A good gas furnace troubleshooting guide assists you in determining what is wrong with the heater based on its signs. That's what we do here with clear, simple info.
Troubleshooting Common Gas Furnace Problems
Every year, thousands of Calgary homeowners ask, "What's wrong with my gas furnace?" If you're in that scenario, this guide will arm you with information before you call a furnace business. Knowledge is defense versus being made the most of-- though many repair work professionals have sound ethics.
Note: This guide covers the most common issues, particularly those most homeowners can easily check with no tools or fundamental tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Furnace Will Not Start
If 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 furnace, appears like a common light switch) is turned off and merely needs to be turned on, though the furnace may have a brief delay prior to beginning
- The breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to trip after it is turned back on, there is likely an electrical wiring short in the heater
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to inspect and correct
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is sometimes brought on by a wire coming loose, so examine the electrical wiring connections
- The thermostat needs fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and must be changed, a concern that can be identified utilizing an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is total
- The filter is unclean and must be changed or cleaned up, a concern that is especially real on newer heating systems that are geared up to shut down if the filter isn't permitting appropriate air flow, a condition that can cause severe mechanical failure
- The heater's primary circuit board/control board is bad, a concern that can be detected by a HEATING AND COOLING specialist is nothing else solves the issue
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 "Auto" position to the "On" position. If the fan comes on, then the heating system is getting power. The likely issues then are:
- The gas is switched off, so examine the gas dick near the heating system to ensure it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and should be replaced
- The ignitor is failing and must be replaced
- The draft motor isn't operating or the fresh-air intake is obstructed, perhaps by snow or debris, and requires to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Furnace Will Not Start
The draft motor is likewise called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the heating system furnace maintenance calgary and out the exhaust stack. If it begins and after that the furnace shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has stopped working and should be changed
- A blocked air intake or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests prevail causes) should be cleared
- One of the issues talked about above with gas, gas valve and ignitor must be addressed
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 assist you in repairing draft motor issues and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Begins, but the Furnace Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat however quickly turns off without warming your house, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensor has rust on it, sanding it might work, though changing it is a longer-lasting fix.
6. The Blower Will Not Shut Down
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 typical concerns:
- The fan turn on the thermostat is set to "on" instead of "auto".
- 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 panel must be changed.
- The thermostat likewise has contacts that manage power to the heating system, and they can be worn, so the thermostat must be changed.
7. Why Does the Furnace Keep Turning Off?
If your furnace burner lights however the furnace quickly shuts off, there are a couple of common issues that may trigger this:.
- The heating system filter is dirty and should be cleaned up or replaced.
- The flame sensor isn't working and need to be replaced.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these prevail, there are a number of other prospective causes best diagnosed by a heating system professional. This video offers extensive protection to the problem of furnace short-cycling.
8. The Furnace Runs however Can't Keep your home Warm.
If your heating system is effectively sized for your house, then it should 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 should be washed (only if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your heater and restricts airflow, so need to be changed.
- The filter is set up backwards, a problem that can be inspected by trying to find the arrows on the filter frame that reveal appropriate setup instructions with the flow of air.
- Air ducts are dripping, sometimes 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 furnace is frequently the outcome of:.
- The heating system 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 need to be changed.
- A leak in the furnace cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the furnace that must be tightened.
- An unclean filter, which can likewise cause whistling.
10. The Heating System Leaks when A/C is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your furnace, and if it leakages onto the flooring, the issue is most likely a stopped up drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heater Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heater are generally brought on by:.
- A very 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 furnace technician.
12. The CO Display Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm need to be taken seriously. Turn the furnace off at the thermostat. Do not enter into furnace service near me the room where the heater lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a mobile phone outside your home.
How to Pick a Gas Furnace Repair Specialist.
Some homeowners select the least expensive repair work service in Calgary, and the results are normally bad. Low-cost services are either simply starting, so lack experience or they have a bad track record, so need to offer inexpensive prices to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best way to find quality heater repair work at a fair cost is to get price quotes from numerous of the leading heater repair work business in Calgary. Meet with each, learn more about their history and the experience of the professionals that will do the work. Select a skilled heating system repair work professional with affordable rates.