A great gas heater fixing guide assists you in determining what is wrong with the heater based on its signs. That's what we do here with clear, simple information.
Fixing Common Gas Heating System Problems
Every year, countless Calgary house owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas furnace?" If you're in that circumstance, this guide will arm you with information before you call a heating system business. Understanding is defense versus being taken advantage of-- though many repair professionals have sound ethics.
Note: This guide covers the most common issues, specifically those most homeowners can quickly talk to no tools or standard tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Furnace Will Not Start
If absolutely nothing occurs when the thermostat is set above the house's present temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The heater switch (located on or near the furnace, looks like a common light switch) is shut off and merely requires to be turned on, though the heater might have a brief delay prior to beginning
- The breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to journey after it is turned back on, there is likely an electrical wiring brief in the heating system
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is easy to inspect and correct
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is often caused by a wire coming loose, so inspect the circuitry connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and should be replaced, an issue that can be diagnosed using an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is total
- The filter is filthy and should be changed or cleaned up, a concern that is particularly real on more recent heaters that are equipped to shut down if the filter isn't enabling adequate air flow, 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 a HEATING AND COOLING service technician is nothing else fixes the concern
2. Heating System Blowing Cold Air
If the heater won't 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 begins, then the heating system is getting power. The most likely concerns then are:
- The gas is turned off, so inspect the gas dick near the heater to make certain it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and need to be changed
- The ignitor is stopping working and need to be changed
- The draft motor isn't functioning or the fresh-air consumption is obstructed, maybe by snow or debris, and needs to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heater Will Not 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 after that the furnace closes down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has stopped working and should be changed
- A blocked air intake or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests prevail causes) need to be cleared
- Among the issues discussed above with gas, gas valve and ignitor need to be addressed
4. The Draft Motor Will Not Start
The issue, in this case, is either that the motor is bad or the capacitor that supports hvac companies it is bad. This video will help you in fixing draft motor concerns and what is triggering them.
5. The Flame Starts, but the Heater Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat however soon turns off without warming your house, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensor has rust on it, sanding it may 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 issues:
- 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 also has contacts that manage power to the heater, and they can be worn, so the thermostat must be changed.
7. Why Does the Furnace Keep Shutting Off?
If your heater burner lights but the furnace soon shuts down, there are a couple of common problems that might cause this:.
- The furnace filter is unclean and need to be cleaned up 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 diagnosed by a furnace service technician. This video provides in-depth protection to the issue of heater short-cycling.
8. The Heating System Runs however Can't Keep the House Warm.
If your furnace is properly sized for your home, then it needs to keep your house warm even in severe cold. If it runs continuously but isn't offering sufficient heat, the most likely causes are:.
- A dirty filter that must be cleaned (only if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the wrong type for your heater and restricts airflow, so must be changed.
- The filter is installed backwards, an issue that can be checked by looking for the arrows on the heating and cooling companies filter frame that reveal proper installation instructions with the circulation of air.
- Air ducts are dripping, in some cases producing telltale whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as suggested by Energy Star.
9. The Heating System Makes Loud Noises.
A loud heating system is most often the result of:.
- The heater being a single-stage design 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 need to be changed.
- A leakage in the heater cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heater that must be tightened up.
- A filthy filter, which can also 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 issue is most likely a clogged up drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heater Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heater are typically caused by:.
- A very unclean filter that must be cleaned, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, typically a task for a professional heating system technician.
12. The CO Display Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm should be taken seriously. Turn the furnace off at the thermostat. Don't enter into the space where the heating system is located. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cellular phone outside your home.
How to Select a Gas Heater Repair Work Specialist.
Some house owners choose the cheapest repair service in Calgary, and the outcomes are usually poor. Low-cost services are either simply getting started, so lack experience or they have a bad reputation, so should give low-cost rates to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best way to discover quality heater repair work at a fair rate is to get estimates from numerous of the top furnace repair business in Calgary. Meet with each, learn more about their history and the experience of the professionals that will do the work. Pick a knowledgeable heating system repair professional with sensible rates.