A good gas furnace fixing guide helps you in identifying what is wrong with the heater based on its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, straightforward info.
Troubleshooting Common Gas Furnace Problems
Every year, thousands of Calgary house owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heating system?" If you're in that circumstance, this guide will arm you with details prior to you call a heater business. Understanding is protection against being made the most of-- though many repair professionals have sound ethics.
Note: This guide covers the most common issues, specifically those most property owners can easily consult no tools or basic 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 present temperature, the most likely causes are these:
- The heater switch (situated on or near the heater, appears like a common light switch) is turned off and just requires to be switched on, though the heating system may have a brief delay before starting
- 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 heating system
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to inspect and correct
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is sometimes brought on by a wire coming loose, so examine the wiring connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if hvac heating and cooling battery-powered, or it is bad and must be replaced, a problem that can be diagnosed using an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is complete
- The filter is dirty and should be changed or cleaned up, a concern that is specifically real on newer furnaces that are equipped to close down if the filter isn't allowing adequate air flow, a condition that can trigger major mechanical failure
- The heater's main circuit board/control board is bad, a concern that can be identified by a HEATING AND COOLING technician is absolutely nothing else fixes the problem
2. Furnace Blowing Cold Air
If the heating system will not produce heat, you can examine 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 furnace is getting power. The likely concerns then are:
- The gas is switched off, so inspect the gas cock near the heating system to make sure it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and need to be replaced
- The ignitor is failing and should be replaced
- The draft motor isn't operating or the fresh-air consumption is obstructed, possibly by snow or debris, and requires to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heater Won't 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 begins and then the heater shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that controls it has actually failed and need to be changed
- A blocked air consumption or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests are common causes) should be cleared
- One of the problems talked about above with gas, gas valve and ignitor need to 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 help you in fixing draft motor concerns and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Starts, however the Furnace Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat but soon turns off without warming your house, the flame sensing unit isn't working. If the sensing unit has rust on it, sanding it may work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting repair.
6. The Blower Will Not Turn Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 common 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 constant supply of electricity, and the control board must be changed.
- The thermostat also has contacts that manage power to the heating system, and they can be used, so the thermostat should be changed.
7. Why Does the Heating System Keep Shutting Off?
If your heater burner lights but the furnace soon turns off, there are a couple of typical problems that may furnace companies calgary trigger this:.
- The furnace filter is dirty and must be cleaned up or replaced.
- The flame sensor isn't working and should be changed.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these prevail, there are numerous other possible causes best detected by a heater professional. This video provides in-depth coverage to the problem of heating system short-cycling.
8. The Furnace Runs however Can't Keep the House Warm.
If your heater is correctly sized for your home, then it needs to keep your house warm even in severe cold. If it runs continuously however isn't supplying sufficient heat, the likely causes are:.
- An unclean filter that must be cleaned (only if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the wrong type for your heater and limits air flow, so must be changed.
- The filter is installed backwards, a problem that can be inspected by looking for the arrows on the filter frame that reveal appropriate setup direction with the flow of air.
- Air ducts are leaking, often producing telltale whistling noises, and it is time to have them sealed as recommended by Energy Star.
9. The Furnace Makes Loud Noises.
A loud heater is most often the result of:.
- The heater being a single-stage design 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 should be changed.
- A leakage in the heating system cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heater that should be tightened.
- A filthy filter, which can likewise cause whistling.
10. The Furnace Leaks when Air Conditioning is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heater, and if it leaks onto the floor, the issue is most likely a blocked drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heater Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heating system are normally caused by:.
- A very unclean filter that ought to be cleaned, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, typically a task for a professional furnace specialist.
12. The CO Display Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm need to be taken seriously. Turn the heating system off at the thermostat. Do not go into the space where the furnace lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cell phone outside your house.
How to Choose a Gas Heater Repair Expert.
Some house owners choose the most inexpensive repair service in Calgary, and the outcomes are typically poor. Inexpensive services are either simply getting going, so lack experience or they have a bad reputation, so must give cheap rates to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best method to find quality heating system repair at a reasonable price is to get estimates from several of the top heater repair work companies in Calgary. Meet each, find out about their history and the experience of the specialists that will do the work. Choose an experienced heating system repair work contractor with reasonable rates.