A good gas furnace troubleshooting guide helps you in determining what is wrong with the heater based upon its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated information.
Repairing Common Gas Heater Problems
Every year, furnace cleaning countless Calgary homeowners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heating system?" If you remain in that circumstance, this guide will equip you with details before you call a heating system business. Knowledge is defense against being benefited from-- though the majority of repair work experts have sound ethics.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most typical problems, particularly those most house owners can quickly contact no tools or basic tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heating System Won't Start
If absolutely nothing takes place when the thermostat is set above the house's present temperature, the most likely causes are these:
- The furnace switch (located on or near the heater, appears like a common light switch) is shut off and merely needs to be turned on, though the heating system may have a brief hold-up before starting
- The circuit 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 easy to check and fix
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is in some cases brought on by a wire coming loose, so check the electrical wiring connections
- The thermostat needs fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and should be replaced, a concern that can be diagnosed utilizing an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is complete
- The filter is unclean and must be changed or cleaned, a concern that is especially true on newer heaters that are equipped to shut down if the filter isn't allowing appropriate air flow, a condition that can cause serious mechanical failure
- The heating system's primary circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be detected by a HVAC technician is nothing else fixes the issue
2. Furnace Blowing Cold Air
If the heating system will not produce heat, you can examine 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 most likely issues then are:
- The gas is shut off, so check the gas dick near the furnace to make sure it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and need to be changed
- The ignitor is stopping working and should be replaced
- The draft motor isn't operating or the fresh-air intake is obstructed, maybe by snow or debris, and needs 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 heater and out the exhaust stack. If it begins and after that the heater closes down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has actually stopped working and need to 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 issues talked about above with gas, gas valve and ignitor should be attended to
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 help you in troubleshooting draft motor issues and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Begins, however the Furnace Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat however quickly turns off without warming your house, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensing unit has corrosion on it, sanding it may 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 three common issues:
- 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 continuous supply of electrical energy, and the control panel must be replaced.
- The thermostat likewise has contacts that manage power to the heater, and they can be used, so the thermostat needs to be changed.
7. Why Does the Heater Keep Shutting Down?
If your heater burner lights however the heating system soon shuts down, there are a few typical issues that may cause this:.
- The furnace filter is unclean and ought to be cleaned up or changed.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and need to be changed.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these prevail, there are a number of other possible causes best detected by a heating system professional. This video gives thorough protection to the issue of furnace short-cycling.
8. The Heating System Runs however Can't Keep your home Warm.
If your furnace is effectively sized for your house, then it ought to keep your home warm even in extreme cold. If it runs constantly but isn't offering enough heat, the likely causes are:.
- A filthy filter that must be washed (just if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your furnace and restricts airflow, so ought to be replaced.
- The filter is set up in reverse, a problem that can be checked by looking for the arrows on the filter frame that reveal proper installation direction with the circulation of air.
- Duct are dripping, in some cases producing telltale whistling noises, and it is time to have them sealed as suggested by Energy Star.
9. The Furnace Makes Loud Noises.
A noisy heating system is most often the result of:.
- The heater 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 replaced.
- A leak in the furnace cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heater that should be tightened up.
- A dirty filter, which can likewise cause whistling.
10. The Heater Leaks when Air Conditioner is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heating system, and if it leaks onto the floor, the concern is probably a clogged up drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heating System Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heating system are typically triggered by:.
- An extremely dirty filter that should be cleaned, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, usually a task for an expert heating system specialist.
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 enter into the room where the furnace lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a mobile phone outside your house.
How to Select a Gas Heater Repair Work Specialist.
Some homeowners select the least expensive repair work service in Calgary, and the outcomes are typically poor. Low-cost services are either just getting started, so lack experience or they have a bad track record, so should give low-cost pricing to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best way to find quality heating system repair work at a fair cost is to get quotes from several of the leading heating 24 hour furnace repair calgary system repair work companies in Calgary. Meet each, learn about their history and the experience of the technicians that will do the work. Choose a skilled heater repair contractor with affordable rates.