A great gas furnace troubleshooting guide helps you in identifying what is wrong with the heating system based upon its signs. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated information.
Fixing Common Gas Heating System Issues
Every year, thousands of Calgary house owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heating system?" If you're in that situation, this guide will equip you with details before you call a heating system company. Knowledge is security versus being benefited from-- though most repair experts have sound principles.
Note: This guide covers the most common problems, particularly those most homeowners can easily contact no tools or fundamental tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heating System Will Not Start
If nothing takes place when the thermostat is set above the house's present temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The furnace switch (situated on or near the furnace, appears like a typical light switch) is switched off and just needs to be switched on, though the heater might have a brief delay before beginning
- The breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to journey after it is turned back on, there is likely an electrical wiring brief in the heating system
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to inspect and treat
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is in some cases caused by a wire coming loose, so check the circuitry connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and must be changed, a concern that can be diagnosed utilizing an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is total
- The filter is filthy and need to be changed or cleaned up, a concern that is particularly real on newer heating systems that are geared up to shut down if the filter isn't enabling adequate air circulation, a condition that can trigger major mechanical failure
- The heating system's main circuit board/control board is bad, a concern that can be diagnosed by an A/C professional is absolutely nothing else resolves 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 "Auto" position to the "On" position. If the fan comes on, then the furnace is getting power. The most likely problems then are:
- The gas is shut off, so check the gas dick near the heater to make certain it cool heat is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and need to be changed
- The ignitor is stopping working and should be changed
- The draft motor isn't operating or the fresh-air consumption is obstructed, perhaps by snow or debris, and needs 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 shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has actually failed and must be replaced
- A blocked air consumption or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests are common causes) must be cleared
- Among the concerns talked about above with gas, gas valve and ignitor should be resolved
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 repairing draft motor concerns and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Starts, but the Heating system Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat but soon shuts down without warming your home, the flame sensing unit isn't working. If the sensor has deterioration on it, sanding it may work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting repair.
6. The Blower Will Not Turn Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three common concerns:
- The fan switch on the thermostat is set to "on" instead of "car".
- Relays in the control board are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a consistent supply of electrical energy, and the control panel must be replaced.
- The thermostat also has contacts that control power to the furnace, and they can be worn, so the thermostat should be changed.
7. Why Does the Heater Keep Shutting Down?
If your heater burner lights but the furnace quickly turns off, there are a couple of typical issues that may cause this:.
- The heating system filter is unclean and should be cleaned or replaced.
- The flame sensor isn't working and need to be replaced.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these prevail, there are several other possible causes finest identified by a heater professional. This video gives extensive coverage to the issue of heater short-cycling.
8. The Furnace Runs however Can't Keep the House Warm.
If your heater is correctly sized for your house, then it ought to keep your house warm even in extreme cold. If it runs continuously but isn't supplying sufficient heat, the most likely causes are:.
- A filthy filter that must be washed (just if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the wrong type for your furnace and limits air flow, so ought to be replaced.
- The filter is installed in reverse, a concern that can be inspected by looking for the arrows on the filter frame that show proper installation direction with the flow of air.
- Duct are dripping, sometimes producing obvious whistling noises, and it is time to have them sealed as suggested by Energy Star.
9. The Heating System Makes Loud Noises.
A loud heating system is most often the outcome of:.
- The furnace being a single-stage model that operates on high capability all the time, so it's going to be loud.
- A bad bearing in the draft motor or the blower motor that must be changed.
- A leak in the furnace cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heater that should be tightened.
- An unclean filter, which can likewise cause whistling.
10. The Furnace Leaks when A/C is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heating system, 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:.
- A really filthy filter that need to be cleaned, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, usually furnace service near me a job for a professional heating system specialist.
12. The CO Display Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm should be taken seriously. Turn the heater off at the thermostat. Don't go into the space where the heater is located. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a mobile phone outside your house.
How to Choose a Gas Heater Repair Professional.
Some house owners choose the cheapest repair work service in Calgary, and the outcomes are generally poor. Inexpensive services are either simply beginning, so lack experience or they have a bad reputation, so should provide inexpensive prices to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best way to find quality heater repair at a fair cost is to get estimates from numerous of the leading furnace repair companies in Calgary. Consult with each, learn about their history and the experience of the service technicians that will do the work. Select a skilled heater repair professional with sensible rates.