A great gas furnace troubleshooting guide assists you in identifying what is wrong with the heating system based on its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated information.
Fixing Common Gas Furnace Problems
Every year, countless Calgary property owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heating system?" If you remain in that scenario, this guide will arm you with info before you call a heating system company. Knowledge is defense against being taken advantage of-- though many repair professionals have sound principles.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most typical problems, especially those most house owners can quickly contact no tools or fundamental tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Furnace Won't Start
If nothing takes place when the thermostat is set above the home's current temperature, the most likely causes heating & cooling near me are these:
- The furnace switch (located on or near the furnace, appears like a typical light switch) is turned off and merely needs to be switched on, though the heater may have a brief delay prior to starting
- The 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 simple to examine and correct
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is often brought on by a wire coming loose, so inspect the wiring connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and must be replaced, a concern that can be detected using an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is complete
- The filter is dirty and must be replaced or cleaned, a problem that is particularly true on more recent furnaces that are geared up to close down if the filter isn't permitting adequate air flow, a condition that can trigger serious mechanical failure
- The heater's primary circuit board/control board is bad, an issue that can be identified by a HVAC service technician is nothing else fixes the issue
2. Heater Blowing Cold Air
If the heater 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 heater is getting power. The likely issues then are:
- The gas is switched off, so check 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 replaced
- The ignitor is failing and should be changed
- The draft motor isn't functioning or the fresh-air consumption is blocked, maybe by snow or debris, and requires 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 heating system and out the exhaust stack. If it begins and then the heater shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has stopped working and must be changed
- A blocked air intake or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird's nests prevail causes) must be cleared
- Among the issues discussed above with gas, gas valve and ignitor should be attended to
4. The Draft Motor Won't Start
The issue, in this case, is either that the motor is bad or the capacitor that supports it is bad. This video will assist you in fixing draft motor problems and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Begins, but the Furnace Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat but quickly shuts down 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 repair.
6. The Blower Will Not Shut Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three common concerns:
- The fan switch on the thermostat is set to "on" rather than "car".
- Relays in the control panel are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a continuous supply of electrical power, and the control panel need to be replaced.
- The thermostat also has contacts that manage power to the furnace, and they can be worn, so the thermostat needs to be replaced.
7. Why Does the Heating System Keep Turning Off?
If your heater burner lights but the heater quickly shuts off, there are a couple of common problems that might cause this:.
- The heating system filter is filthy and need to be cleaned or changed.
- 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 identified by a heating system specialist. This video offers extensive coverage to the problem of heating system short-cycling.
8. The Heating System Runs but Can't Keep the House Warm.
If your furnace is correctly sized for your house, then it should keep your home warm even in severe cold. If it runs continuously but isn't offering sufficient heat, the likely causes are:.
- A dirty filter that should be cleaned (only if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your heater and restricts airflow, so should be replaced.
- The filter is installed backwards, an issue that can be examined by searching for the arrows on the filter frame that reveal proper installation instructions with the circulation of air.
- Duct are dripping, sometimes producing telltale whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as advised by Energy Star.
9. The Heater Makes Loud Noises.
A noisy heater is most often the result 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 must be replaced.
- A leak in the heating system cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heater that need to be tightened.
- A dirty filter, which can likewise cause whistling.
10. The Furnace Leaks when AC is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heating system, and if it leaks onto the flooring, the concern is most likely a clogged drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heating System Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heater are usually triggered by:.
- A very unclean filter that need high efficiency furnace to be cleaned, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, generally a job for an expert heater service technician.
12. The CO Monitor Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm need to be taken seriously. Turn the furnace off at the thermostat. Do not enter into the room where the heating system is located. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a mobile phone outside your home.
How to Choose a Gas Heating System Repair Expert.
Some house owners select the cheapest repair service in Calgary, and the outcomes are normally bad. Inexpensive services are either simply starting, so do not have experience or they have a bad track record, so need to provide inexpensive prices to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best way to discover quality heater repair at a reasonable cost is to get quotes from several of the top heater repair companies in Calgary. Consult with each, find out about their history and the experience of the service technicians that will do the work. Choose a skilled heating system repair contractor with reasonable rates.