An excellent gas furnace troubleshooting guide assists you in determining what is wrong with the heating system based on its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated details.
Troubleshooting Common Gas Heater 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 info prior to you call a heater business. Understanding is defense versus being made the most of-- though a lot of repair professionals have sound principles.
Note: This guide covers the most typical problems, specifically those most property owners can easily check with no tools or basic tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Furnace Won't Start
If nothing happens when the thermostat is set above the home's present temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The furnace switch (situated on or near the heating system, appears like a common light switch) is turned 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 trip after it is turned back on, there is likely an electrical wiring short in the heater
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is easy to examine and remedy
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is often brought on 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 changed, a problem that can be identified using an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is complete
- The filter is dirty and need to be replaced or cleaned up, a concern that is particularly true on newer heaters that are geared up to close down if the filter isn't enabling appropriate air flow, a condition that can cause serious mechanical failure
- The heater's main circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be identified by a HVAC specialist is absolutely nothing else solves the problem
2. Heater Blowing Cold Air
If the heater won't produce heat, you can inspect to see if it is getting power by moving the fan switch from the "Auto" 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 examine the gas dick near the heating system to ensure it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and must be changed
- The ignitor is stopping working and must be changed
- 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, Heater Won't Start
The draft motor is likewise called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the heater and out the exhaust stack. If it begins and after that the furnace shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that controls it has actually stopped working and need to be changed
- An obstructed air consumption or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests are common causes) need to be cleared
- One of the issues discussed above with gas, gas valve and ignitor need to be dealt with
4. The Draft Motor Will Not Start
The problem, in this case, is either that the motor is bad or the capacitor that cool heat supports it is bad. This video will assist you in troubleshooting draft motor concerns and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Starts, but the Heating system Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat but quickly turns off without warming your home, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensing unit has deterioration on it, sanding it may work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting repair.
6. The Blower Will Not Shut Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three typical concerns:
- The fan turn on the thermostat is set to "on" instead of "auto".
- Relays in the control panel are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a continuous supply of electrical energy, and the control panel should be replaced.
- The thermostat also has contacts that manage power to the heating system, and they can be worn, so the thermostat should be changed.
7. Why Does the Heating System Keep Shutting Off?
If your furnace burner lights but the heating system quickly shuts off, there are a few common concerns that may cause this:.
- The heating system filter is filthy and must be cleaned or replaced.
- The flame sensor isn't working and ought to be replaced.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these are common, there are numerous other potential causes best diagnosed by a heating system technician. This video gives thorough coverage to the issue of heating system short-cycling.
8. The Heater Runs but Can't Keep the House Warm.
If your heater is properly sized for your home, then it needs to keep your house warm even in severe cold. If it runs constantly however isn't offering sufficient heat, the likely causes are:.
- A dirty filter that should be cleaned (only if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your furnace and restricts airflow, so ought to be replaced.
- The filter is set up backwards, an issue that can be examined by looking for the arrows on the filter frame that show appropriate setup instructions with the circulation of air.
- Air ducts are leaking, 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 noisy furnace is frequently the outcome of:.
- The heater being a single-stage design 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 should be replaced.
- A leak in the furnace cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the furnace that should be tightened up.
- An unclean filter, which can likewise cause whistling.
10. The Furnace Leaks when A/C is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heater, and if it leakages onto the flooring, the problem is more than likely a clogged up drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heating System Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heater are usually caused by:.
- A very dirty filter furnaces calgary that must be cleaned, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, normally a job for a professional furnace service technician.
12. The CO Screen Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm need to be taken seriously. Turn the furnace off at the thermostat. Do not enter into the room where the heating system lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a mobile phone outside your house.
How to Choose a Gas Heating System Repair Work Professional.
Some homeowners choose the most inexpensive repair work service in Calgary, and the results are generally poor. Cheap services are either just getting started, so lack experience or they have a bad credibility, so need to provide cheap prices to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best way to find quality heater repair at a fair rate is to get estimates from several of the top heating system repair work companies in Calgary. Meet each, learn more about their history and the experience of the specialists that will do the work. Choose a knowledgeable furnace repair work contractor with affordable rates.