An excellent gas heater fixing guide assists you in determining what is wrong with the furnace based upon its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated information.
Repairing Common Gas Heating System Problems
Every year, countless Calgary property owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heating system?" If you remain in that scenario, this guide will arm you with information before you call a heater company. Knowledge is defense versus being made the most of-- though many repair specialists have sound ethics.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most common problems, specifically those most property owners can easily talk to no tools or basic tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Furnace 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 (located on or near the heater, looks like a typical light switch) is turned off and simply needs to be switched on, though the heater may have a short hold-up before starting
- The breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to trip after it is turned back on, there is likely a wiring brief in the heater
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is easy to examine and treat
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is sometimes caused by a wire coming loose, so inspect the circuitry connections
- The thermostat needs fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and should be changed, a concern that can be detected utilizing an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is complete
- The filter is unclean and should be changed or cleaned up, an issue that is particularly true on more recent heaters that are geared up to shut down if the filter isn't permitting appropriate air circulation, a condition that can trigger serious mechanical failure
- The furnace's main circuit board/control board is bad, a concern that can be diagnosed by a HVAC specialist is absolutely nothing else solves the problem
2. Heating System Blowing Cold Air
If the furnace will not produce heat, you can examine 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 likely issues then are:
- The gas is shut off, so check the gas dick near the furnace to make certain it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and must be replaced
- The ignitor is failing and must be replaced
- The draft motor isn't operating or the fresh-air consumption is obstructed, perhaps by snow or particles, and requires to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heating System Won't 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 starts and then the heater shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that controls it has actually stopped working and must be changed
- An obstructed air intake or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests prevail causes) should be cleared
- Among the problems gone over above with gas, gas valve and ignitor should be attended to
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 troubleshooting draft motor issues and what is triggering them.
5. The Flame Begins, however the Furnace Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat however soon shuts down without warming your home, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensor has rust on it, sanding it may work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting fix.
6. The Blower Will Not Shut Down
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three common problems:
- The fan turn on the thermostat is set to "on" rather than "auto".
- Relays in the control panel are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a consistent supply of electricity, and the control panel need to be changed.
- The thermostat likewise has contacts that control power to the furnace, and they can be used, so the thermostat needs to be replaced.
7. Why Does the Furnace Keep Shutting Down?
If your furnace burner lights however the furnace soon shuts off, there are a few typical issues that might trigger this:.
- The heater filter is filthy and need to be cleaned up or changed.
- The flame sensor isn't working and need to be replaced.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these prevail, there are numerous other prospective causes best detected by a furnace specialist. This video provides in-depth coverage to the issue of heating system short-cycling.
8. The Heater Runs but Can't Keep your house Warm.
If your heating system is correctly sized for your home, then it ought to keep your house warm even in severe cold. If it runs constantly however isn't providing enough heat, the most likely causes are:.
- A filthy filter that need to be washed (only if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your heating system and restricts airflow, so need to be replaced.
- The filter is installed backwards, a concern that can be examined by trying to find the arrows on the filter frame that reveal proper setup direction with the flow of air.
- Air ducts are leaking, often producing telltale whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as suggested by Energy Star.
9. The Heater Makes Loud Noises.
A noisy furnace is most often the result of:.
- The heater being a single-stage model that works 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 furnace that should be tightened up.
- An unclean filter, which can also cause whistling.
10. The Heater Leaks when A/C is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heater, and if it leaks onto the flooring, the problem is probably a clogged drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heater Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the furnace are typically caused by:.
- A really dirty filter that should be cleaned, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, normally a job for a gas furnace professional furnace professional.
12. The CO Screen Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm must be taken seriously. Turn the furnace off at the thermostat. Do not go into the space where the heating system is located. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a furnace repair calgary cellular phone outside your home.
How to Choose a Gas Furnace Repair Expert.
Some property owners pick the most inexpensive repair work service in Calgary, and the results are generally poor. Cheap services are either just getting going, so do not have experience or they have a bad reputation, so must provide inexpensive pricing to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best method to find quality heating system repair at a fair rate is to get price quotes from numerous of the top furnace repair work companies in Calgary. Meet each, learn about their history and the experience of the service technicians that will do the work. Choose a knowledgeable heater repair professional with affordable rates.