A great gas furnace repairing guide assists you in determining what is wrong with the furnace based upon its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, straightforward information.
Troubleshooting Common Gas Furnace Problems
Every year, countless Calgary homeowners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heater?" If you're in that situation, this guide will arm you with information prior to you call a heater company. Understanding is security against being benefited from-- though the majority of repair work professionals have sound ductless heating and cooling ethics.
Note: This guide covers the most typical problems, especially those most homeowners can quickly talk to no tools or fundamental tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heater Won't Start
If absolutely 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 typical light switch) is shut off and simply needs to be switched on, though the heating system may have a short hold-up prior to beginning
- The breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to trip after it is turned back on, there is likely a circuitry brief in the heater
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which family heating and cooling is easy to check and fix
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is sometimes triggered by a wire coming loose, so check the circuitry connections
- The thermostat needs fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and need to be changed, a problem that can be diagnosed using an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is total
- The filter is unclean and need to be changed or cleaned, a problem that is especially real on more recent heaters that are equipped to shut down if the filter isn't allowing sufficient air flow, a condition that can trigger major mechanical failure
- The heating system's main circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be detected by an A/C service technician is absolutely nothing else fixes the issue
2. Heater 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 "Vehicle" position to the "On" position. If the fan begins, then the heater is getting power. The likely problems then are:
- The gas is switched off, so check the gas dick near the heating system 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 failing and need to be changed
- The draft motor isn't functioning or the fresh-air intake is blocked, perhaps by snow or debris, and requires to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Furnace Will Not Start
The draft motor is also 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 closes down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that controls it has actually failed and must be changed
- An obstructed air intake or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests are common causes) must be cleared
- One of the concerns gone over above with gas, gas valve and ignitor need to be dealt with
4. The Draft Motor Will Not Start
The problem, in this case, is either that the motor is bad or the capacitor that supports it is bad. This video will help you in repairing draft motor concerns and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Begins, however the Furnace Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat however quickly turns off without warming your house, the flame sensing unit isn't working. If the sensing unit has corrosion on it, sanding it may work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting fix.
6. The Blower Will Not Shut Down
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 typical problems:
- The fan switch on the thermostat is set to "on" rather than "auto".
- 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 must be changed.
- The thermostat likewise has contacts that manage power to the heating system, and they can be worn, so the thermostat must be changed.
7. Why Does the Furnace Keep Shutting Down?
If your heater burner lights but the heater quickly shuts off, there are a few typical problems that might cause this:.
- The heating system filter is filthy and need to be cleaned or replaced.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and must be replaced.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these are common, there are numerous other prospective causes finest identified by a heater professional. This video gives in-depth coverage to the issue of heater short-cycling.
8. The Heating System Runs but Can't Keep your house Warm.
If your furnace is appropriately sized for your house, then it must keep your home warm even in extreme cold. If it runs continuously but isn't offering adequate heat, the likely causes are:.
- A filthy filter that need to be washed (only if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the wrong type for your heating system and restricts air flow, so should be replaced.
- The filter is set up in reverse, a concern that can be checked by trying to find the arrows on the filter frame that reveal proper installation direction with the circulation of air.
- Air ducts are leaking, sometimes producing obvious whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as advised by Energy Star.
9. The Furnace Makes Loud Noises.
A loud heater is usually the outcome of:.
- The heater being a single-stage model 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 need to be changed.
- A leakage in the heating system cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the furnace that should be tightened.
- An unclean 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 floor, the issue 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 triggered by:.
- A very unclean filter that must be washed, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, normally a task for an expert furnace service technician.
12. The CO Display Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm must be taken seriously. Turn the furnace off at the thermostat. Do not go into the space where the furnace is located. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a mobile phone outside your house.
How to Select a Gas Heater Repair Professional.
Some house owners choose the least expensive repair service in Calgary, and the results are usually poor. Inexpensive services are either simply getting started, so do not have experience or they have a bad track record, so need to give low-cost rates to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best way to find quality furnace repair work at a reasonable cost is to get estimates from numerous of the top heating system repair work companies in Calgary. Meet with each, discover their history and the experience of the technicians that will do the work. Choose a skilled heating system repair contractor with reasonable rates.