A good gas heater fixing guide helps you in determining what is wrong with the heating system based on its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated information.
Fixing Common Gas Heating System Problems
Every year, countless Calgary homeowners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heating system?" If you remain in that circumstance, this guide will equip you with info before you call a furnace business. Understanding is protection against being taken advantage of-- though most repair work professionals have sound principles.
Note: This guide covers the most common problems, particularly those most house owners can easily check with no tools or fundamental tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Furnace Won't Start
If absolutely nothing happens when the thermostat is set above the house's current temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The heating system switch (located on or near the heating system, looks like a common light switch) is switched off and merely needs to be turned on, though the furnace might have a brief delay 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 furnace
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is easy to check and correct
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is in some cases caused by a wire coming loose, so inspect the wiring connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and need to be replaced, a concern that can be diagnosed utilizing an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is total
- heating and cooling company The filter is unclean and should be replaced or cleaned up, a concern that is especially true on newer heating systems that are geared up to close down if the filter isn't permitting sufficient air circulation, a condition that can cause serious mechanical failure
- The heating system's main circuit board/control board is bad, an issue that can be identified by a HEATING AND COOLING service technician is nothing else solves the concern
2. Heating System Blowing Cold Air
If the furnace won't produce heat, you can examine to see if it is getting power by moving the fan switch from the "Auto" position to the "On" position. If the fan begins, then the furnace is getting power. The most likely issues then are:
- The gas is shut off, so examine the gas dick near the heater to make sure it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and need to be changed
- The ignitor is failing and must be changed
- The draft motor isn't working or the fresh-air consumption is obstructed, perhaps by snow or particles, and needs to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heating System Will Not Start
The draft motor is also called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the heater and out the exhaust stack. If it starts and then the heating system shuts down, the cause might furnaces calgary be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has failed and need to be replaced
- A blocked air consumption or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests are common causes) must be cleared
- One of the problems 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 help you in troubleshooting draft motor problems and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Begins, however the Furnace Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat however quickly shuts down without warming your home, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensor has corrosion on it, sanding it may work, though changing it is a longer-lasting repair.
6. The Blower Will Not Shut Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 typical concerns:
- The fan switch on the thermostat is set to "on" instead of "automobile".
- Relays in the control board 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 also has contacts that manage power to the heating system, and they can be worn, so the thermostat needs to be changed.
7. Why Does the Heater Keep Shutting Off?
If your heater burner lights however the heater quickly shuts down, there are a couple of typical problems that might trigger this:.
- The heating system filter is filthy and must be cleaned up or changed.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and ought to be replaced.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these are common, there are numerous other prospective causes finest identified by a furnace service technician. This video offers thorough protection to the issue of heater short-cycling.
8. The Heating System Runs but Can't Keep your home Warm.
If your furnace is properly sized for your home, then it needs to keep your home warm even in severe cold. If it runs continuously however isn't supplying adequate heat, the likely causes are:.
- A dirty filter that need to be cleaned (just if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your furnace and limits air flow, so must be replaced.
- The filter is set up backwards, a problem that can be checked by looking for the arrows on the filter frame that show correct installation instructions with the flow of air.
- Air ducts are leaking, sometimes producing telltale whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as suggested by Energy Star.
9. The Furnace Makes Loud Noises.
A loud heating system is most often the outcome of:.
- The furnace being a single-stage model that runs 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 changed.
- A leak in the furnace cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heater that should be tightened up.
- An unclean filter, which can also cause whistling.
10. The Heater Leaks when AC is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your furnace, and if it leakages onto the floor, the concern is probably a clogged drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heating System Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heater are normally triggered by:.
- An extremely unclean filter that should be washed, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, normally a job for an expert furnace service technician.
12. The CO Screen Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm ought to be taken seriously. Turn the heating system off at the thermostat. Don't go into the space where the heater is located. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cell phone outside your house.
How to Pick a Gas Heating System Repair Professional.
Some homeowners choose the most affordable repair service in Calgary, and the outcomes are typically poor. Inexpensive services are either just getting started, so do not have experience or they have a bad credibility, so should provide cheap rates to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best method to discover quality furnace repair at a fair cost is to get price quotes from numerous of the leading furnace repair companies in Calgary. Meet with each, learn more about their history and the experience of the technicians that will do the work. Select a knowledgeable heating system repair professional with reasonable rates.