A good gas heating system troubleshooting guide helps you in identifying what is wrong with the furnace based on its signs. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated details.
Troubleshooting Common Gas Heating System Problems
Every year, thousands of Calgary house owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heating system?" If you remain in that scenario, this guide will equip you with information before you call a furnace company. Understanding is defense against being taken advantage of-- though a lot of repair work specialists have sound principles.
Note: This guide covers the most common issues, specifically those most homeowners can quickly talk to no tools or basic tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heater Won't Start
If nothing takes place when the thermostat is set above the house's existing temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The heater switch (located on or near the heating system, looks like a common light switch) is turned off and merely requires to be turned on, though the furnace might have a short hold-up prior to starting
- The circuit breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to trip after it is turned back on, there is likely a circuitry short in the heater
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is easy to inspect and fix
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is in some cases brought on by a wire coming loose, so check the circuitry connections
- The thermostat needs fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and should be changed, an issue that can be detected using an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is complete
- The filter is unclean and must be changed or cleaned, a concern that is specifically real on more recent heating systems that are geared up to shut down if the filter isn't allowing appropriate air circulation, a condition that can cause severe mechanical failure
- The heater's primary circuit board/control board is bad, a concern that can be diagnosed by a HVAC professional is nothing else resolves the problem
2. Heating System Blowing Cold Air
If the heating system won't produce heat, you can inspect 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 heating system is getting power. The likely issues then are:
- The gas is turned off, so inspect the gas dick near the heating system 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 need to be changed
- The draft motor isn't functioning or the fresh-air intake is obstructed, possibly by snow or particles, and requires 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 furnace and out the exhaust stack. If it starts and then the heater shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has failed and should be replaced
- An obstructed air intake or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests are common causes) should be cleared
- Among the issues talked about above with gas, gas valve and ignitor must be attended to
4. The Draft Motor Won't Start
The problem, in this case, is either that the motor is bad or the capacitor that supports it is bad. This video will assist you in fixing draft motor issues and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Begins, but the Heating system Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat but soon shuts off without warming your home, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensor has rust on it, sanding it may work, though changing it is a longer-lasting fix.
6. The Blower Won't Turn Off
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 "automobile".
- Relays in the control panel are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a constant supply of electrical power, and the control panel need to be changed.
- The thermostat likewise has contacts that manage power to the heater, and they can be used, so the thermostat must be changed.
7. Why Does the Heater Keep Shutting Down?
If your heater burner lights however the heating system quickly shuts down, there are a couple of common problems that might trigger this:.
- The heater filter is dirty and must be cleaned up or changed.
- The flame sensor isn't working and should be changed.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these prevail, there are a number of other prospective causes finest identified by a heating system service technician. This video provides extensive coverage to the problem of heating system short-cycling.
8. The Heater Runs but Can't Keep the House Warm.
If your heating system is properly sized for your home, then it must keep your home warm even in severe cold. If it runs continuously but isn't providing adequate heat, the likely causes are:.
- An unclean filter that need to be cleaned (only if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the wrong type for your furnace and restricts air flow, so must be changed.
- The filter is set up backwards, an issue that can be checked by looking for emergency furnace repair calgary the arrows on the filter frame that reveal proper installation direction with the circulation of air.
- Duct are leaking, in some cases producing telltale whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as suggested by Energy Star.
9. The Heating System Makes Loud Noises.
A noisy furnace is most often the result of:.
- The heater 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 should be replaced.
- A leakage in the heating system cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the furnace that should be tightened up.
- A filthy filter, which can likewise trigger whistling.
10. The Heating System Leaks when Air Conditioning is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heating system, and if it leaks onto the floor, the issue is most likely a stopped up drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Furnace Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heater are typically caused by:.
- A really filthy filter that need to be cleaned, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, typically a job for an expert heating system specialist.
12. The CO Monitor Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm should be taken seriously. Turn the heating system off at the thermostat. Don't go into the room where the furnace lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cellular phone outside your house.
How to Select a Gas Furnace Repair Expert.
Some homeowners choose the most affordable repair service in Calgary, and the results are generally poor. Cheap services are either just getting started, so do not have experience or they have a bad credibility, so should give cheap prices to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The cool heat very best method to find quality heating system repair work at a reasonable cost is to get quotes from numerous of the leading heater repair work companies in Calgary. Meet with each, discover their history and the experience of the professionals that will do the work. Pick an experienced heating system repair work professional with sensible rates.