A great gas heater troubleshooting guide helps you in identifying what is wrong with the furnace based on its signs. That's what we do here with clear, straightforward info.
Troubleshooting Common Gas Furnace Issues
Every year, countless Calgary homeowners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heater?" If you're in that scenario, this guide will arm you with information before you call furnace installation near me a heater business. Understanding is protection against being taken advantage of-- though most repair professionals have sound principles.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most typical problems, particularly those most property owners can easily talk to no tools or fundamental tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Furnace Will Not Start
If absolutely nothing occurs when the thermostat is set above the home's existing temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The heater switch (situated on or near the heating system, appears like a common light switch) is turned off and merely requires to be turned on, though the heater might have a short 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 a circuitry brief in the heating system
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to inspect and correct
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is often triggered by a wire coming loose, so inspect the electrical wiring connections
- The thermostat needs fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and need to be replaced, a problem that can be diagnosed using an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is complete
- The filter is dirty and should be changed or cleaned up, a problem that is specifically real on more recent heating systems that are equipped to close down if the filter isn't permitting appropriate air flow, a condition that can cause serious mechanical failure
- The heating system's primary circuit board/control board is bad, an issue that can be diagnosed by a HEATING AND COOLING specialist is absolutely nothing else fixes the concern
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 heating system is getting power. The likely problems then are:
- The gas is shut off, so examine the gas cock near the furnace to make sure it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and need to be changed
- The ignitor is stopping working and must be changed
- The draft motor isn't functioning or the fresh-air consumption is blocked, perhaps by snow or particles, and requires to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Furnace 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 begins and after that the heater closes down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that controls it has actually failed and need to be changed
- A blocked air intake or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests prevail causes) need to be cleared
- One of the issues talked about above with gas, gas valve and ignitor should be attended to
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 assist you in troubleshooting draft motor concerns and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Begins, but the Heating system Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat but quickly turns off without warming your home, the flame sensing unit isn't working. If the sensing unit has corrosion on it, sanding it might work, though changing it is a longer-lasting repair.
6. The Blower Won't Shut Down
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 typical problems:
- The fan turn on the thermostat is set to "on" rather than "vehicle".
- Relays in the control board are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a constant supply of electrical power, and the control panel need to be replaced.
- The thermostat also has contacts that manage power to the heating system, and they can be worn, 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 few typical issues that might trigger this:.
- The heating system filter is dirty and ought to be cleaned up or replaced.
- The flame sensor isn't working and need to be changed.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these prevail, there are numerous other potential causes best detected by a heater specialist. This video gives thorough protection to the issue of heating system short-cycling.
8. The Furnace Runs however Can't Keep your house Warm.
If your heating system is effectively sized for your home, then it needs to keep your home warm even in severe cold. If it runs continuously but isn't providing adequate heat, the likely causes are:.
- An unclean filter that need to be washed (just if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your heater and limits airflow, so should be replaced.
- The filter is installed backwards, a concern that can be checked by trying to find the arrows on the filter frame that show appropriate installation direction with the flow of air.
- Air ducts are leaking, in some cases producing telltale whistling noises, and it is time to have them sealed as advised by Energy Star.
9. The Heating System Makes Loud Noises.
A noisy heater is frequently the outcome of:.
- The heater being a single-stage model that works on heating and air conditioning high capability 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 furnace cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heating system that should be tightened.
- An unclean filter, which can also trigger whistling.
10. The Heater Leaks when AC is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your furnace, and if it leaks onto the flooring, the concern is more than likely a blocked drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heater Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heating system are typically brought on by:.
- An extremely filthy filter that need to be washed, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, typically a job 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. Don't enter into the space where the furnace lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cell phone outside your house.
How to Select a Gas Heater Repair Expert.
Some homeowners choose the most inexpensive repair service in Calgary, and the results are typically poor. Low-cost services are either just getting started, so lack experience or they have a bad reputation, so must give inexpensive pricing to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best way to discover quality heater repair work at a fair rate is to get quotes from several of the top heater repair work business in Calgary. Meet with each, learn about their history and the experience of the technicians that will do the work. Pick an experienced furnace repair contractor with reasonable rates.