A great gas heater troubleshooting guide assists you in identifying what is wrong with the furnace based on its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated information.
Repairing Common Gas Furnace Issues
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 information before you call a heater business. Understanding is defense against being made the most of-- though many repair experts have sound ethics.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most typical issues, particularly those most homeowners can quickly talk to no tools or basic tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heating System Will Not Start
If absolutely nothing occurs when the thermostat is set above the home's present temperature, the most likely causes are these:
- The heater switch (located on or near the furnace, appears like a common light switch) is switched off and simply requires to be turned on, though the heater 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 wiring brief in the heater
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to inspect and correct
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is often triggered by a wire coming loose, so examine the wiring connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and should be changed, an issue that can be detected using an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is complete
- The filter is unclean and must be changed or cleaned, a problem that is particularly real on newer heating systems that are equipped to shut down if the filter isn't permitting sufficient air flow, a condition that can trigger severe mechanical failure
- The heating system's main circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be detected by a HEATING AND COOLING service technician is nothing else solves the problem
2. Heating System Blowing Cold Air
If the heating system won't produce heat, you can inspect to see if it is getting power by moving the fan switch from the "Vehicle" position to the "On" position. If the fan comes on, then the heating system is getting power. The likely problems then are:
- The gas is shut 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 should be changed
- The ignitor is stopping working and must be changed
- The draft motor isn't functioning or the fresh-air consumption is obstructed, maybe by snow or particles, and requires 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 heater and out the exhaust stack. If it begins and then the heating system closes down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has actually failed and need hvac repair to be changed
- An obstructed air intake or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests are common causes) need to be cleared
- One of the problems talked about above with gas, gas valve and ignitor must be resolved
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 triggering them.
5. The Flame Begins, however the Heating system Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat but quickly shuts off without warming your home, the flame sensing unit isn't working. If the sensor has deterioration on it, sanding it might 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 3 typical issues:
- The fan switch on the thermostat is set to "on" rather than "car".
- Relays in the control panel are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a constant supply of electricity, and the control board must be changed.
- The thermostat likewise has contacts that manage power to the heater, and they furnace cleaning can be used, so the thermostat needs to be replaced.
7. Why Does the Furnace Keep Turning Off?
If your furnace burner lights but the heating system quickly turns off, there are a few common problems that might cause this:.
- The furnace filter is dirty and ought to be cleaned or changed.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and need to be changed.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these are common, there are a number of other potential causes best detected by a furnace specialist. This video offers thorough coverage to the problem of heating system short-cycling.
8. The Furnace Runs but Can't Keep the House Warm.
If your heater is appropriately sized for your home, then it ought to keep your house warm even in severe cold. If it runs constantly but isn't supplying adequate heat, the likely causes are:.
- A dirty 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 need to be changed.
- The filter is installed in reverse, a problem that can be checked by trying to find the arrows on the filter frame that show proper installation instructions 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 loud furnace is most often the result of:.
- The heating system being a single-stage design that runs 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 should be changed.
- A leak in the furnace cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heating system that should be tightened up.
- A dirty filter, which can likewise trigger whistling.
10. The Heating System Leaks when Air Conditioner is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heating system, and if it leaks onto the flooring, the issue is probably a clogged drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heating System Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heating system are normally brought on by:.
- A very dirty filter that must be washed, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, normally a job for an expert heater specialist.
12. The CO Display Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm need to be taken seriously. Turn the heater off at the thermostat. Don't go into the room where the furnace is located. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cellular phone outside your house.
How to Choose a Gas Heating System Repair Specialist.
Some property owners pick the most inexpensive repair service in Calgary, and the results are normally bad. Low-cost services are either just starting, so do not have experience or they have a bad track record, so need to provide low-cost prices to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best method to discover quality heater repair work at a reasonable cost is to get price quotes from several of the top heating system repair work business in Calgary. Meet with each, find out about their history and the experience of the specialists that will do the work. Choose a knowledgeable heating system repair professional with affordable rates.