A good gas heating system fixing guide assists you in identifying what is wrong with the heater based on its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated info.
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 situation, this guide will equip you with information before you call a heater business. Knowledge is defense versus being made the most of-- though most repair work experts have sound ethics.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most common problems, especially those most property owners can easily talk to no tools or standard tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Furnace Won't Start
If nothing takes place when the thermostat is set above the house's current temperature, the most likely causes are these:
- The furnace switch (situated on or near the heater, looks like a typical light switch) is turned off and simply needs to be switched on, though the heating system might have a short hold-up before beginning
- 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 heating system
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is easy to inspect and correct
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is in some cases caused by a wire coming loose, so examine the electrical wiring connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and need to be changed, an issue that can be identified using an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is total
- The filter is dirty and should be changed or cleaned up, an issue that is specifically real on newer heaters that are geared up to shut down if the filter isn't permitting appropriate air flow, a condition that can cause serious mechanical failure
- The heating system's main circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be detected by an A/C technician is nothing else solves the issue
2. Heater Blowing Cold Air
If the heating system won't produce heat, you can examine 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 heating system is getting power. The likely problems then are:
- The gas is shut off, so examine 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 replaced
- The ignitor is stopping working and must be replaced
- The draft motor isn't functioning or the fresh-air consumption is obstructed, possibly by snow or particles, and requires to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heater Won't Start
The draft motor is likewise called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the heating system and out the exhaust stack. If it begins and then the heater shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that controls it has failed and need to be changed
- A blocked air consumption or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests are common causes) need to be cleared
- One of the problems talked about above with gas, gas valve and ignitor should be resolved
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 assist you in repairing draft motor concerns and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Starts, hvac company but the Heating system Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat but quickly shuts down without warming your home, the flame sensing unit isn't working. If the sensing unit has deterioration on it, sanding it might work, though changing it is a longer-lasting fix.
6. The Blower Won't Turn Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three typical problems:
- The fan turn on the thermostat heating and cooling companies is set to "on" instead of "car".
- Relays in the control panel are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a constant supply of electricity, and the control board should be changed.
- The thermostat also has contacts that manage power to the heater, and they can be used, so the thermostat should be changed.
7. Why Does the Heating System Keep Shutting Off?
If your furnace burner lights but the heater quickly turns off, there are a few common issues that may cause this:.
- The heater filter is dirty and ought to be cleaned or replaced.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and must be replaced.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these prevail, there are a number of other potential causes best diagnosed by a heating system professional. This video provides thorough protection to the issue of heater short-cycling.
8. The Heating System Runs but Can't Keep the House Warm.
If your heating system is properly sized for your house, then it ought to keep your home warm even in extreme cold. If it runs continuously however isn't offering adequate heat, the likely causes are:.
- A dirty filter that should be cleaned (only if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the wrong type for your furnace and restricts air flow, so must be changed.
- The filter is installed in reverse, a problem that can be examined by looking for the arrows on the filter frame that reveal appropriate setup instructions with the flow of air.
- Air ducts are leaking, often producing telltale whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as recommended by Energy Star.
9. The Furnace Makes Loud Noises.
A noisy heater is frequently the outcome of:.
- The heating system being a single-stage design 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 should be changed.
- A leak in the heating system cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heating system that must be tightened.
- A filthy filter, which can also cause whistling.
10. The Heater Leaks when AC is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heating system, and if it leaks onto the floor, the issue is more than likely a clogged drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Furnace Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the furnace are usually caused by:.
- A very filthy filter that ought to be washed, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, generally a job for an expert furnace technician.
12. The CO Monitor Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm need to be taken seriously. Turn the heating system off at the thermostat. Don't go into the space where the heater lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cell phone outside your home.
How to Choose a Gas Furnace Repair Work Specialist.
Some homeowners pick the least expensive repair service in Calgary, and the outcomes are typically poor. Cheap services are either simply beginning, so lack experience or they have a bad reputation, so must give inexpensive pricing to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best way to find quality heating system repair work at a reasonable cost is to get price quotes from several of the top heating system repair work business in Calgary. Consult with each, learn about their history and the experience of the service technicians that will do the work. Choose a knowledgeable furnace repair work contractor with sensible rates.