A great gas heater fixing guide helps you in identifying what is wrong with the heating system based on its signs. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated information.
Fixing Common Gas Heater Problems
Every year, countless Calgary property owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas furnace?" If you remain in that circumstance, this guide will equip you with info prior to you call a heating system company. Understanding is protection versus being benefited from-- though the majority of repair work professionals have sound principles.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most common problems, specifically those most house owners can quickly talk to no tools or basic tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heater Will Not Start
If absolutely nothing happens when the thermostat is set above the home's present temperature, the most likely causes are these:
- The furnaces calgary heating system switch (situated on or near the heating system, looks like a typical light switch) is shut off and simply requires to be switched on, though the furnace might have a short hold-up prior to starting
- The breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to furnace installation calgary journey after it is turned back on, there is likely an electrical wiring short in the heater
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to inspect and correct
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is often triggered by a wire coming loose, so check the wiring connections
- The thermostat needs fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and must be replaced, an issue that can be identified using an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is complete
- The filter is filthy and should be changed or cleaned, a problem that is particularly true on newer heaters that are equipped to shut down if the filter isn't allowing adequate 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 nothing else fixes the problem
2. Furnace Blowing Cold Air
If the heater will not produce heat, you can inspect to see if it is getting power by moving the fan switch from the "Auto" position to the "On" position. If the fan begins, then the furnace is getting power. The most likely concerns then are:
- The gas is shut off, so examine the gas cock near the furnace to make certain it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and should be replaced
- The ignitor is stopping working and need to be changed
- The draft motor isn't functioning or the fresh-air intake is obstructed, perhaps by snow or debris, and needs to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heating System 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 after that the furnace closes down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has stopped working and must be changed
- An obstructed air intake or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird's nests prevail causes) must be cleared
- One of the concerns talked about above with gas, gas valve and ignitor must be addressed
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 concerns and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Starts, 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 deterioration on it, sanding it might work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting fix.
6. The Blower Will Not Shut Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three common issues:
- The fan turn on the thermostat is set to "on" instead of "car".
- Relays in the control board are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a consistent supply of electricity, and the control panel should be replaced.
- The thermostat also has contacts that manage power to the heating system, and they can be worn, so the thermostat must be replaced.
7. Why Does the Heater Keep Shutting Down?
If your heating system burner lights but the heater soon shuts down, there are a couple of typical issues that might trigger this:.
- The furnace filter is unclean and ought to be cleaned up or replaced.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and need to be replaced.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these are common, there are a number of other possible causes best detected by a furnace specialist. This video provides in-depth coverage to the issue of furnace short-cycling.
8. The Furnace Runs but Can't Keep your house Warm.
If your heater is appropriately sized for your home, then it should keep your house warm even in severe cold. If it runs continuously however isn't supplying adequate heat, the most likely causes are:.
- A filthy filter that need to be washed (only if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the wrong type for your furnace and limits air flow, so ought to be changed.
- The filter is installed backwards, an issue that can be inspected by searching for the arrows on the filter frame that show correct setup instructions with the flow of air.
- Air ducts are dripping, sometimes producing obvious whistling noises, and it is time to have them sealed as advised by Energy Star.
9. The Heating System Makes Loud Noises.
A loud heating system is frequently the result of:.
- The heating system being a single-stage design 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 must be changed.
- A leakage in the furnace cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heater that must be tightened up.
- A filthy filter, which can also cause whistling.
10. The Furnace Leaks when Air Conditioner is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your furnace, and if it leaks onto the floor, the issue is more than likely a clogged 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 dirty filter that must be cleaned, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, normally a job for an expert furnace service technician.
12. The CO Display Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm ought to be taken seriously. Turn the heater off at the thermostat. Do not enter into the space where the heater is located. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cell phone outside your home.
How to Select a Gas Heater Repair Expert.
Some homeowners select the cheapest repair service in Calgary, and the results are typically bad. Inexpensive services are either just beginning, so lack experience or they have a bad reputation, so need to provide low-cost prices to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best way to find quality furnace repair work at a fair cost is to get quotes from numerous of the top heater repair work business in Calgary. Meet each, learn more about their history and the experience of the service technicians that will do the work. Select a knowledgeable furnace repair contractor with reasonable rates.