A good gas heater troubleshooting guide assists you in determining what is wrong with the heating system based on its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated information.
Fixing Common Gas Heater Problems
Every year, countless Calgary house owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heating system?" If you're in that situation, this guide will arm you with information before you call a heater company. Understanding is security against being taken advantage of-- though a lot of repair professionals have sound ethics.
Note: This guide covers the most typical problems, particularly those most homeowners can quickly consult no tools or standard tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Furnace Will Not Start
If absolutely nothing takes place when the thermostat is set above the home's existing temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The heating system switch (located on or near the heater, appears like a common light switch) is switched off and merely needs to be turned on, though the furnace may have a brief hold-up prior to starting
- The breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to journey after it is turned back on, there is likely a circuitry brief in the furnace
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is easy to check and remedy
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is often triggered by a wire coming loose, so examine the wiring connections
- The thermostat needs fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and should be changed, an issue that can be detected utilizing an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is total
- The filter is dirty and should be changed or cleaned up, a problem that is particularly true on more recent heating systems that are equipped to shut down if the filter isn't permitting appropriate air circulation, a condition that can trigger severe mechanical failure
- The heater's primary circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be identified by a HEATING AND COOLING professional is nothing else resolves the issue
2. Heating System Blowing Cold Air
If the heating system will not produce heat, you can inspect 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 most likely issues then are:
- The gas is turned off, so inspect the gas cock near the furnace to make sure it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and need to be replaced
- The ignitor is failing and need to be replaced
- The draft motor isn't working or the fresh-air intake is blocked, possibly by snow or debris, and requires to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Furnace Will Not Start
The draft motor is also 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 actually failed and should be replaced
- A blocked air consumption or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird's nests prevail causes) need to be cleared
- One of the concerns gone over above with gas, gas valve and ignitor need to 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 repairing draft motor issues and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Starts, however the Heater Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat but 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 replacing it is a longer-lasting fix.
6. The Blower Will Not Shut Down
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three typical concerns:
- The fan switch on the thermostat is set to "on" instead of "car".
- Relays in the control panel are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a consistent supply of electrical energy, and the control board must be changed.
- The thermostat likewise has contacts that manage power to the furnace, and they can be used, so the thermostat must be replaced.
7. Why Does the Heating System Keep Shutting Off?
If your heating system burner lights but the heater quickly turns off, there are a couple of common concerns that might trigger this:.
- The heating system filter is filthy and must be cleaned up or changed.
- The flame sensor isn't working and should be changed.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these are common, there are numerous other potential causes finest diagnosed by a heater professional. This video offers thorough protection to the problem of heater short-cycling.
8. The Furnace Runs however Can't Keep your house Warm.
If your furnace is properly sized for your house, then it should keep your home warm even in extreme cold. heating & cooling near me If it runs continuously but isn't offering enough heat, the most likely causes are:.
- An unclean filter that must be washed (only if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your furnace and restricts air flow, so should be changed.
- The filter is installed in reverse, a concern that can be examined by trying to find the arrows on the filter frame that reveal correct installation direction with the flow of air.
- Duct are dripping, often producing obvious whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as advised by Energy Star.
9. The Heating System Makes Loud Noises.
A noisy furnace is frequently the outcome of:.
- The heater being a single-stage model that works 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 need to be changed.
- A leak in the heater cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heating system that must be tightened.
- A filthy filter, which can also trigger whistling.
10. The Heater Leaks when AC is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heater, and if it leakages onto the floor, the issue is probably a clogged up drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heating System Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heater are usually caused by:.
- An extremely unclean filter that must be cleaned, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, typically a job for a professional heating system technician.
12. The CO Display Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm should be taken seriously. Turn the heating system off at the thermostat. Don't enter into the room where the heater is located. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cell phone outside your house.
How to Pick a Gas Heater Repair Work Professional.
Some homeowners pick the cheapest repair service in Calgary, and the outcomes are generally bad. Inexpensive services are either just beginning, so lack experience or they have a bad track record, so must offer cheap furnace installation calgary prices to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best way to discover quality heater repair at a reasonable price is to get estimates from several of the top heater repair business in Calgary. Meet each, learn more about their history and the experience of the professionals that will do the work. Select an experienced heating system repair work contractor with sensible rates.