A good gas heating system troubleshooting guide assists you in determining what is wrong with the furnace based upon its signs. That's what we do here with clear, straightforward info.
Fixing Common Gas Heater Problems
Every year, countless Calgary property owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas furnace?" If you're in that situation, this guide will equip you with information prior to you call a heating system business. Understanding is protection against being benefited from-- though the majority of repair work professionals have sound principles.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most common problems, specifically those most homeowners can easily contact no tools or fundamental tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heating System Won't Start
If nothing happens when the thermostat is set above the home's current temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The heater switch (situated on or near the furnace, looks like a typical light switch) is shut off and just requires to be turned on, though the heating system may have a short hold-up prior to beginning
- The breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to trip after it is turned back on, there is likely a wiring brief in the heater
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to examine and correct
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is sometimes brought on by a wire coming loose, so check the electrical wiring connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and need to be changed, an issue that can be identified utilizing an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is total
- The filter is filthy and need to be replaced or cleaned, an issue that is specifically real on newer furnaces that are equipped to shut down if the filter isn't allowing appropriate air circulation, a condition that can trigger major mechanical failure
- The furnace's primary circuit board/control board is bad, an issue that can be diagnosed by an A/C technician is nothing else resolves the problem
2. Furnace 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 heating system is getting power. The likely issues then are:
- The gas is turned off, so check the gas cock near the heater to ensure it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and need to be changed
- The ignitor is stopping working and should be changed
- The draft motor isn't operating or the fresh-air intake is obstructed, maybe by snow or debris, and needs to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heater Will Not 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 efficient heating and cooling it begins and then the heater closes down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has stopped working and need to be changed
- An obstructed air consumption or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird's nests prevail causes) should be cleared
- Among the issues talked about above with gas, gas valve and ignitor must be dealt with
4. The Draft Motor Won't 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 troubleshooting draft motor concerns and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Starts, but the Heater Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat however quickly shuts down without warming your home, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensing unit has rust on it, sanding it may work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting fix.
6. The Blower Won't Shut Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 typical concerns:
- The fan switch on the thermostat is set to "on" rather than "auto".
- 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 likewise has contacts that manage power to the heating system, and they can be used, so the thermostat needs to be replaced.
7. Why Does the Heater Keep Turning Off?
If your furnace burner lights however the furnace soon shuts down, there are a couple of common problems that might cause this:.
- The furnace filter is dirty and ought to be cleaned up or replaced.
- The flame sensor isn't working and ought to be changed.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these are common, there are numerous other possible causes best diagnosed by a furnace professional. This video offers in-depth coverage to the issue of furnace short-cycling.
8. The Heater Runs but Can't Keep your home Warm.
If your furnace is properly sized for your home, then it ought to keep your home warm even in severe cold. If it runs continuously however isn't offering sufficient heat, the likely causes are:.
- A dirty filter that need to be cleaned (just if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the wrong type for your furnace and restricts air flow, so need to be replaced.
- The filter is installed backwards, an issue that can be examined by trying to find the arrows on the filter frame that show proper installation direction with the flow of air.
- Air ducts are dripping, in some cases producing telltale whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as advised by Energy Star.
9. The Furnace high efficiency furnace Makes Loud Noises.
A loud furnace is frequently the result of:.
- The heater being a single-stage design that works 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 changed.
- A leak in the heating system cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heater that need to be tightened.
- A filthy filter, which can also trigger whistling.
10. The Furnace Leaks when AC is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heating system, and if it leakages onto the flooring, the concern is most likely a clogged drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Furnace Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the furnace are generally brought on by:.
- A really filthy filter that ought to be washed, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, generally a task for a professional heating system specialist.
12. The CO Display Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm ought to be taken seriously. Turn the furnace off at the thermostat. Do not enter into the room where the heater is located. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a mobile phone outside your home.
How to Select a Gas Heater Repair Work Specialist.
Some property owners choose the cheapest repair work service in Calgary, and the results are normally poor. Cheap services are either simply beginning, so lack experience or they have a bad track record, so must provide inexpensive prices to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best method to discover quality furnace repair at a reasonable price is to get quotes from numerous of the top heating system repair work business in Calgary. Meet each, learn more about their history and the experience of the service technicians that will do the work. Select a skilled heater repair professional with reasonable rates.