A great gas heater troubleshooting guide helps you in determining what is wrong with the heating system based on its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated details.
Troubleshooting Common Gas Heating System Issues
Every year, countless Calgary homeowners ask, "What's wrong with my gas furnace?" If you're in that scenario, this guide will arm you with info before you call a heater business. Knowledge is security versus being taken advantage of-- though most repair professionals have sound principles.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most common issues, particularly those most homeowners can quickly consult no tools or basic tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Furnace Won't Start
If nothing occurs when the thermostat is set above the house's current temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The heater switch (located on or near the furnace, appears like a common light switch) is shut off and merely needs to be turned on, though the heater may have a short hold-up heating and cooling before starting
- The circuit breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to journey after it is turned back on, there is likely a circuitry short in the heating system
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is easy to check and remedy
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is often triggered by a wire coming loose, so inspect the circuitry connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and must be replaced, an issue that can be diagnosed utilizing an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is complete
- The filter is dirty and need to be changed or cleaned up, an issue that is specifically true on newer heaters that are equipped to close down if the filter isn't permitting sufficient air circulation, a condition that can cause serious mechanical failure
- The heating system's primary circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be identified by a HEATING AND COOLING professional is nothing else resolves the concern
2. Heating System Blowing Cold Air
If the heater will not produce heat, you can examine to see if it is getting power by moving the fan switch from the "Automobile" position to the "On" position. If the fan begins, then the furnace is getting power. The most likely issues then are:
- The gas is turned off, so check 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 replaced
- The ignitor is stopping working and should be changed
- The draft motor isn't working or the fresh-air consumption is blocked, perhaps by snow or debris, and requires to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heater Will Not Start
The draft motor is also called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the furnace and out the exhaust stack. If it begins and then the heater shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has actually stopped working and must be replaced
- A blocked air intake or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird's nests are common causes) should be cleared
- Among 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 fixing draft motor concerns and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Starts, however the Heater Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat however soon shuts down without warming your house, the flame sensing unit isn't working. If the sensor has rust on it, sanding it might work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting fix.
6. The Blower Will Not Shut Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three common issues:
- The fan switch on the thermostat is set to "on" instead of "vehicle".
- Relays in the control board are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a constant supply of electrical energy, and the control board must be changed.
- The thermostat also has contacts that manage power to the heating system, and they can be worn, so the thermostat should be changed.
7. Why Does the Furnace Keep Shutting Off?
If your heating system burner emergency furnace repair calgary lights but the furnace soon shuts down, there are a couple of typical problems that might trigger this:.
- The furnace filter is dirty and must be cleaned up or replaced.
- The flame sensor isn't working and ought to be changed.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these prevail, there are a number of other prospective causes best detected by a furnace technician. This video gives thorough protection to the problem of heater short-cycling.
8. The Heating System Runs but Can't Keep your house Warm.
If your heater is properly sized for your home, then it should keep your home warm even in severe cold. If it runs constantly however isn't supplying enough heat, the most likely causes are:.
- A dirty filter that need to be cleaned (only if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your heater and restricts airflow, so must be changed.
- The filter is installed in reverse, a concern that can be inspected by searching for the arrows on the filter frame that reveal correct installation direction with the circulation of air.
- Duct are dripping, often producing telltale whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as suggested by Energy Star.
9. The Furnace Makes Loud Noises.
A loud heating system is usually the result of:.
- The furnace being a single-stage design that runs 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 should be tightened up.
- A dirty filter, which can likewise trigger whistling.
10. The Heating System Leaks when AC is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heater, and if it leakages 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 usually brought on by:.
- A very filthy filter that should be washed, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, usually a job for a professional heater professional.
12. The CO Monitor Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm must be taken seriously. Turn the heating system off at the thermostat. Don't go into the room where the heater lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cellular phone outside your home.
How to Choose a Gas Heating System Repair Expert.
Some property owners choose the least expensive repair service in Calgary, and the outcomes are normally poor. Low-cost services are either just beginning, so lack experience or they have a bad track record, so must offer low-cost prices to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best way to discover quality heater repair work at a reasonable cost is to get price quotes from numerous of the leading furnace repair work business in Calgary. Consult with each, learn more about their history and the experience of the technicians that will do the work. Choose a skilled heater repair work contractor with reasonable rates.