A good gas furnace fixing guide helps you in determining what is wrong with the furnace based on its signs. That's what we do here with clear, straightforward info.
Troubleshooting Common Gas Furnace Problems
Every year, countless Calgary homeowners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heater?" If you're in that circumstance, this guide will arm you with details before you call a heater business. Knowledge is protection versus being taken advantage of-- though many repair hvac contractor work professionals have sound ethics.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most common issues, particularly those most property owners can quickly consult no tools or standard tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heater Won't Start
If absolutely nothing occurs when the thermostat is set above the house's existing temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The furnace switch (located on or near the heating system, appears like a typical light switch) is shut off and merely needs to be turned on, though the furnace may have a short 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 furnace installation furnace
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to check and fix
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is in some cases caused by a wire coming loose, so check the circuitry connections
- The thermostat needs fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and must be changed, a problem that can be detected using an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is total
- The filter is dirty and need to be changed or cleaned up, a problem that is specifically true on newer furnaces that are equipped to shut down if the filter isn't enabling adequate air flow, a condition that can trigger severe mechanical failure
- The heating system's main circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be detected by an A/C professional is absolutely nothing else fixes the concern
2. Heater Blowing Cold Air
If the heater will not produce heat, you can examine to see if it is getting power by moving the fan switch from the "Automobile" position to the "On" position. If the fan begins, then the heater is getting power. The most likely issues then are:
- The gas is switched off, so examine 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 must be changed
- The draft motor isn't operating or the fresh-air intake is obstructed, perhaps by snow or particles, and requires to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heater 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 begins and then the furnace shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has actually failed and should be changed
- An obstructed air consumption or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird's nests are common causes) should be cleared
- Among the concerns discussed above with gas, gas valve and ignitor need to be dealt with
4. The Draft Motor Won't 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 troubleshooting draft motor concerns and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Starts, however the Furnace Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat however quickly 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 repair.
6. The Blower Won't Shut Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three common concerns:
- 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 consistent supply of electrical energy, and the control panel need to be replaced.
- The thermostat also 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 Turning Off?
If your furnace burner lights however the heater soon shuts off, there are a couple of typical issues that might trigger this:.
- The heating system filter is filthy and ought to be cleaned or changed.
- The flame sensor isn't working and should be changed.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these prevail, there are numerous other prospective causes best diagnosed by a heating system service technician. This video gives in-depth protection to the issue of heater short-cycling.
8. The Furnace Runs but Can't Keep your home Warm.
If your heater is appropriately sized for your house, then it needs to keep your home warm even in extreme cold. If it runs continuously however isn't offering adequate heat, the likely causes are:.
- A filthy filter that must be cleaned (only if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your heating system and restricts air flow, so need to be changed.
- The filter is set up in reverse, a problem that can be examined by searching for the arrows on the filter frame that show appropriate setup instructions with the circulation of air.
- Air ducts are dripping, sometimes producing telltale whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as recommended by Energy Star.
9. The Heating System Makes Loud Noises.
A loud furnace is most often the outcome of:.
- The furnace being a single-stage model that runs 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 heating system that need to be tightened up.
- A filthy filter, which can likewise trigger whistling.
10. The Heater Leaks when A/C is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heating system, and if it leakages onto the floor, 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 heating system are typically triggered by:.
- A very unclean filter that must be washed, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, normally a job for a professional heater specialist.
12. The CO Monitor Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm ought to be taken seriously. Turn the furnace 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 mobile phone outside your home.
How to Pick a Gas Heater Repair Specialist.
Some house owners pick the most affordable repair service in Calgary, and the outcomes are normally poor. Low-cost services are either simply starting, so lack experience or they have a bad credibility, so must give low-cost rates to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best way to find quality heating system repair work at a fair cost is to get quotes from numerous of the top furnace repair business in Calgary. Meet with each, learn more about their history and the experience of the professionals that will do the work. Pick a skilled heater repair work contractor with reasonable rates.