A good gas furnace troubleshooting guide assists you in determining what is wrong with the furnace based upon its signs. That's what we do here with clear, straightforward details.
Troubleshooting Common Gas Heater Issues
Every year, countless Calgary property owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas furnace?" If you remain in that circumstance, this guide will arm you with details prior to you call a furnace business. Knowledge is defense against being taken advantage of-- though many repair professionals have sound principles.
Note: This guide covers the most common issues, particularly those most homeowners can easily contact no tools or fundamental tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Furnace Will Not Start
If nothing takes place when the thermostat is set above the house'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 turned off and simply requires to be turned on, though the furnace might have a brief hold-up before 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 furnace
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to check and treat
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is sometimes brought on by a wire coming loose, so check the circuitry connections
- The thermostat needs fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and must be replaced, an issue that can be detected utilizing an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is complete
- The filter is dirty and should be replaced or cleaned up, a concern that is especially true on newer heating systems that are geared up to shut down if the filter isn't allowing adequate air flow, a condition that can cause serious mechanical failure
- The heater's main circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be detected by a HEATING AND COOLING professional is nothing else resolves the problem
2. Furnace Blowing Cold Air
If the heater will not produce heat, you can inspect 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 furnace is getting power. The likely issues 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 replaced
- The ignitor is stopping working and should be replaced
- The draft motor isn't working 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 likewise called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the heater 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 need to be changed
- An obstructed air intake or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests are common causes) should be cleared
- One of the concerns talked about above with gas, gas valve and ignitor must be dealt with
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 triggering them.
5. The Flame Begins, however the Heating system Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat however quickly turns off without warming your house, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensor has deterioration on it, sanding it may work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting fix.
6. The Blower Won't Turn Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 typical issues:
- The fan switch 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 electrical power, and the control panel should be replaced.
- The thermostat also has contacts that control power to the heater, and they can be worn, so the thermostat must be changed.
7. Why Does the Heater Keep Shutting Down?
If your heating system burner lights however the heater quickly turns off, there are a few typical issues that might cause this:.
- The heating system filter is unclean and should be cleaned or changed.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and need to be replaced.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these are common, there are numerous other prospective causes finest diagnosed by a furnace service technician. This video provides in-depth coverage to the issue of heating system short-cycling.
8. The Heating System Runs but Can't Keep your home 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 constantly but isn't offering sufficient heat, the likely causes are:.
- An unclean filter that must be washed (only if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the wrong type for your heater and limits air flow, so need to be replaced.
- The filter is installed in reverse, a problem that can be checked by searching for the arrows on the filter frame that reveal correct setup instructions with the circulation of air.
- Air ducts are leaking, sometimes producing telltale whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as suggested by Energy Star.
9. The Heating System Makes Loud Noises.
A loud heater is usually the outcome of:.
- The furnace 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 must be replaced.
- A leak in the heating system cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heating system that need to be tightened up.
- An unclean filter, which can likewise cause whistling.
10. The Furnace Leaks when Air Conditioner is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heater, and if it leaks onto the flooring, the problem is more than likely a stopped up drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Furnace Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heater are normally caused by:.
- A really dirty filter that must be washed, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, typically a job for an expert heating system specialist.
12. The CO furnace service calgary Screen Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm must be taken seriously. Turn the heating system off at the thermostat. Don't go hvac company calgary into the room where the furnace lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cell phone outside your home.
How to Pick a Gas Heating System Repair Work Expert.
Some homeowners choose the cheapest repair service in Calgary, and the results are typically bad. Cheap services are either just getting started, so do not have experience or they have a bad reputation, so should give cheap prices to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best method to find quality furnace repair at a fair price is to get quotes from numerous of the top heater repair work companies in Calgary. Consult with each, learn about their history and the experience of the professionals that will do the work. Choose a skilled heating system repair professional with sensible rates.