A great gas furnace fixing guide assists you in determining what is wrong with the furnace based on its signs. That's what we do here with clear, simple information.
Fixing Common Gas Furnace Problems
Every year, thousands of Calgary homeowners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heating system?" If you remain in that situation, this guide will arm you with details before you call a furnace company. Understanding is defense versus being made the most of-- though a lot of repair professionals have sound ethics.
Note: This guide covers the most common issues, especially those most property owners can quickly talk to no tools or basic tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heater Will Not Start
If nothing takes place when the thermostat is set above the house's current temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The furnace 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 may have a brief delay before beginning
- 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 furnace
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to check and remedy
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is in some cases caused by a wire coming loose, so examine 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 detected utilizing an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is complete
- The filter is unclean and need to be replaced or cleaned up, an issue that is specifically real on newer heating systems that are geared up to shut down if the filter isn't enabling sufficient air flow, a condition that can cause severe mechanical failure
- The heating system's primary circuit board/control board is bad, a concern that can be identified by an A/C service technician is absolutely nothing else fixes the concern
2. Furnace Blowing Cold Air
If the heater will not produce heat, you can examine to see if it is getting power by moving the fan switch from the "Car" position to the "On" position. If the fan begins, then the heater is getting power. The most likely issues then are:
- The gas is shut off, so inspect the gas cock near the heater to ensure it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and should be replaced
- The ignitor is failing and need to be changed
- The draft motor isn't functioning or the fresh-air intake is obstructed, possibly by snow or particles, and needs to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heater Won't Start
The draft gas furnace motor is likewise called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the heater and out the exhaust stack. If it starts and then the furnace shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has stopped working and need to be replaced
- A blocked air consumption or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests are common causes) should be cleared
- Among the problems gone over above with gas, gas valve and ignitor must be dealt with
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 help you in troubleshooting draft motor problems and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Begins, however the Furnace Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat however quickly shuts off without warming your home, the flame sensing unit isn't working. If the sensor has rust on it, sanding it might work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting repair.
6. The Blower Will Not Turn Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 typical concerns:
- The fan turn on the thermostat hvac heating and cooling is set to "on" instead of "auto".
- 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 need to be replaced.
- The thermostat also has contacts that manage power to the heater, and they can be used, so the thermostat needs to be replaced.
7. Why Does the Heating System Keep Turning Off?
If your heating system burner lights however the heating system soon shuts off, there are a couple of typical problems that might cause this:.
- The heating system filter is filthy and must be cleaned up or replaced.
- The flame sensor isn't working and should be changed.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these are common, there are a number of other potential causes finest identified by a heater service technician. This video provides in-depth coverage to the issue of furnace short-cycling.
8. The Heater Runs however Can't Keep your home Warm.
If your furnace is effectively sized for your home, then it needs to keep your house warm even in extreme cold. If it runs continuously but isn't supplying sufficient heat, the most likely causes are:.
- A filthy filter that need to be cleaned (only if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your furnace and limits airflow, so must be replaced.
- The filter is set up in reverse, an issue that can be inspected by looking for the arrows on the filter frame that show correct installation 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 recommended by Energy Star.
9. The Heater Makes Loud Noises.
A noisy heater is most often the outcome of:.
- The heating system being a single-stage model that operates 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 leakage in the furnace cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the furnace that need to be tightened up.
- A filthy filter, which can likewise cause whistling.
10. The Heating System Leaks when Air Conditioner is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your furnace, and if it leaks onto the floor, the problem is most likely a blocked drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heater Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heater are normally caused by:.
- A really unclean filter that ought to be washed, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, normally a task for a professional heating system service technician.
12. The CO Display Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm ought to be taken seriously. Turn the furnace off at the thermostat. Don't enter into the space where the furnace lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cellular phone outside your home.
How to Choose a Gas Heating System Repair Expert.
Some property owners pick the most affordable repair work service in Calgary, and the results are normally poor. Inexpensive services are either just getting started, so do not have experience or they have a bad track record, so should give cheap pricing to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best way to find quality heater repair work at a fair rate is to get quotes from several of the leading heater repair work business in Calgary. Meet each, learn more about their history and the experience of the professionals that will do the work. Select a knowledgeable heater repair professional with reasonable rates.