A great gas furnace fixing guide helps you in determining what is wrong with the heating system based upon its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, simple details.
Repairing Common Gas Heating System Problems
Every year, countless Calgary house owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas furnace?" If you're in that scenario, this guide will equip you with information prior to you call a furnace business. Understanding is protection versus being taken advantage of-- though a lot of repair work specialists have sound principles.
Note: This guide covers the most common issues, specifically those most property owners can easily consult no tools or standard tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Furnace Won't Start
If absolutely nothing happens when the thermostat is set above the house's current temperature, the most likely causes are these:
- The furnace switch (located on or near the heating system, appears like a common light switch) is shut off and merely requires to be turned on, though the heating system might have a brief delay prior to starting
- The circuit 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 heater
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is easy to examine and remedy
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is in some cases caused by a wire coming loose, so examine the circuitry connections
- The thermostat needs fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and need to be replaced, a concern that can be diagnosed utilizing an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is complete
- The filter is dirty and must be replaced or cleaned, an issue that is especially true on newer heating systems that are equipped to shut down if the filter isn't permitting adequate air circulation, a condition that can trigger serious mechanical failure
- The heater's main circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be detected by a HVAC technician is absolutely nothing else resolves the concern
2. Heating System Blowing Cold Air
If the heating system will not produce heat, you can check 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 heater is getting power. The likely issues then are:
- furnace installation The gas is turned off, so check the gas cock near the furnace to make sure it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and need to be changed
- The ignitor is failing and need to be replaced
- The draft motor isn't operating or the fresh-air consumption is obstructed, possibly by snow or particles, and requires to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Furnace Will Not Start
The draft motor is also called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the heating system and out the exhaust stack. If it starts and then the heating system shuts 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 issues gone over above with gas, gas valve and ignitor should be attended to
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 assist you in fixing draft motor problems and what is triggering them.
5. The Flame Begins, however the Furnace Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat but quickly shuts down without warming your house, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensing unit has deterioration on it, sanding it might work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting repair.
6. The Blower Won't Shut Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three typical problems:
- The fan switch on the thermostat is set to "on" rather than "vehicle".
- 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 should be changed.
- The thermostat also has contacts that control power to the heater, and they can be used, so the thermostat should be changed.
7. Why Does the Heater Keep Shutting Down?
If your heating system burner lights but the heater soon shuts down, there are a few typical concerns that might cause this:.
- The heating system filter is unclean and ought to be cleaned up or changed.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and need to be replaced.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these prevail, there are several other potential causes finest identified by a furnace technician. This video provides thorough protection to the issue of heating system short-cycling.
8. The Heating System Runs however Can't Keep your home Warm.
If your heater is effectively sized for your house, then it ought to keep your home warm even in extreme cold. If it runs constantly furnace repair calgary 24 hour however isn't supplying enough heat, the likely causes are:.
- A filthy filter that must be washed (just if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the wrong type for your heater and limits air flow, so must be replaced.
- The filter is installed backwards, an issue that can be examined by searching for the arrows on the filter frame that reveal proper installation instructions with the circulation of air.
- Air ducts are leaking, often producing obvious whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as suggested by Energy Star.
9. The Heater Makes Loud Noises.
A loud heater is usually the result 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 must be replaced.
- A leak in the heater cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heating system that should be tightened.
- An unclean filter, which can likewise cause whistling.
10. The Heating System Leaks when Air Conditioning is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heater, and if it leakages onto the floor, the concern is most likely a stopped up drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Furnace Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heating system are usually triggered by:.
- A really unclean filter that must be washed, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, typically a task for a professional heater service technician.
12. The CO Display Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm must be taken seriously. Turn the heating system 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 home.
How to Choose a Gas Furnace Repair Expert.
Some house owners select the cheapest repair work service in Calgary, and the results are usually bad. Inexpensive services are either simply beginning, so lack experience or they have a bad credibility, so should give inexpensive pricing to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best method to discover quality furnace repair at a fair cost is to get quotes from numerous of the leading furnace repair work companies in Calgary. Meet each, discover their history and the experience of the professionals that will do the work. Pick a knowledgeable heating system repair work contractor with affordable rates.