A great gas heating system troubleshooting guide assists you in determining what is wrong with the heater based upon its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated info.
Repairing Common Gas Furnace Problems
Every year, thousands of Calgary homeowners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heating system?" If you're in that circumstance, this guide will equip you with info prior to you call a heater company. Understanding is protection versus being benefited from-- though a lot of repair professionals have sound principles.
Note: This guide covers the most typical issues, particularly those most house owners can easily consult no tools or standard tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heater Will Not Start
If nothing occurs when the thermostat is set above the home's existing temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The furnace switch (located on or near the furnace, appears like a common light switch) is shut off and simply needs to be switched on, though the heater might have a brief delay before beginning
- 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 treat
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is sometimes caused by a wire coming loose, so check the electrical wiring connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and should be changed, a problem that can be diagnosed utilizing an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is total
- The filter is unclean and should be changed or cleaned up, a concern that is specifically real on more recent heaters that are geared up to close down if the filter isn't allowing sufficient air flow, a condition that can trigger serious mechanical failure
- The heater's primary circuit board/control board is bad, an issue that can be diagnosed by a HVAC specialist is nothing else solves 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 "Car" position to the "On" position. If the fan comes on, then the heater is getting power. The most likely concerns then are:
- The gas is switched off, so examine the gas dick near the heating system to make certain 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 blocked, possibly by snow or particles, and needs 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 starts and then the furnace shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has failed and must be changed
- A blocked air consumption or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird's nests prevail causes) need to be cleared
- Among the problems discussed above with gas, gas valve and ignitor should be addressed
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 causing them.
5. furnace cleaning The Flame Begins, however the Heating system 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 might work, though changing it is a longer-lasting repair.
6. The Blower Will Not Turn Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three typical problems:
- The fan switch on the thermostat is set to "on" rather than "automobile".
- Relays in the control panel are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a consistent supply of electrical energy, and the control board need to be changed.
- The thermostat likewise has contacts that control power to the furnace, and they can be worn, so the thermostat needs to be changed.
7. Why Does the Furnace Keep Turning Off?
If your furnace service near me heating system burner lights however the heating system soon turns off, there are a few common problems that might cause this:.
- The heating system filter is unclean and must be cleaned up or changed.
- The flame sensor isn't working and ought to be replaced.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these are common, there are several other possible causes finest identified by a heating system specialist. This video provides in-depth protection to the problem of heating system short-cycling.
8. The Furnace Runs but Can't Keep the House Warm.
If your furnace is appropriately sized for your home, then it should keep your house warm even in extreme cold. If it runs constantly but isn't offering sufficient heat, the most likely causes are:.
- A dirty filter that must be washed (just if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your heating system and limits airflow, so ought to be changed.
- The filter is set up backwards, a concern that can be checked by searching for the arrows on the filter frame that show appropriate setup instructions with the flow of air.
- Air ducts are dripping, in some cases producing obvious whistling noises, and it is time to have them sealed as recommended by Energy Star.
9. The Heating System Makes Loud Noises.
A loud furnace is frequently the result of:.
- The heating system being a single-stage design that operates 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 should be replaced.
- A leak in the heating system cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the furnace that must be tightened.
- An unclean filter, which can also trigger whistling.
10. The Furnace Leaks when Air Conditioning is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heating system, and if it leakages onto the flooring, the concern is probably a clogged drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heating System Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heating system are normally triggered by:.
- A really filthy filter that must be cleaned, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, typically a job for a professional heating system technician.
12. The CO Display 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 Pick a Gas Heater Repair Specialist.
Some homeowners choose the most inexpensive repair service in Calgary, and the results are generally bad. Low-cost services are either simply beginning, so do not have experience or they have a bad credibility, so need to give cheap pricing to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best way to discover quality heating system repair work at a fair rate is to get quotes from several of the top heater repair business in Calgary. Meet each, learn more about their history and the experience of the service technicians that will do the work. Select a knowledgeable furnace repair work contractor with sensible rates.