An excellent gas heating system troubleshooting guide helps you in determining what is wrong with the heater based on its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, simple info.
Fixing Common Gas Furnace Problems
Every year, countless Calgary homeowners ask, "What's wrong with my gas furnace?" If you remain in that circumstance, this guide will arm you with details prior to you call a heater business. Understanding is security versus being taken advantage of-- though many repair work experts have sound principles.
Note: furnace company calgary This guide covers the most typical issues, especially those most homeowners can easily consult no tools or basic tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heating System Will Not Start
If nothing takes place when the thermostat is set above the home's present 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 just requires to be turned on, though the heater may have a short delay 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 brief in the furnace
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is easy to inspect and fix
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is sometimes brought on by a wire coming loose, so check the electrical wiring connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and must be replaced, an issue that can be identified using an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is complete
- The filter is unclean and need to be replaced or cleaned up, a problem that is specifically real on more recent heating systems that are geared up to shut down if the filter isn't allowing sufficient air circulation, a condition that can trigger major mechanical failure
- The heating system's primary circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be diagnosed by an A/C service technician is absolutely nothing else fixes the issue
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 "Automobile" 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 check the gas dick near the furnace 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 must be replaced
- The draft motor isn't operating or the fresh-air consumption is obstructed, perhaps by snow or debris, and requires to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heater Will Not 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 begins and then the furnace shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has stopped working and must be replaced
- An obstructed air intake or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird's nests are common causes) need to be cleared
- One of the concerns discussed above with gas, gas valve and ignitor must be dealt with
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 help you in troubleshooting draft motor concerns and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Starts, however the Furnace Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat but quickly shuts off without warming your house, the flame sensing unit isn't working. If the sensing unit has corrosion on it, sanding it might work, though changing it is a longer-lasting fix.
6. The Blower Won't Shut Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 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 must be replaced.
- The thermostat also has contacts that manage power to the heating system, and they can be used, so the thermostat should be replaced.
7. Why Does the Heater Keep Shutting Off?
If your heater burner lights but the heater quickly shuts down, there are a few typical concerns that might trigger this:.
- The heating system filter is dirty and should be cleaned or replaced.
- The flame sensor isn't working and should be changed.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these prevail, there are a number of other potential causes finest identified by a furnace professional. This video provides thorough coverage to the problem of heater short-cycling.
8. The Heating System Runs but Can't Keep the House Warm.
If your heating system is correctly sized for your house, then it should keep your home warm even in extreme cold. If it runs continuously but isn't offering sufficient heat, the likely causes are:.
- A dirty filter that must be washed (only if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your heating system and restricts airflow, so must be changed.
- The filter is set up backwards, a problem that can be examined by trying to find the arrows on the filter frame that reveal correct installation instructions with the circulation of air.
- Duct are dripping, often producing obvious whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as advised by Energy Star.
9. The Heater Makes Loud Noises.
A noisy furnace is frequently the outcome of:.
- The furnace being a single-stage model 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 replaced.
- A leakage in the furnace cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heating system that must be tightened.
- A filthy filter, which can likewise trigger whistling.
10. The Heating System Leaks when A/C is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heating system, and if it leakages onto the flooring, the concern is probably a clogged up drain pan or high efficiency furnace drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Furnace Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the furnace are typically caused by:.
- An extremely unclean filter that should be cleaned, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, normally a task for a professional heater specialist.
12. The CO Monitor Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm ought to be taken seriously. Turn the heater off at the thermostat. Don't 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 Pick a Gas Furnace Repair Specialist.
Some homeowners choose the most affordable repair service in Calgary, and the results are generally poor. Inexpensive services are either simply getting started, so lack experience or they have a bad credibility, so should give low-cost rates to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best way to find quality heating system repair work at a fair price is to get quotes from numerous of the top furnace repair work companies in Calgary. Meet each, learn more about their history and the experience of the service technicians that will do the work. Choose a knowledgeable heating system repair work contractor with sensible rates.