An excellent gas heating system troubleshooting guide assists you in identifying what is wrong with the heater based on its signs. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated information.
Fixing Common Gas Heating System Issues
Every year, thousands of Calgary property owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas furnace?" If you remain in that circumstance, this guide will arm you with info before you call a furnace company. Knowledge is defense against being benefited from-- though many repair professionals have sound ethics.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most common problems, particularly those most property owners can quickly consult no tools or basic tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Furnace Won't Start
If nothing takes place when the thermostat is set above the house's existing temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The heater switch (located on or near the heater, appears like a common light switch) is switched off and merely requires to be turned on, though the heater might have a brief hold-up before starting
- The breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to trip after it is turned back on, there is likely an electrical wiring brief in the heater
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is easy to inspect and treat
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is sometimes triggered by a wire coming loose, so inspect the electrical wiring connections
- The thermostat needs fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and must be replaced, an issue that can be identified using an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is total
- The filter is filthy and should be changed or cleaned up, a concern that is particularly true on more recent heating systems that are geared up to close down if the filter isn't enabling adequate air circulation, a condition that can trigger severe mechanical failure
- The furnace's main circuit board/control board is bad, an issue that can be identified by a HVAC technician is absolutely nothing else solves the issue
2. Heating System Blowing Cold Air
If the heater will not produce heat, you can check to see if it is getting power by moving the fan switch from the "Automobile" position to the "On" position. If the fan begins, then the heating system is getting power. The most likely problems 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 must be replaced
- The ignitor is stopping working and must be replaced
- The draft motor isn't operating or the fresh-air consumption is blocked, perhaps by snow or particles, and needs to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Furnace 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 starts and then the heating system shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has stopped working and should be changed
- An obstructed air intake or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests prevail causes) must be cleared
- One of the issues talked about above with gas, gas valve and ignitor must 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 help you in fixing draft motor problems and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Starts, however the Furnace Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat but soon shuts off without warming your home, the flame sensing unit isn't working. If the sensing unit has deterioration on it, sanding it might work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting repair.
6. The Blower Won't Shut Down
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 common problems:
- The fan turn 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 continuous supply of electrical energy, and the control panel must be changed.
- The thermostat also has contacts that manage power to the furnace, and they can be used, so the thermostat needs to be replaced.
7. Why Does the Furnace Keep Shutting Off?
If your heating system burner lights however the heating system quickly shuts off, there are a few typical problems that might trigger this:.
- The furnace filter is filthy and ought to be cleaned up or changed.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and should be changed.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these prevail, there are a number of other prospective causes best identified by a furnace service technician. This video provides in-depth coverage to the problem of furnace short-cycling.
8. The Heater Runs but Can't Keep the House Warm.
If your heating system is correctly sized for your house, then it must keep your house warm even in severe cold. If it runs continuously however isn't providing adequate heat, the most likely causes are:.
- A filthy filter that must be washed (only if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your furnace and limits air flow, so must be changed.
- The filter is set up in reverse, a concern that can be inspected by trying to find the arrows on the filter frame that reveal proper installation instructions with the flow of air.
- Air ducts are dripping, sometimes producing telltale whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as suggested by Energy Star.
9. The Furnace Makes Loud Noises.
A loud heater is frequently the outcome of:.
- The furnace being a single-stage design that operates on high capacity all the time, so it's going to be loud.
- A bad bearing in the draft ductless heating and cooling motor or the blower motor that must be changed.
- A leakage in the heating system cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the furnace that must be tightened up.
- A filthy filter, which can likewise trigger whistling.
10. The Heater Leaks when Air Conditioner is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heater, and if it leakages onto the floor, the problem is probably a blocked drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heating System Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heating system are typically caused by:.
- A really unclean filter that need to be cleaned, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, generally a job for a professional heater specialist.
12. The CO Screen Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm must be taken seriously. Turn the heating system off at the thermostat. Don't 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 house.
How to Choose a Gas Heater Repair Expert.
Some property owners select the most inexpensive repair work service in Calgary, and the outcomes are generally bad. Low-cost services are either just getting going, so lack experience or they have a furnace service bad reputation, so must offer low-cost prices to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best method to discover quality heater repair at a reasonable cost is to get price quotes from several of the top heater repair work companies in Calgary. Consult with each, learn about their history and the experience of the service technicians that will do the work. Pick a skilled heating system repair professional with reasonable rates.