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, simple info.
Fixing Common Gas Heater Problems
Every year, thousands of Calgary homeowners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heater?" If you're in that situation, this guide will arm you with information before you call a heater business. Understanding is protection against being taken advantage of-- though most repair work professionals have sound ethics.
Note: This guide covers the most common problems, especially those most house owners can easily check with no tools or basic tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Furnace Won't Start
If absolutely nothing takes place when the thermostat is set above the home's current temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The furnace switch (situated on or near the heater, looks like a typical light switch) is turned off and simply requires to be turned on, though the heating system might have a short hold-up prior to beginning
- The circuit 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 furnace
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to check and remedy
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is sometimes caused by a wire coming loose, so check the wiring connections
- The thermostat needs fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and need to be changed, a concern that can be identified utilizing an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is complete
- The filter is filthy and must be changed or cleaned up, a problem that is especially real on newer heaters that are equipped to shut down if the filter isn't allowing sufficient air flow, a condition that can trigger severe mechanical failure
- The heating system's main circuit board/control board is bad, an issue that can be detected by a HVAC specialist is absolutely nothing else fixes the problem
2. Heater Blowing Cold Air
If the furnace will not produce heat, you can inspect to see if it is getting power by moving the fan switch from the "Automobile" position to the "On" position. If the fan comes on, then the heater is getting power. The likely issues then are:
- The gas is shut off, so check the gas cock near the heater to make certain it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and must be replaced
- The ignitor is stopping working and must be changed
- The draft motor high efficiency furnace isn't functioning or the fresh-air consumption is obstructed, maybe by snow or particles, and requires to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heating System Won't Start
The draft motor is likewise 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 be:
- The motor or the board that controls it has actually stopped working and need to be changed
- A blocked air intake or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird's nests are common causes) must be cleared
- Among the problems talked about above with gas, gas valve and ignitor must be resolved
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 triggering them.
5. The Flame Begins, but the Heater Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat but quickly shuts off without warming your home, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensor has deterioration on it, sanding it might 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 common problems:
- The fan switch on the thermostat is set to "on" instead of "vehicle".
- 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 must be changed.
- The thermostat also has contacts that manage power to the heater, and they can be used, so the thermostat needs to be changed.
7. Why Does the Heater Keep Shutting Down?
If your heater burner lights but the heater quickly shuts off, there are a few typical concerns that may cause this:.
- The heater filter is unclean and must be cleaned or replaced.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and should be replaced.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these prevail, there are several other possible causes finest identified by a heating system technician. This video offers in-depth coverage to the issue of heating system short-cycling.
8. The Furnace Runs however Can't Keep your home Warm.
If your heating system is appropriately sized for your home, then it needs to keep your house warm even in severe cold. If it runs continuously but isn't providing enough heat, the most likely causes are:.
- A filthy filter that must be washed (just if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your heating system and limits air flow, so must be replaced.
- The filter is set up backwards, an issue that can be checked by looking for the arrows on the filter frame that reveal appropriate setup direction with the circulation of air.
- Air ducts are leaking, in some cases producing obvious whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as recommended by Energy Star.
9. The Heating System Makes Loud Noises.
A noisy heater is most often the result of:.
- The heater being a single-stage design 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 should be changed.
- A leak in the furnace cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the furnace that must be tightened up.
- An unclean filter, which can likewise cause whistling.
10. The Furnace Leaks when A/C is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heater, and if it leaks onto the floor, the concern is most likely a clogged drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heater Smells Bad.
Foul emergency furnace repair calgary odors from the furnace are usually brought on by:.
- A really filthy filter that ought to be cleaned, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, typically a task for an expert heater technician.
12. The CO Monitor Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm ought to be taken seriously. Turn the heater off at the thermostat. Do not enter into the space where the heating system is located. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cellular phone outside your house.
How to Select a Gas Heating System Repair Work Expert.
Some house owners select the cheapest repair work service in Calgary, and the outcomes are generally bad. Inexpensive services are either simply getting started, so do not have experience or they have a bad reputation, so need to offer inexpensive rates to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best method to find quality heating system repair work at a reasonable cost is to get estimates from several of the leading heating system repair work business in Calgary. Meet each, learn more about their history and the experience of the professionals that will do the work. Select an experienced furnace repair work contractor with affordable rates.