An excellent gas heater repairing guide assists you in determining what is wrong with the furnace based on its signs. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated information.
Repairing Common Gas Heater Problems
Every year, thousands of Calgary homeowners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heater?" If you remain in that circumstance, this guide will equip you with info before you call a heating system company. Knowledge is defense against being made the most of-- though many repair work specialists have sound ethics.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most typical problems, especially those most property owners can easily consult no tools or basic tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heater Won't Start
If nothing happens when the thermostat is set above the home's current temperature, the most likely furnace service causes are these:
- The furnace switch (located on or near the heating system, appears like a common light switch) is shut off and simply requires to be turned on, though the furnace may have a short hold-up before starting
- The circuit breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to trip after it is turned back on, there is likely a wiring short in the furnace
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to examine and remedy
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is often brought on by a wire coming loose, so inspect the wiring connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and must be changed, an issue that can be diagnosed using an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is complete
- The filter is furnace repair calgary unclean and need to be changed or cleaned up, a problem that is especially true on more recent heaters that are geared up to close down if the filter isn't permitting adequate air circulation, a condition that can cause serious mechanical failure
- The furnace's primary circuit board/control board is bad, a concern that can be identified by a HVAC technician is absolutely nothing else solves 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 "Auto" position to the "On" position. If the fan comes on, then the furnace is getting power. The likely issues then are:
- The gas is switched off, so check the gas cock near the heating system to make certain it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and must be changed
- The ignitor is failing and should be changed
- The draft motor isn't functioning or the fresh-air consumption is blocked, perhaps by snow or debris, and needs to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heater Won't Start
The draft motor is also called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the heater and out the exhaust stack. If it begins and after that the furnace closes down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has actually stopped working and need to be replaced
- An obstructed air intake or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests prevail causes) need to be cleared
- One of the concerns gone over above with gas, gas valve and ignitor must 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 help you in repairing draft motor concerns and what is triggering them.
5. The Flame Starts, however the Heating system Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat but soon shuts down without warming your home, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensor has corrosion on it, sanding it may work, though changing it is a longer-lasting repair.
6. The Blower Will Not 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" rather than "auto".
- Relays in the control board are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a constant supply of electrical power, and the control board must be changed.
- The thermostat also has contacts that manage power to the heater, and they can be worn, so the thermostat needs to be replaced.
7. Why Does the Heating System Keep Shutting Down?
If your heating system burner lights however the furnace soon turns off, there are a couple of typical concerns that may trigger this:.
- The furnace filter is dirty and should be cleaned up or changed.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and ought to be changed.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these are common, there are a number of other potential causes finest diagnosed by a furnace technician. This video offers extensive coverage to the issue of heater short-cycling.
8. The Heating System Runs however Can't Keep your home Warm.
If your heating system is correctly sized for your home, then it ought to keep your home warm even in severe cold. If it runs continuously but isn't providing adequate heat, the most likely causes are:.
- A dirty filter that should be washed (only if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the wrong type for your furnace and limits airflow, so ought to be replaced.
- The filter is installed backwards, a concern that can be inspected by trying to find the arrows on the filter frame that show correct installation direction with the circulation of air.
- Duct are dripping, in some cases producing telltale whistling noises, and it is time to have them sealed as advised by Energy Star.
9. The Heating System Makes Loud Noises.
A loud heating system is most often the result of:.
- The heater being a single-stage model 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 should be replaced.
- A leak in the heating system cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heater that need to be tightened.
- A dirty filter, which can also cause whistling.
10. The Heating System Leaks when Air Conditioning 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 heating system are normally caused by:.
- A really filthy filter that should be cleaned, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, usually a task for a professional heater professional.
12. The CO Screen Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm need to be taken seriously. Turn the heating system 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 cell phone outside your home.
How to Choose a Gas Heating System Repair Work Professional.
Some house owners select the least expensive repair service in Calgary, and the outcomes are normally poor. Cheap services are either simply getting going, so lack experience or they have a bad credibility, so should provide low-cost prices to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best method to find quality heater repair work at a fair rate is to get quotes from several of the top furnace repair work companies in Calgary. Consult with each, discover their history and the experience of the professionals that will do the work. Select a knowledgeable heating system repair contractor with reasonable rates.