A good gas furnace troubleshooting guide assists you in identifying what is wrong with the heating system based upon its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated details.
Troubleshooting Common Gas Furnace Issues
Every year, countless Calgary house owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heater?" If you're in that scenario, this guide will arm you with information before you call a heater business. Knowledge is protection versus being benefited from-- though most repair work experts have sound principles.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most typical problems, especially those most homeowners can easily contact no tools or standard tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The 24 hour furnace repair calgary Heating System Will Not Start
If absolutely nothing happens when the thermostat is set above the home's existing temperature, the most likely causes are these:
- The heater switch (located on or near the furnace, appears like a typical light switch) is turned off and simply needs to be switched on, though the furnace might have a brief delay before starting
- The breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to trip after it is turned back on, there is likely an electrical wiring short in the furnace
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to inspect and correct
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is often caused by a wire coming loose, so inspect the circuitry connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and must be changed, a concern that can be identified utilizing an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is total
- The filter is dirty and must be replaced or cleaned up, an issue that is specifically true on more recent heaters that are geared up to close down if the filter isn't permitting sufficient air flow, a condition that can cause major mechanical failure
- The heating system's primary circuit board/control board is bad, a concern that can be identified 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 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 furnace is getting power. The most likely problems then are:
- The gas is switched 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 replaced
- The ignitor is stopping working and should be replaced
- The draft motor isn't working or the fresh-air consumption is blocked, possibly by snow or particles, and needs to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heating System Will Not Start
The draft motor is likewise called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the heating system and out the exhaust stack. If it starts and after that the furnace shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that controls it has actually failed and should be changed
- An obstructed air consumption or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests are common causes) should be cleared
- One of the issues gone over above with gas, gas valve and ignitor need to 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 repairing draft motor concerns and what is triggering them.
5. The Flame Starts, but the Furnace Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat but soon shuts off without warming your home, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensor has corrosion on it, sanding it may work, though changing it is a longer-lasting fix.
6. The Blower Won't Shut Down
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 common problems:
- The fan switch on the thermostat 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 electricity, and the control panel need to be changed.
- The thermostat also has contacts that manage power to the heater, and they can be worn, so the thermostat should be changed.
7. Why Does the Heater Keep Shutting Down?
If your furnace burner lights but the heating system soon shuts off, there are a few common problems that may cause this:.
- The hvac company calgary furnace filter is filthy and should be cleaned up or changed.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and must be changed.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these prevail, there are a number of other prospective causes finest identified by a heating system professional. This video provides extensive coverage to the problem of heating system short-cycling.
8. The Heater Runs but Can't Keep the House Warm.
If your heating system is appropriately sized for your house, then it needs to keep your home 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 (just if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your heater and limits air flow, so ought to be changed.
- The filter is set up in reverse, a concern that can be inspected by trying to find the arrows on the filter frame that show appropriate setup instructions with the flow of air.
- Air ducts are dripping, 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 heater is usually the outcome 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 heater cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heater that should be tightened up.
- An unclean filter, which can likewise trigger whistling.
10. The Heater Leaks when AC is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heating system, and if it leakages onto the flooring, the concern is probably a clogged up drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Furnace Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the furnace are typically brought on by:.
- A very unclean filter that need to be washed, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, usually a job for an expert heater service technician.
12. The CO Display Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm ought to be taken seriously. Turn the furnace off at the thermostat. Do not go into the space where the heating system is located. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a mobile phone outside your home.
How to Choose a Gas Heating System Repair Work Specialist.
Some homeowners select the cheapest repair work service in Calgary, and the results are typically poor. Cheap services are either simply getting started, so do not have experience or they have a bad credibility, so must provide inexpensive rates to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best way to discover quality heater repair at a reasonable cost is to get price quotes from several of the top furnace repair work business in Calgary. Meet each, find out about their history and the experience of the specialists that will do the work. Select a knowledgeable heating system repair work contractor with sensible rates.