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, simple info.
Repairing Common Gas Heater Issues
Every year, thousands of Calgary house owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heater?" If you remain in that situation, this guide will equip you with info prior to you call a furnace business. Understanding is protection against being made the most of-- though a lot of repair work specialists have sound ethics.
Note: This guide covers the most common issues, particularly those furnace repair near me most property owners can quickly contact no tools or standard tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heating System Will Not Start
If absolutely nothing occurs when the thermostat is set above the house's current temperature, the most likely causes are these:
- The heater switch (located on or near the heating system, looks like a typical light switch) is switched off and simply needs to be switched on, though the heating system might have a short hold-up before beginning
- The circuit breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to journey after it is turned back on, there is likely an electrical wiring short in the heating system
- 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 caused 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 problem that can be detected utilizing an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is complete
- The filter is unclean and must be replaced or cleaned, a problem that is especially real on more recent heaters that are geared up to close down if the filter isn't allowing sufficient air circulation, a condition that can cause serious mechanical failure
- The heater's primary circuit board/control board is bad, a concern that can be identified by an A/C technician is absolutely nothing else solves the concern
2. Heating System Blowing Cold Air
If the heating system won't produce heat, you can examine to see if it is getting power by moving the fan switch from the "Vehicle" position to the "On" position. If the fan begins, then the heating system is getting power. The most likely issues then are:
- The gas is switched off, so inspect the gas cock near the furnace to make certain it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and must be changed
- The ignitor is stopping working and must be changed
- The draft motor isn't working 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 after that the furnace shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has stopped working and should be replaced
- An obstructed air intake or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests are common causes) need to be cleared
- Among the issues gone over above with gas, gas valve and ignitor need to be attended to
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 fixing draft motor problems and what is triggering them.
5. The Flame Begins, however the Heater Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat but soon shuts down without warming your house, the flame sensing unit 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 common issues:
- The fan turn on the thermostat is set to "on" rather than "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 control power to the heating system, and they can be used, so the thermostat needs to be changed.
7. Why Does the Heating System Keep Shutting Down?
If your heater burner lights but the heating system soon shuts off, there are a couple of typical problems that may cause this:.
- The furnace filter is dirty and should be cleaned up or replaced.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and should be changed.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these prevail, there are numerous other potential causes best identified by a heater service technician. This video offers in-depth protection to the issue of heater short-cycling.
8. The Heater Runs but Can't Keep your house Warm.
If your heating system is correctly sized for your house, then it ought to keep your house warm even in extreme heating and cooling near me cold. If it runs continuously however isn't providing sufficient heat, the most likely causes are:.
- A filthy filter that must be washed (only if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your furnace and limits air flow, so should be changed.
- The filter is installed in reverse, an issue that can be inspected by trying to find the arrows on the filter frame that reveal correct installation direction with the flow of air.
- Air ducts 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 furnace is most often the result of:.
- The heater being a single-stage design 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 should be replaced.
- A leakage in the heater cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heating system that must be tightened.
- A filthy filter, which can likewise cause whistling.
10. The Heater Leaks when AC is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your furnace, and if it leaks onto the floor, the concern is more than likely a clogged up drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heating System Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heating system are generally caused by:.
- A very dirty filter that need to be washed, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, generally a task for a professional furnace professional.
12. The CO Monitor Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm ought to be taken seriously. Turn the furnace off at the thermostat. Don't enter into the room where the heating system lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a mobile phone outside your house.
How to Pick a Gas Heating System Repair Specialist.
Some house owners choose the cheapest repair work service in Calgary, and the results are generally poor. Cheap services are either just starting, so do not have experience or they have a bad credibility, so should offer inexpensive pricing to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best way to find quality heater repair work at a reasonable cost is to get estimates from several of the leading furnace repair work companies in Calgary. Meet with each, find out about their history and the experience of the professionals that will do the work. Select a skilled heating system repair professional with affordable rates.