A great gas furnace fixing guide helps you in determining what is wrong with the heating system based on its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, simple information.
Troubleshooting Common Gas Heating System Problems
Every year, thousands of Calgary property owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heating system?" If you're in that situation, this guide will equip you with info before you call a heater business. Knowledge is protection versus being benefited from-- though a lot of repair experts have sound principles.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most typical issues, particularly those most homeowners can easily contact no tools or basic tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heater Will Not Start
If furnace service nothing happens when the thermostat is set above the home's present temperature, the most likely causes are these:
- The heater switch (located on or near the furnace, looks like a typical light switch) is shut off and simply requires to be turned on, though the heater might have a short hold-up prior to beginning
- The circuit breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to journey after it is turned back on, there is likely a wiring brief in the heating system
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is furnace replacement simple to examine and treat
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is sometimes triggered by a wire coming loose, so check the wiring connections
- The thermostat needs fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and need to be changed, a problem that can be detected utilizing an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is total
- The filter is filthy and must be replaced or cleaned up, an issue that is particularly true on more recent heating systems that are equipped to close down if the filter isn't allowing sufficient air circulation, a condition that can cause major mechanical failure
- The furnace's main circuit board/control board is bad, an issue that can be identified by a HVAC specialist is nothing else fixes the problem
2. Heating System 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 "Car" position to the "On" position. If the fan comes on, then the heater is getting power. The most likely issues then are:
- The gas is shut off, so check the gas dick near the furnace to ensure it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and need to be replaced
- The ignitor is failing and must be replaced
- The draft motor isn't working or the fresh-air intake is obstructed, perhaps by snow or particles, and needs to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heating System Won't 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 controls it has actually stopped working and should be replaced
- A blocked air consumption or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird's nests are common causes) should be cleared
- One of the concerns gone over above with gas, gas valve and ignitor must be addressed
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 repairing draft motor issues and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Begins, however the Heater Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat however soon shuts off without warming your home, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensor has deterioration on it, sanding it might work, though changing it is a longer-lasting repair.
6. The Blower Won't Shut Down
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three typical problems:
- The fan turn on the thermostat is set to "on" instead of "auto".
- Relays in the control panel are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a continuous supply of electrical power, and the control panel must be replaced.
- The thermostat also has contacts that manage power to the heater, and they can be worn, so the thermostat must be changed.
7. Why Does the Furnace Keep Shutting Down?
If your heater burner lights however the furnace quickly shuts down, there are a few typical concerns that might cause this:.
- The heater filter is filthy and need to be cleaned or changed.
- The flame sensor isn't working and ought to be changed.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these prevail, there are numerous other potential causes finest identified by a heater technician. This video offers thorough protection to the issue of furnace short-cycling.
8. The Furnace Runs but Can't Keep your home Warm.
If your heater is properly sized for your house, then it needs to keep your house warm even in severe cold. If it runs constantly but isn't offering adequate heat, the most likely causes are:.
- An unclean filter that must be washed (just if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your heating system and restricts air flow, so need to be replaced.
- The filter is installed in reverse, a concern that can be examined by searching for the arrows on the filter frame that show proper installation direction with the circulation of air.
- Air ducts are leaking, in some cases producing obvious whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as suggested by Energy Star.
9. The Heater Makes Loud Noises.
A noisy furnace is frequently the outcome of:.
- The heater being a single-stage design that runs 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 need to be changed.
- A leakage in the heater cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heating system that must be tightened up.
- A filthy filter, which can also cause whistling.
10. The Heater Leaks when AC is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your furnace, and if it leaks onto the floor, the concern is most likely a blocked drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heater Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heating system are usually triggered by:.
- A very dirty filter that ought to be cleaned, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, usually a task for a professional heater service technician.
12. The CO Display Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm should be taken seriously. Turn the heating system off at the thermostat. Don't go into the space where the heating system lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cellular phone outside your house.
How to Select a Gas Furnace Repair Work Specialist.
Some homeowners choose the most affordable repair work service in Calgary, and the results are normally bad. Cheap services are either simply getting going, so do not have experience or they have a bad track record, so must provide inexpensive rates to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best method to find quality heating system repair at a fair rate is to get quotes from numerous of the top furnace repair work business in Calgary. Consult with each, learn about their history and the experience of the technicians that will do the work. Choose an experienced furnace repair professional with affordable rates.