An excellent gas heater repairing guide assists you in identifying what is wrong with the heater based upon its signs. That's what we do here with clear, simple information.
Fixing Common Gas Heating System Issues
Every year, countless Calgary property owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heating system?" If you remain in that scenario, this guide will arm you with info prior to you call a heating system company. Understanding is defense versus being benefited from-- though most repair specialists have sound principles.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most common problems, particularly those most property owners can easily talk to no tools or fundamental tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heater Will Not Start
If absolutely nothing occurs when the thermostat is set above the home's current temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The heating system switch (situated on or near the heater, looks like a typical light switch) is switched off and merely requires to be turned on, though the furnace might have a short delay before starting
- 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 heating system
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is easy to check and correct
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is often caused by a wire coming loose, so check the electrical wiring connections
- The thermostat needs fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and need to be changed, an issue that can be diagnosed using an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is complete
- The filter is unclean and must be replaced or cleaned, a problem that is especially true on newer furnaces that are equipped to shut down if the filter isn't allowing sufficient air circulation, a condition that can trigger major mechanical failure
- The heater's primary circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be identified by a HEATING AND COOLING specialist is absolutely nothing else solves the concern
2. Heating System Blowing Cold Air
If the furnace won't produce heat, you can inspect 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 heating system is getting power. The likely concerns then are:
- The gas is shut off, so inspect the gas cock near the heater to make certain it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and should be changed
- The ignitor is stopping working and should be replaced
- The draft motor isn't operating or the fresh-air intake is obstructed, maybe by snow or particles, and needs to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heating System Won't 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 heating system closes down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that controls it has stopped working and must be changed
- A blocked furnace installation calgary air intake or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests prevail causes) must be cleared
- One of the issues discussed above with gas, gas valve and ignitor need to 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 fixing draft motor problems and what is triggering them.
5. The Flame Begins, but the Furnace Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat however soon turns off without warming your home, the flame sensing unit isn't working. If the sensing unit has corrosion on it, sanding it might 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 3 common problems:
- The fan turn 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 board must be changed.
- The thermostat also has contacts that control power to the heating system, and they can be used, so the thermostat should be changed.
7. Why Does the Heating System Keep Turning Off?
If your furnace burner lights however the heating system quickly shuts off, there are a few common issues that may trigger this:.
- The heater filter is dirty and should be cleaned up or changed.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and need to be changed.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these prevail, there are a number of other potential causes finest identified by a heater service technician. This video gives in-depth coverage to the problem of heater short-cycling.
8. The Heating System Runs but Can't Keep your home Warm.
If your heating system is effectively sized for your house, then it must keep your house warm even in severe cold. If it runs continuously however isn't supplying sufficient heat, the likely causes are:.
- A dirty filter that need to be washed (just if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your heater and restricts air flow, so need to be changed.
- The filter is installed in reverse, an issue that can be inspected by looking for the arrows on the filter frame that reveal correct setup direction with the flow of air.
- Duct are dripping, 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 loud heater is frequently the result 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 need to be replaced.
- A leak in the heating system cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heater that must be tightened up.
- A filthy filter, which can also trigger whistling.
10. The Heater Leaks when Air Conditioning is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your furnace, and if it leakages onto the floor, the concern is most likely a blocked drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Furnace Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the furnace are generally triggered by:.
- An extremely dirty filter that must be washed, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, generally a task for a professional heater specialist.
12. The CO Screen Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm ought to be taken seriously. Turn the heating furnace maintenance calgary system off at the thermostat. Don't go into the space where the heating system is located. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cell phone outside your house.
How to Pick a Gas Furnace Repair Work Expert.
Some house owners choose the cheapest repair work service in Calgary, and the outcomes are normally poor. Cheap services are either simply getting started, so do not have experience or they have a bad credibility, so should offer low-cost rates to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best method to discover quality furnace repair work at a reasonable price is to get price quotes from several of the leading heater repair work companies in Calgary. Consult with each, find out about their history and the experience of the service technicians that will do the work. Select a knowledgeable heater repair specialist with affordable rates.