A great gas furnace troubleshooting guide helps you in determining what is wrong with the heating system based upon its signs. That's what we do here with clear, straightforward info.
Fixing Common Gas Heater Issues
Every year, thousands of Calgary homeowners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heating system?" If you remain in that scenario, this guide will arm you with information prior to you call a heater business. Understanding is security versus being taken advantage of-- though many repair experts have sound principles.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most typical issues, especially those most property owners can easily check with no tools or standard tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Furnace Won't Start
If nothing occurs when the thermostat is set above the home'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 needs to be turned on, though the heater may 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 a circuitry brief in the heating system
- 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 wiring connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and must be changed, an issue that can be identified using an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is total
- The filter is filthy and should be changed or cleaned, a problem that is particularly real on newer furnaces that are geared up to shut down if the filter isn't permitting sufficient air circulation, a condition that can trigger severe mechanical failure
- The heater's main circuit board/control board is bad, a concern that can be diagnosed by a HVAC specialist is nothing else solves the concern
2. Heater 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 "Automobile" position to the "On" position. If the fan comes on, then the heater is getting power. The likely issues then are:
- The gas is turned off, so examine the gas dick near the heating system to ensure 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 changed
- The draft motor isn't functioning or the fresh-air consumption is obstructed, perhaps 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 heater and out the exhaust stack. If it begins and then the heating system closes down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that controls it has actually failed and should emergency furnace repair calgary be changed
- A blocked air consumption or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests are common causes) should be cleared
- Among the problems discussed above with gas, gas valve and ignitor should be resolved
4. The Draft Motor Won't 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 Starts, but the Heater Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat but soon shuts off without warming your home, the flame sensing unit isn't working. If the sensing unit has rust on it, sanding it may work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting repair.
6. The Blower Will Not Shut Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 typical issues:
- The fan turn on the thermostat is set to "on" rather than "car".
- Relays in the control panel are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a constant supply of electricity, and the control panel must be changed.
- The thermostat also has contacts that control power to the heater, and they can be worn, so the thermostat needs to be replaced.
7. Why Does the Heating System Keep Shutting Down?
If your heater burner lights but the furnace soon shuts off, there are a few typical problems that may trigger this:.
- The heater filter is unclean and need to be cleaned or changed.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and need to be replaced.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these prevail, there are a number of other prospective causes finest identified by a heating system specialist. This video offers extensive coverage to the problem of furnace short-cycling.
8. The Furnace Runs but Can't Keep your house Warm.
If your furnace is correctly sized for your house, then it must keep your house warm even in severe cold. If it runs continuously however isn't supplying adequate heat, the likely causes are:.
- A dirty filter that need to be washed (only if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the wrong type for your heater and restricts airflow, so ought to be changed.
- The filter is set up backwards, a concern that can be examined by trying to find the arrows on the filter frame that show appropriate setup instructions with the circulation of air.
- Duct are leaking, sometimes producing telltale whistling noises, and it is time to have them sealed as recommended by Energy Star.
9. The Heating System Makes Loud Noises.
A loud heater is usually the outcome of:.
- The furnace being a single-stage design that runs on high capability all heat and cool 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.
- A filthy filter, which can likewise trigger whistling.
10. The Furnace Leaks when Air Conditioner is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heater, and if it leakages onto the flooring, the problem is most likely a blocked drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Furnace Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the furnace are normally caused by:.
- A really unclean filter that should be washed, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, generally a task for an expert heater service technician.
12. The CO Monitor Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm need to be taken seriously. Turn the furnace off at the thermostat. Do not go into the space where the heater lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cell phone outside your house.
How to Choose a Gas Heating System Repair Specialist.
Some homeowners choose the least expensive repair work service in Calgary, and the results are generally bad. Inexpensive services are either simply starting, so lack experience or they have a bad track record, so should offer inexpensive rates to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best way to discover quality heater repair work at a fair price is to get estimates from numerous of the leading furnace repair work companies in Calgary. Meet each, learn more about their history and the experience of the professionals that will do the work. Pick an experienced heater repair specialist with affordable rates.