A great gas heater fixing guide helps you in identifying what is wrong with the heating system based upon its signs. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated information.
Fixing Common Gas Heater Problems
Every year, thousands of Calgary property owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heater?" If you're in that scenario, this guide will arm you with information prior to you call a heating system business. Understanding is security versus being benefited from-- though most repair experts have sound principles.
Note: This guide covers the most common problems, especially those most homeowners can easily check with no tools or fundamental tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heating System Will Not Start
If absolutely nothing happens when the thermostat is set above the home's current temperature, the most likely causes are these:
- The heater switch (situated on or near the heating system, appears like a typical light switch) is switched off and merely requires to be switched on, though the heater might have a brief delay prior to beginning
- The circuit breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to journey after it is turned back on, there is likely a wiring short in the heater
- 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 brought on by a wire coming loose, so check the wiring connections
- The thermostat needs fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and should be replaced, an issue that can be detected utilizing an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is total
- The filter is unclean and need to be changed or cleaned up, an issue that is specifically true on newer heating systems that are equipped to close down if the filter isn't permitting appropriate air circulation, a condition that can cause serious mechanical failure
- The furnace's primary circuit board/control board is bad, an issue that can be diagnosed by an A/C professional is nothing else fixes the concern
2. Heating System 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 "Automobile" position to the "On" position. If the fan comes on, then the heater is getting power. The most likely concerns then are:
- The gas is switched off, so inspect the gas dick near the heating system to ensure it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and must be replaced
- The ignitor is stopping working and need to be replaced
- The draft motor isn't functioning or the fresh-air intake is blocked, possibly by snow or debris, and requires to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Furnace Won't Start
The draft motor is likewise called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the furnace and out the exhaust stack. If it starts and after that the heater closes down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has actually stopped working and should be replaced
- An obstructed air consumption or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests prevail 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 issue, 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, but the Heating system Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat but soon shuts off without warming your house, the flame sensing unit isn't working. If the sensing unit has deterioration on it, sanding it might work, though changing it is a longer-lasting repair.
6. The Blower Won't Shut Down
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 typical problems:
- The fan turn on the thermostat is heating and cooling set to "on" instead of "automobile".
- Relays in the control panel are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a consistent supply of electrical power, and the control panel need to be changed.
- The thermostat also has contacts that control power to the heater, and they can be used, so the thermostat must be replaced.
7. Why Does the Heating System Keep Shutting Down?
If your furnace burner lights but the heating system quickly turns off, there are a couple of typical concerns that may cause this:.
- The heater filter is filthy and ought to be cleaned or replaced.
- The flame sensor isn't working and ought to be replaced.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these are common, there are a number of other possible causes finest detected by a furnace specialist. This video offers thorough coverage to the issue of furnace short-cycling.
8. The Heating System Runs but Can't Keep your home Warm.
If your heater is properly sized for your house, then it must keep your home warm even in severe cold. If it runs continuously however isn't supplying enough heat, the most likely causes are:.
- A filthy filter that should be cleaned (just if the washable emergency furnace repair type) or changed.
- The filter is the wrong type for your heater and restricts airflow, so should be replaced.
- The filter is set up in reverse, a problem that can be examined by looking for the arrows on the filter frame that show appropriate installation direction with the flow of air.
- Air ducts are dripping, in some cases producing telltale whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as advised by Energy Star.
9. The Heater Makes Loud Noises.
A noisy heater is usually 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 replaced.
- A leakage in the furnace cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the furnace that must be tightened.
- A filthy filter, which can also trigger 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 flooring, the problem is more than likely a clogged up drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heating System Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heating system are normally triggered by:.
- An extremely unclean filter that must be washed, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, normally a task for a professional heating system technician.
12. The CO Monitor Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm need to be taken seriously. Turn the heater off at the thermostat. Do not go into the room where the heater is located. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cell phone outside your house.
How to Pick a Gas Heater Repair Specialist.
Some homeowners choose the cheapest repair work service in Calgary, and the outcomes are usually poor. Cheap services are either simply getting going, so do not have experience or they have a bad track record, so need to offer low-cost rates to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best method to find quality heater repair work at a reasonable rate is to get price quotes from several of the top furnace repair companies in Calgary. Meet with each, discover their history and the experience of the service technicians that will do the work. Select an experienced heating system repair work professional with affordable rates.