A great gas furnace fixing guide helps you in identifying what is wrong with the heating system based on its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, simple information.
Fixing Common Gas Heating System Issues
Every year, countless Calgary homeowners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heating system?" If you're in that situation, this guide will arm you with information prior to you call a furnace business. Understanding is defense against being taken advantage of-- though most repair experts have sound ethics.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most typical issues, specifically those most house owners can quickly consult no tools or basic tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heating System Will Not Start
If absolutely nothing takes place when the thermostat is set above the home's existing temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The furnace switch (situated on or near the heater, appears like a typical light switch) is shut off and merely requires to be switched on, though the furnace may have a brief hold-up prior to starting
- The circuit 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 remedy
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is in some cases triggered by a wire coming loose, so examine the wiring connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and must be replaced, a problem that can be identified utilizing an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is total
- The filter is dirty and must be changed or cleaned up, a concern that is specifically real on newer heating systems that are equipped to shut down if the filter isn't enabling sufficient air flow, a condition that can trigger severe mechanical failure
- The heater's main circuit board/control board is bad, a concern that can be detected by a HEATING AND COOLING professional is nothing else fixes the concern
2. Heating System Blowing Cold Air
If the furnace will not produce heat, you can check 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 concerns then are:
- The gas is turned 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 should be changed
- The ignitor is stopping working and should be changed
- The draft motor isn't working or the fresh-air intake is obstructed, possibly by snow or debris, and needs to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heater 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 begins and then the heater shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that controls it has failed and should be changed
- An obstructed air intake or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests prevail causes) must be cleared
- One of the issues discussed above with gas, gas valve and ignitor need to be dealt with
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 problems and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Begins, however the Furnace Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat but quickly turns off without warming your house, furnace repair in calgary the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensing unit has corrosion on it, sanding it may work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting repair.
6. The Blower Will Not Turn Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three typical problems:
- The fan turn on the thermostat is set to "on" instead of "auto".
- Relays in the control board are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a constant supply of electricity, and the control panel should be changed.
- The thermostat also has contacts that control power to the furnace, and they can be used, so the thermostat should be replaced.
7. Why Does the Heating System Keep Turning Off?
If your furnace burner lights however the heater quickly shuts down, there are a couple of common problems that might cause this:.
- The heating system filter is unclean and must be cleaned or replaced.
- The flame sensor isn't working and ought to be replaced.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these prevail, there are a number of other potential causes finest identified by a furnace technician. This video provides in-depth coverage to the problem of furnace 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 providing enough heat, the likely causes are:.
- A filthy filter that must be cleaned (just if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the wrong type for your furnace and limits 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 correct setup direction with the flow furnaces calgary of air.
- Air ducts are leaking, 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 noisy heating system is usually the outcome of:.
- The heating system being a single-stage model that operates 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 changed.
- A leak in the heating system cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heater that should be tightened up.
- A filthy filter, which can also trigger whistling.
10. The Heating System Leaks when Air Conditioning is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your furnace, and if it leaks onto the floor, the issue is most likely a clogged up drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heater Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the furnace are generally triggered by:.
- An extremely filthy filter that need to be cleaned, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, typically a job for an expert furnace technician.
12. The CO Display Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm ought to be taken seriously. Turn the heating system off at the thermostat. Don't go into the space where the heater lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cellular phone outside your home.
How to Select a Gas Heating System Repair Expert.
Some property owners select the least expensive repair work service in Calgary, and the results are typically poor. Low-cost services are either just getting going, so do not have experience or they have a bad reputation, so must give low-cost pricing to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best way to find quality heating system repair work at a reasonable rate is to get price quotes from several of the top furnace repair work business in Calgary. Meet each, find out about their history and the experience of the service technicians that will do the work. Choose a knowledgeable heater repair work contractor with affordable rates.