A great gas furnace troubleshooting guide helps you in identifying what is wrong with the furnace based upon its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, straightforward information.
Troubleshooting Common Gas Heater Problems
Every hvac heating and cooling year, thousands of Calgary property owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas furnace?" If you're in that situation, this guide will equip you with information before you call a heating system company. Understanding is security against being benefited from-- though a lot of repair work professionals have sound principles.
Note: This guide covers the most common problems, specifically those most house owners can easily consult no tools or standard tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Furnace Will Not Start
If absolutely nothing happens when the thermostat is set above the house's current temperature level, 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 simply needs to be turned on, though the heater might have a short hold-up prior to beginning
- The circuit breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to journey after it is turned back on, there is likely a circuitry brief in the heater
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to check and correct
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is in some cases caused by a wire coming loose, so examine the wiring connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and must be replaced, a problem that can be diagnosed utilizing an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is total
- The filter is filthy and need to be changed or cleaned, a problem that is especially real on more recent heaters that are geared up to close down if the filter isn't permitting sufficient air flow, a condition that can trigger serious mechanical failure
- The furnace's main circuit board/control board is bad, an issue that can be detected by an A/C technician is nothing else resolves the issue
2. Furnace Blowing Cold Air
If the heating system won't 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 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 sure it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and should be replaced
- The ignitor is failing and need to be replaced
- The draft motor isn't functioning or the fresh-air intake is obstructed, possibly by snow or particles, and needs 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 heater and out the exhaust stack. If it begins and then the heating system shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has stopped working and need to be changed
- An obstructed air consumption or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird's nests are common causes) must be cleared
- One of the problems talked about above with gas, gas valve and ignitor need to be attended to
4. The Draft Motor Will Not 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 causing them.
5. The Flame Starts, but the Heating system Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat however quickly shuts off without warming your home, 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 Turn Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three common problems:
- The fan switch on the thermostat is set to "on" rather than "auto".
- Relays in the control board are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a continuous supply of electrical energy, and the control panel must be changed.
- The thermostat likewise has contacts that control power to the furnace, and they can be worn, so the thermostat must be changed.
7. Why Does the Furnace Keep Turning Off?
If your furnace burner lights however the heater quickly shuts off, there are a couple of common issues that might trigger this:.
- The heating system filter is dirty and must be cleaned or changed.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and must be replaced.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these are common, there are numerous other possible causes finest detected by a heating system technician. This video gives thorough protection to the issue of furnace short-cycling.
8. The Heating System Runs however Can't Keep your home Warm.
If your furnace is correctly sized for your house, then it ought to keep your house warm even in extreme cold. If it runs continuously but isn't providing adequate heat, the most likely causes are:.
- An unclean filter that must be washed (only if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your heater and restricts airflow, so must be replaced.
- The filter is installed in reverse, a problem that can be examined by searching for the arrows on the filter frame that reveal proper setup instructions with the circulation of air.
- Duct are dripping, in some cases producing telltale whistling noises, and it is time to have them sealed as recommended by Energy Star.
9. The Heating System Makes Loud Noises.
A loud furnace is frequently the outcome of:.
- The furnace being a single-stage model that operates on high capacity 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 replaced.
- A leakage in the heater cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heating system that must be tightened up.
- A dirty filter, which can likewise cause whistling.
10. The Heater Leaks when Air Conditioner is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heater, and if it leakages onto the floor, the concern 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 very unclean filter that ought to be washed, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, generally a task for an expert heating system technician.
12. The CO Display Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm ought to be taken seriously. 24 hour furnace repair calgary 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 cellular phone outside your house.
How to Select a Gas Furnace Repair Work Professional.
Some house owners pick the cheapest repair work service in Calgary, and the outcomes are usually bad. Low-cost services are either just getting started, so do not have experience or they have a bad track record, so need to provide cheap rates to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best method to discover quality heater repair at a fair cost is to get price quotes from numerous of the top heating system repair companies in Calgary. Meet with each, learn about their history and the experience of the professionals that will do the work. Pick an experienced furnace repair work specialist with affordable rates.