A good gas furnace troubleshooting guide assists you in identifying what is wrong with the furnace based upon its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated info.
Fixing Common Gas Heating System Problems
Every year, countless Calgary property owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas furnace?" If you're in that circumstance, this guide will equip you with information prior to you call a heater business. Understanding is protection versus being taken advantage of-- though the majority of repair experts have sound principles.
Note: This guide covers the most common issues, especially those most house owners can quickly check with no tools or fundamental tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heating System Won't Start
If absolutely nothing occurs 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, looks like a common light switch) is switched off and just needs to be switched on, though the furnace might have a brief delay before starting
- The circuit breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to trip after it is turned back on, there is likely a wiring brief in the heating system
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is easy to check and fix
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is often brought on by a wire coming loose, so check the wiring connections
- The thermostat needs 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 reveals if a circuit is total
- The filter is filthy and should be replaced or cleaned, a concern that is specifically real on newer furnaces that are equipped to shut down if the filter isn't allowing adequate air circulation, a condition that can cause severe mechanical failure
- The heating system's primary circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be detected by a HEATING AND COOLING specialist is absolutely nothing else resolves the issue
2. Heating System Blowing Cold Air
If the furnace won't 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 heater is getting power. The likely issues then are:
- The gas is shut off, so examine the gas dick near the heater 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 failing and furnace companies calgary must be replaced
- The draft motor isn't working or the fresh-air intake is obstructed, maybe by snow or debris, 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 furnace 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 controls it has failed and should be replaced
- A blocked air intake or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird's nests are common causes) must be cleared
- Among the concerns talked about above with gas, gas valve and ignitor should 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 concerns and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Begins, however the Heater Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat however soon turns off without warming your home, the flame sensing unit isn't working. If the sensing unit has corrosion on it, sanding it might work, though changing it is a longer-lasting fix.
6. The Blower Won't Shut Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 typical issues:
- The fan switch on the thermostat is set to "on" instead of "vehicle".
- Relays in the control panel are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting furnace repair in calgary a consistent supply of electrical energy, and the control panel should be replaced.
- The thermostat likewise 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 Shutting Down?
If your heating system burner lights but the heating system soon shuts down, there are a few common issues that may cause this:.
- The heating system filter is dirty and must 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 potential causes best diagnosed by a heater technician. This video gives in-depth protection to the issue of heating system short-cycling.
8. The Heating System Runs however Can't Keep the House Warm.
If your heater is effectively sized for your home, then it needs to keep your house warm even in severe cold. If it runs continuously 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 heating system and restricts air flow, so should be replaced.
- The filter is set up backwards, an issue that can be inspected by trying to find the arrows on the filter frame that show appropriate setup instructions with the flow of air.
- Duct are leaking, sometimes producing telltale whistling noises, and it is time to have them sealed as suggested by Energy Star.
9. The Heating System Makes Loud Noises.
A noisy furnace is usually the outcome of:.
- The heater being a single-stage model that works 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 must be replaced.
- A leakage in the furnace cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the furnace that should be tightened up.
- A dirty filter, which can also cause whistling.
10. The Heater Leaks when A/C is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your furnace, and if it leaks onto the floor, the concern is more than likely a stopped up drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heater Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heating system are typically brought on by:.
- An extremely filthy filter that ought to be cleaned, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, typically a task for an expert furnace service technician.
12. The CO Monitor Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm need to be taken seriously. Turn the heating system off at the thermostat. Don't enter into the space where the heater is located. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cellular phone outside your home.
How to Select a Gas Heater Repair Specialist.
Some house owners select the most inexpensive repair service in Calgary, and the results are typically poor. Inexpensive services are either simply starting, so do not have experience or they have a bad credibility, so should give low-cost prices to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best method to find quality heating system repair work at a reasonable cost is to get price quotes from several of the top heater repair work companies in Calgary. Meet each, find out about their history and the experience of the specialists that will do the work. Choose a knowledgeable heater repair work professional with affordable rates.