A good gas heater troubleshooting guide helps you in identifying what is wrong with the heating system based upon its signs. That's what we do here with clear, simple information.
Repairing Common Gas Heater Issues
Every year, countless Calgary property owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heating system?" If you remain in that situation, this guide will arm you with info before you call a heating system company. Understanding is security against being benefited from-- though a lot of repair work specialists have sound ethics.
Note: This guide covers the most common problems, particularly those most homeowners can easily consult no tools or fundamental tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heating System Will Not Start
If nothing happens when the thermostat is set above the home's existing temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The furnace switch (situated on or near the heating system, looks like a typical light switch) is switched off and just needs to be turned on, though the heating system might have a brief 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 a circuitry brief in the heater
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to examine and fix
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is sometimes caused by a wire coming loose, so check the circuitry 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 shows if a circuit is complete
- The filter is unclean and need to be replaced or cleaned, a problem that is particularly real on more recent furnaces that are equipped to shut down if the filter isn't enabling adequate air flow, a condition that can cause severe mechanical failure
- The heating system's main circuit board/control board is bad, an issue that can be detected by a HEATING AND COOLING specialist is nothing else solves the problem
2. Furnace Blowing Cold Air
If the heater won't produce heat, you can check to see if it is getting power by moving the fan switch from the "Car" position to the "On" position. If the fan begins, then the furnace is getting power. The most likely issues then are:
- The gas is turned off, so inspect the gas cock near the heating system to ensure it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and must be changed
- The ignitor is failing and must be replaced
- The draft motor isn't operating or the fresh-air consumption is obstructed, perhaps by snow or particles, and needs to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heater Won't Start
The draft motor is likewise called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the furnace and out the exhaust stack. If it begins 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, debris and bird's nests prevail causes) should be cleared
- Among the problems gone over above with gas, gas valve and ignitor need to be resolved
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 assist you in fixing draft motor issues and what is triggering them.
5. The Flame Begins, but the Heating system Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat however quickly turns off without warming your house, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensing unit has deterioration on it, sanding it may work, though changing it is a longer-lasting fix.
6. The Blower Won't Turn Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three typical concerns:
- The fan turn on the thermostat is set to "on" rather than "automobile".
- Relays in the control panel are stuck in the closed position, emergency furnace repair so the blower is getting a consistent supply of electrical power, and the control board should be changed.
- The thermostat also furnace maintenance has contacts that control 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 however the furnace soon turns off, there are a couple of common concerns that may trigger this:.
- The heater filter is filthy and must be cleaned up or changed.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and ought to be replaced.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these are common, there are a number of other prospective causes best identified by a furnace professional. This video offers in-depth coverage to the issue of furnace short-cycling.
8. The Heater Runs however Can't Keep your house Warm.
If your heating system is effectively sized for your home, then it must keep your home warm even in severe cold. If it runs constantly but isn't providing enough heat, the likely causes are:.
- A dirty filter that must be washed (just if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your heating system and limits airflow, so should be replaced.
- The filter is installed in reverse, an issue that can be examined by looking for the arrows on the filter frame that show appropriate installation instructions with the flow of air.
- Air ducts are dripping, sometimes producing obvious whistling noises, and it is time to have them sealed as advised by Energy Star.
9. The Furnace Makes Loud Noises.
A loud furnace is usually the outcome of:.
- The heating system being a single-stage model that runs 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 changed.
- A leakage in the heater cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heating system that need to be tightened up.
- A filthy filter, which can also trigger whistling.
10. The Heater Leaks when Air Conditioning is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heating system, and if it leakages onto the flooring, the problem is more than likely a blocked drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heater Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heating system are typically caused by:.
- A really filthy filter that need to be washed, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, normally a task for an expert heating system technician.
12. The CO Monitor Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm need to be taken seriously. Turn the heater off at the thermostat. Don't go into the room where the heater is located. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cell phone outside your home.
How to Select a Gas Heating System Repair Work Expert.
Some property owners pick the most inexpensive repair work service in Calgary, and the results are typically poor. Low-cost services are either simply starting, so lack experience or they have a bad reputation, so must give cheap pricing to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best way to find quality heater repair work at a reasonable cost is to get quotes from numerous of the leading furnace repair business in Calgary. Meet each, find out about their history and the experience of the service technicians that will do the work. Select a knowledgeable heater repair specialist with affordable rates.