A good gas furnace troubleshooting guide assists you in identifying what is wrong with the furnace based on its signs. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated details.
Fixing Common Gas Heater Problems
Every year, thousands of Calgary house owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heating system?" If you're in that situation, this guide will arm you with details prior to you call a heating system company. Knowledge is security against being taken advantage of-- though many repair work specialists have sound ethics.
Note: This guide covers the most common problems, specifically those most property owners can easily talk to no tools or fundamental tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heating System Won't Start
If absolutely nothing happens when the thermostat is set above the house's existing temperature, the most likely causes are these:
- The heater switch (located on or near the heater, looks like a common light switch) is shut off and simply needs to be turned on, though the heater 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 wiring short in the furnace
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to examine and remedy
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is sometimes triggered by a wire coming loose, so examine the electrical wiring connections
- The thermostat needs fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and need to be changed, a problem that can be identified utilizing an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is complete
- The filter is unclean and should be replaced or cleaned up, a concern that is especially true on more recent furnaces that are geared up to shut down if the filter isn't allowing appropriate air circulation, a condition that can cause severe mechanical failure
- The heater's primary circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be identified by a HVAC technician is absolutely nothing else fixes the problem
2. Heater Blowing Cold Air
If the furnace won't produce heat, you can inspect to see if it is getting power by moving the fan switch from the "Car" position to the "On" position. If the fan comes on, then the furnace is getting power. The likely issues then are:
- The gas is switched off, so inspect the gas dick near the heater to ensure it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and must be changed
- The ignitor is stopping working and need to be changed
- The draft motor isn't functioning or the fresh-air consumption is obstructed, possibly by snow or particles, and requires 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 heater and out the exhaust stack. If it starts and after emergency furnace repair that the heater shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has stopped working and need to be replaced
- An obstructed air intake or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests prevail causes) need to be cleared
- Among the issues discussed above with gas, gas valve and ignitor must be dealt with
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 repairing draft motor problems and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Starts, however the Heating system Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat however soon shuts off without warming your house, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensor has rust on it, sanding it may work, though changing it is a longer-lasting fix.
6. The Blower Won't Turn Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 common problems:
- The fan turn 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 constant supply of electrical energy, and the control panel need to be replaced.
- The thermostat likewise has contacts that control power to the heating system, and they can be used, so the thermostat should be changed.
7. Why Does the Heater Keep Shutting Off?
If your heating system burner lights however the furnace quickly shuts off, there are a few typical concerns that may cause this:.
- The furnace filter is unclean and should be cleaned or replaced.
- The flame sensor isn't working and ought to be changed.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these are common, there are several other prospective causes finest diagnosed by a heating system service technician. This video offers thorough protection to the issue of heater short-cycling.
8. The Heater Runs but Can't Keep the House Warm.
If your furnace is effectively sized for your house, then it needs to keep your house warm even in extreme cold. If it runs constantly however isn't providing sufficient heat, the likely causes are:.
- An unclean 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 need to be replaced.
- The filter is installed in reverse, an issue that can be inspected by searching for the arrows on the filter frame that reveal proper installation direction with the flow of air.
- Duct are leaking, sometimes producing obvious whistling noises, and it is time to have them sealed as suggested by Energy Star.
9. The Heater Makes Loud Noises.
A noisy furnace company near me furnace is frequently the result of:.
- The furnace being a single-stage model 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 need to be replaced.
- A leakage in the furnace cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the furnace that must be tightened up.
- A dirty filter, which can also trigger whistling.
10. The Heater Leaks when Air Conditioner is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your furnace, and if it leakages onto the floor, the problem is more than likely a clogged up drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heater Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the furnace are usually brought on by:.
- A really unclean filter that should be washed, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, usually a task for an expert heater specialist.
12. The CO Monitor Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm must be taken seriously. Turn the heating system off at the thermostat. Don't go into the room where the furnace lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cell phone outside your home.
How to Select a Gas Heating System Repair Work Expert.
Some house owners choose the cheapest repair service in Calgary, and the results are typically poor. Low-cost services are either just getting going, so lack experience or they have a bad reputation, so need to offer cheap pricing to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best way to find quality heating system repair work at a reasonable rate is to get quotes from several of the top furnace repair work business in Calgary. Meet with each, find out about their history and the experience of the specialists that will do the work. Select a knowledgeable heater repair work professional with sensible rates.