A good gas furnace troubleshooting guide assists you in identifying what is wrong with the heater based on its signs. That's what we do here with clear, straightforward information.
Repairing Common Gas Heater Problems
Every year, thousands of Calgary property owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heating system?" If you're in furnace service calgary that situation, this guide will arm you with information prior to you call a furnace company. Knowledge is security against being made the most of-- furnace repair calgary 24 hour though the majority of repair work professionals have sound ethics.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most typical problems, particularly those most property owners can quickly consult no tools or basic tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heating System Won't Start
If absolutely nothing occurs when the thermostat is set above the home's existing temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The heating system switch (situated on or near the furnace, looks like a typical light switch) is shut off and just requires to be switched on, though the heater may 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 a circuitry brief 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 sometimes brought on by a wire coming loose, so examine the wiring connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and need to be changed, a concern that can be diagnosed using an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is total
- The filter is dirty and should be replaced or cleaned up, a problem that is especially real on more recent heaters that are geared up to shut down if the filter isn't enabling sufficient air flow, a condition that can cause severe mechanical failure
- The heating system's main circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be diagnosed by a HVAC specialist is nothing else solves the problem
2. Heating System Blowing Cold Air
If the heating system will not 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 heater is getting power. The most likely problems then are:
- The gas is switched off, so inspect the gas dick near the furnace to make sure it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and must be replaced
- The ignitor is failing and need to be replaced
- The draft motor isn't working or the fresh-air intake is obstructed, possibly by snow or particles, and needs 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 and out the exhaust stack. If it begins and after that the heating system shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that controls it has stopped working and must be replaced
- An obstructed air intake or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests prevail causes) should be cleared
- One of the issues discussed above with gas, gas valve and ignitor must be dealt with
4. The Draft Motor Will Not 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 repairing draft motor concerns and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Begins, however the Furnace Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat however quickly turns off without warming your home, the flame sensing unit isn't working. If the sensor has corrosion on it, sanding it might work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting repair.
6. The Blower Won't Shut Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three typical issues:
- 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 constant supply of electrical energy, and the control panel need to be replaced.
- The thermostat likewise has contacts that manage power to the furnace, and they can be used, so the thermostat should be replaced.
7. Why Does the Heating System Keep Shutting Down?
If your heater burner lights however the heater quickly shuts down, there are a few common issues that might trigger this:.
- The furnace filter is dirty and should be cleaned up or changed.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and ought to be changed.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these are common, there are numerous other potential causes finest detected by a heater specialist. This video provides in-depth coverage to the issue of furnace short-cycling.
8. The Furnace Runs however Can't Keep your house Warm.
If your heating system is correctly sized for your home, then it must keep your home warm even in severe cold. If it runs continuously however isn't supplying sufficient heat, the most likely causes are:.
- A filthy filter that must be washed (just if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the wrong type for your heater and limits airflow, so need to be changed.
- The filter is installed in reverse, a concern that can be examined by trying to find the arrows on the filter frame that reveal correct setup instructions with the circulation of air.
- Duct are leaking, sometimes producing telltale whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as advised by Energy Star.
9. The Furnace Makes Loud Noises.
A noisy heating system is frequently the result 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 must be replaced.
- A leakage in the heating system cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the furnace that must be tightened.
- 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 heating system, and if it leakages onto the flooring, 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 heater are generally caused by:.
- An extremely filthy filter that ought to be cleaned, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, generally a task for an expert heater service technician.
12. The CO Screen Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm ought to be taken seriously. Turn the heater 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 Select a Gas Furnace Repair Work Professional.
Some house owners pick the most inexpensive repair service in Calgary, and the results are typically poor. Low-cost services are either just starting, so lack experience or they have a bad credibility, so need to provide low-cost rates to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best way to find quality furnace repair at a fair rate is to get quotes from several of the top heating system repair work companies in Calgary. Meet with each, learn about their history and the experience of the professionals that will do the work. Pick an experienced furnace repair work professional with sensible rates.