A good gas furnace troubleshooting guide helps you in identifying what is wrong with the furnace based upon its signs. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated information.
Repairing Common Gas Heating System Problems
Every year, thousands of Calgary homeowners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heating system?" If you remain in that circumstance, this guide will arm you with info prior to you call a heating system business. Understanding is security against being benefited from-- though most repair work specialists have sound ethics.
Note: This guide covers the most common issues, especially those most homeowners can easily contact no tools or basic tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heating System Will Not Start
If absolutely nothing takes place when the thermostat is set above the house's existing temperature, the most likely causes are these:
- The heating system switch (situated on or near the heating system, appears like a typical light switch) is turned off and just requires to be switched on, though the heating system might have a short delay before 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 easy to inspect and correct
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is often triggered by a wire coming loose, so check hvac company calgary the electrical wiring connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and need to be replaced, a concern that can be diagnosed utilizing an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is complete
- The filter is unclean and should be replaced or cleaned, a problem that is specifically true on newer heaters that are equipped to close down if the filter isn't enabling sufficient air circulation, a condition that can trigger major mechanical failure
- The heater's main circuit board/control board is bad, an issue that can be detected by a HVAC technician is absolutely nothing else solves the problem
2. Heating System Blowing Cold Air
If the heating system won't 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 comes on, then the heater is getting power. The most likely problems then are:
- The gas is switched off, so check the gas cock near the heater to make sure it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and must be changed
- The ignitor is failing and need to be changed
- The draft motor isn't operating or the fresh-air consumption is obstructed, perhaps by snow or particles, and requires 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 it starts and after that the heater closes down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has actually failed and should be replaced
- A blocked 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 must be addressed
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 repairing draft motor problems and what is triggering them.
5. The Flame Starts, but the Furnace Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat however soon shuts off without warming your home, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensor has rust on it, sanding it may work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting fix.
6. The Blower Will Not Turn Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 typical problems:
- The fan switch on the thermostat is set to "on" instead of "vehicle".
- Relays in the control board are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a constant supply of electrical energy, and the control board need to be replaced.
- The thermostat also has contacts that control power to the heating system, and they can be used, so the thermostat must be changed.
7. Why Does the Heating System Keep Shutting Down?
If your furnace burner lights but the furnace quickly turns off, there are a couple of typical problems that might trigger this:.
- The heating system filter is unclean and ought to be cleaned up or replaced.
- The flame sensor isn't working and ought to be replaced.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these prevail, there are numerous other possible causes best detected by a furnace technician. This video offers extensive protection to the issue of furnace short-cycling.
8. The Heating System Runs however Can't Keep the House Warm.
If your furnace is appropriately sized for your home, then it must keep your house warm even in severe cold. If it runs constantly but isn't providing sufficient heat, the most likely causes are:.
- A dirty filter that need to be cleaned (just if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your heater and restricts air flow, so need to be replaced.
- The filter is set up in reverse, a concern that can be inspected by trying to find the arrows on the filter frame that show appropriate setup direction with the circulation of air.
- Duct are leaking, in some cases producing telltale whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as suggested by Energy Star.
9. The Heater Makes Loud Noises.
A noisy furnace is frequently the outcome of:.
- The heater being a single-stage model that runs on high capacity all the time, so it's going to be loud.
- A bad bearing in the draft furnace installation calgary 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 must be tightened up.
- A dirty filter, which can likewise trigger whistling.
10. The Heater Leaks when AC is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your furnace, and if it leakages onto the floor, the problem is probably a clogged drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heater Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the furnace are normally brought on by:.
- A very dirty filter that should be cleaned, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, usually a job for an expert heating system service technician.
12. The CO Monitor Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm must be taken seriously. Turn the heating system off at the thermostat. Do not enter into the space where the heater lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cellular phone outside your house.
How to Choose a Gas Heating System Repair Work Professional.
Some homeowners choose the most affordable repair work service in Calgary, and the results are generally poor. Inexpensive services are either just getting going, so do not have experience or they have a bad credibility, so must provide cheap prices to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best way to find quality furnace repair work at a fair rate is to get quotes from several of the top heater repair business in Calgary. Meet with each, find out about their history and the experience of the specialists that will do the work. Select a skilled heater repair contractor with reasonable rates.