An excellent gas heating system troubleshooting guide assists you in identifying what is wrong with the heater based upon its signs. That's what we do here with clear, simple info.
Troubleshooting Common Gas Heater Issues
Every year, thousands of Calgary homeowners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heater?" If you're in that circumstance, this guide will equip you with information before you call a heating system company. Understanding is protection against being taken advantage of-- though a lot of repair work experts have sound ethics.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most typical issues, especially those most property owners can quickly check with no tools or fundamental tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heater Won't Start
If nothing happens when the thermostat is set above the house's current temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The heating system switch (situated on or near the furnace, looks like a typical light switch) is shut off and just requires to be turned on, though the heating system may have a brief hold-up prior to beginning
- The breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to journey after it is turned back on, there is likely a circuitry short in the heating system
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to examine and remedy
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is in some cases caused by a wire coming loose, so check the wiring connections
- The thermostat needs fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad furnace installation and need to be replaced, a problem that can be detected utilizing an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is total
- The filter is filthy and need to be changed or cleaned up, a concern that is especially real on more recent heating systems that are geared up to shut down if the filter isn't allowing adequate air flow, a condition that can cause major mechanical failure
- The heating system's main circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be detected by a HEATING AND COOLING specialist is nothing else solves the problem
2. Furnace 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 "Vehicle" 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 turned 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 should be changed
- The ignitor is failing and should 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, Furnace Won't 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 then the furnace closes down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that controls it has actually stopped working and need to be replaced
- An obstructed air consumption or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests are common causes) need to be cleared
- Among the problems talked about above with gas, gas valve and ignitor must be resolved
4. The Draft Motor Will Not 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 fixing draft motor problems and what is triggering them.
5. The Flame Starts, but the Furnace Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat however quickly shuts down without warming your home, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensing unit has corrosion on it, sanding it might work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting repair.
6. The Blower Won't Shut Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three typical problems:
- The fan switch on the thermostat is set to "on" rather than "automobile".
- Relays in the control board are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a consistent supply of electricity, and the control board should be replaced.
- The thermostat likewise has contacts that control power to the heating system, and they can be used, so the thermostat must be changed.
7. Why Does the Furnace Keep Shutting Off?
If your heater burner lights but the heater quickly turns off, there are a couple of common issues that may trigger this:.
- The furnace filter is filthy and need to be cleaned up or changed.
- The flame sensor isn't working and should be changed.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these prevail, there are a number of other potential causes finest identified by a furnace service technician. This video gives thorough coverage to the problem of furnace short-cycling.
8. The Heater Runs but Can't Keep your house Warm.
If your heating system is effectively sized for your home, then it must keep your house warm even in severe cold. If it runs constantly however isn't providing enough heat, the likely causes are:.
- An unclean filter that should be cleaned (just if the washable type) furnace maintenance or replaced.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your furnace and restricts air flow, so must be replaced.
- The filter is set up backwards, a problem that can be examined by searching for the arrows on the filter frame that reveal correct installation instructions with the circulation of air.
- Duct are dripping, in some cases producing obvious whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as suggested by Energy Star.
9. The Furnace Makes Loud Noises.
A noisy heating system is usually the outcome of:.
- The furnace being a single-stage design that operates 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 replaced.
- A leak in the heater cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heater that should be tightened up.
- A dirty filter, which can likewise trigger whistling.
10. The Furnace Leaks when AC is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heater, and if it leaks onto the flooring, the issue is more than likely a stopped up drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heating System Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heater are normally triggered by:.
- A really filthy filter that should be washed, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, usually a job for an expert heating system technician.
12. The CO Display Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm must 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 home.
How to Pick a Gas Heating System Repair Specialist.
Some house owners select the most inexpensive repair work service in Calgary, and the results are typically poor. Low-cost services are either just beginning, so do not have experience or they have a bad credibility, so should offer cheap prices to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best method to find quality furnace repair at a fair cost is to get quotes from several of the leading heater repair work business in Calgary. Consult with each, discover their history and the experience of the specialists that will do the work. Choose a skilled heater repair specialist with sensible rates.