopped up drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Furnace Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heating system are typically brought on by:.
- A very filthy filter that must be cleaned, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, generally a job for an expert furnace technician.
12. The CO Display Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm ought to be taken seriously. Turn the heating system off at the thermostat. Do not go into the room where the heating system 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 Work Professional.
Some house owners select the cheapest repair work service in Calgary, and the outcomes are generally poor. Cheap services are either simply getting going, so lack experience or they have a bad reputation, so need to give cheap pricing to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best method to find quality heater repair at a reasonable price is to get estimates from numerous of the leading furnace repair work companies in Calgary. Meet with each, discover their history and the experience of the professionals that will do the work. Select a skilled furnace repair contractor with sensible rates.