An excellent gas heating system troubleshooting guide assists you in determining what is wrong with the heating system based upon its signs. That's what we do here with clear, simple info.
Troubleshooting Common Gas Heater Issues
Every year, countless Calgary house owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heater?" If you remain in that circumstance, this guide will arm you with info prior to you call a heating system business. Knowledge is security versus being made the most of-- though most repair specialists have sound principles.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most typical issues, especially those most house owners can easily talk to no tools or standard tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heating System Will Not Start
If absolutely nothing happens when the thermostat is set above the home's existing temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The furnace switch (located on or near the heating system, appears like a common light switch) is turned off and simply requires to be turned on, though the furnace may have a short hold-up before 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 furnace
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to examine and fix
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is sometimes brought on 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 replaced, an issue that can be identified utilizing an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is complete
- The filter is filthy and should be replaced or cleaned, a concern that is specifically true on newer furnaces that are equipped to shut down if the filter isn't permitting sufficient furnace repair calgary 24 hour air circulation, a condition that can cause severe mechanical failure
- The heating system's primary circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be identified by a HEATING AND COOLING professional is nothing else fixes the issue
2. Heater Blowing Cold Air
If the heating system won't produce heat, you can check 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 most likely issues then are:
- The gas is turned off, so check the gas dick near the heating system to make certain it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and should be changed
- The ignitor is failing and must be changed
- The draft motor isn't working or the fresh-air intake is obstructed, possibly by snow or particles, and needs to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heater Will Not 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 after that the furnace closes down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that controls it has actually failed and need to be replaced
- An obstructed air intake or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests are common causes) need to be cleared
- Among the problems discussed above with gas, gas valve and ignitor must 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 Begins, but the Heating system Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat but quickly turns off without warming your home, the flame sensor 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 Won't Shut Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three common concerns:
- The fan turn on the thermostat is set to "on" instead of "car".
- Relays in the control panel are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a consistent supply of electrical energy, and the control panel should be replaced.
- The thermostat likewise has contacts that manage power to the heater, and they can be worn, so the thermostat must be replaced.
7. Why Does the Furnace Keep Shutting Off?
If your furnace burner lights but the heater quickly shuts off, there are a few common issues that may cause this:.
- The heater filter is dirty and need to be cleaned up or changed.
- The flame sensor isn't working and need to be replaced.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these are common, there are a number of other possible causes best identified by a furnace specialist. This video offers extensive protection to the issue of heater short-cycling.
8. The Heater Runs however Can't Keep your house Warm.
If your heater is appropriately sized for your house, then it should keep your house warm even in extreme cold. If it runs constantly however isn't supplying sufficient heat, the most likely causes are:.
- A dirty filter that must be washed (just if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your heater and restricts air flow, so need to be replaced.
- The filter is installed backwards, a problem that can be examined by searching for the arrows on the filter frame that reveal appropriate installation instructions with the flow of air.
- Air ducts are dripping, often producing telltale whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as advised by Energy Star.
9. The Heating System Makes Loud Noises.
A loud furnace is frequently the result of:.
- The heater being a single-stage design that works 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 should be replaced.
- A leak in the heater 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 leakages onto the flooring, the issue is probably a clogged up drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heating System Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heater are typically triggered by:.
- A really unclean filter that need to be washed, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, usually a job for a professional heating system professional.
12. The CO Display Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm ought to be taken seriously. Turn the furnace off at the thermostat. Don't enter into the room where the heater lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a mobile phone outside your house.
How to Select a Gas Furnace Repair Work Expert.
Some property owners pick the most affordable repair service in Calgary, and the results are furnace service generally bad. Cheap services are either simply starting, so lack experience or they have a bad credibility, so should offer cheap rates to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best method to discover quality heater repair at a reasonable price is to get price quotes from several of the leading heating system repair work business in Calgary. Meet with each, discover their history and the experience of the service technicians that will do the work. Choose an experienced furnace repair professional with reasonable rates.