A great gas heating system troubleshooting guide helps you in identifying what is wrong with the furnace based upon its signs. That's what we do here with clear, simple details.
Repairing Common Gas Furnace Issues
Every year, countless Calgary property owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heater?" If you're in that circumstance, this guide will equip you with details prior to you call a heating system company. Understanding is protection versus being benefited from-- though most repair specialists have sound ethics.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most common problems, especially those most property owners can easily check with no tools or basic tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heater Won't Start
If absolutely nothing takes place when the thermostat is set above the home's existing temperature, the most likely causes are these:
- The heater switch (located on or near the furnace, looks like a typical light switch) is switched off and simply needs to be turned on, though the heater might have a brief hold-up prior to beginning
- The breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to journey after it is turned back on, there is likely a circuitry brief in the heater
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to check and fix
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is sometimes triggered by a wire coming loose, so check the wiring connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and need to be replaced, a concern that can be diagnosed utilizing an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is total
- The filter is dirty and need to be changed or cleaned, a problem that is specifically true on newer furnaces that are equipped to close down if the filter isn't enabling adequate air flow, a condition ductless heating and cooling that can cause severe mechanical furnace tune up calgary failure
- The heater's main circuit board/control board is bad, an issue that can be identified by an A/C professional is nothing else fixes the problem
2. Heating System Blowing Cold Air
If the heating system won't 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 most likely issues then are:
- The gas is shut off, so examine the gas dick near the heater to make sure it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and must be changed
- The ignitor is stopping working and must be changed
- The draft motor isn't working or the fresh-air consumption is obstructed, possibly 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 furnace and out the exhaust stack. If it starts and then the heating system closes down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has failed and should be changed
- A blocked air intake or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests are common causes) need to be cleared
- One of the concerns discussed above with gas, gas valve and ignitor should be resolved
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 fixing draft motor issues and what is triggering them.
5. The Flame Starts, but the Heater Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat however soon shuts down without warming your house, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensor has rust on it, sanding it might work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting repair.
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 "vehicle".
- Relays in the control panel are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a consistent supply of electrical power, and the control panel should be changed.
- The thermostat also has contacts that control power to the heating system, and they can be worn, so the thermostat must be changed.
7. Why Does the Heating System Keep Turning Off?
If your heater burner lights but the heating system soon shuts off, there are a couple of common concerns that might trigger this:.
- The furnace filter is filthy and ought to be cleaned up or replaced.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and need to be changed.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these prevail, there are a number of other possible causes finest diagnosed by a heater technician. This video provides in-depth protection to the problem of furnace short-cycling.
8. The Heating System Runs but Can't Keep the House Warm.
If your furnace is appropriately sized for your house, then it should keep your home warm even in extreme cold. If it runs continuously however isn't supplying adequate heat, the most likely causes are:.
- An unclean filter that should be washed (only if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the wrong type for your heating system and restricts airflow, so need to be changed.
- The filter is installed backwards, a problem that can be checked by searching for the arrows on the filter frame that show proper setup instructions with the circulation of air.
- Air ducts are leaking, often producing telltale whistling noises, and it is time to have them sealed as suggested by Energy Star.
9. The Heater Makes Loud Noises.
A noisy heater is frequently the outcome of:.
- The furnace being a single-stage model that works 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 leakage in the heater cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heating system that must be tightened.
- A filthy filter, which can likewise cause whistling.
10. The Furnace Leaks when A/C is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your furnace, and if it leakages onto the flooring, the problem is most likely a clogged drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Furnace Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heater are typically triggered by:.
- An extremely filthy filter that must be cleaned, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, usually a task for a professional furnace service technician.
12. The CO Monitor Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm should be taken seriously. Turn the heating system off at the thermostat. Do not go into the room where the heater lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cell phone outside your home.
How to Choose a Gas Heater Repair Work Specialist.
Some homeowners choose the most inexpensive repair service in Calgary, and the results are generally poor. Inexpensive services are either just getting started, so lack experience or they have a bad track record, so should give inexpensive rates to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best way to discover quality furnace repair work at a reasonable cost is to get estimates from numerous of the top heater repair companies in Calgary. Consult with each, learn more about their history and the experience of the professionals that will do the work. Pick an experienced heater repair contractor with reasonable rates.