An excellent gas furnace troubleshooting guide helps you in determining what is wrong with the heater based on its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, straightforward details.
Troubleshooting Common Gas Heating System Problems
Every year, countless Calgary property owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas furnace?" If you're in that circumstance, this guide will equip you with info prior to you call a furnace business. Knowledge is security against being made the most of-- though most repair professionals have sound principles.
Note: This guide covers the most typical problems, particularly those most property owners can quickly consult no tools or standard tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Furnace Will Not Start
If nothing occurs when the thermostat is set above the house's existing temperature, the most likely causes are these:
- The heating system switch (situated on or near the heater, appears like a common light switch) is shut off and simply needs to be turned on, though the heating system might have a brief delay before starting
- The breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to journey after it is turned back on, there is likely a circuitry short in the heater
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to check and treat
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is often brought on by a wire coming loose, so check the electrical wiring connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and need to be replaced, a concern that can be diagnosed using an electrical multimeter that furnace repair calgary 24 hour reveals if a circuit is total
- The filter is dirty and must be changed or cleaned up, an issue that is especially true on more recent furnaces that are geared up to close down if the filter isn't allowing appropriate air circulation, a condition that can trigger major mechanical failure
- The heating system's main circuit board/control board is bad, an issue that can be identified by a HVAC service technician is absolutely nothing else solves the issue
2. Heater Blowing Cold Air
If the heating system will not produce heat, you can check to see if it is getting power by moving the fan switch from the "Automobile" position to the "On" position. If the fan begins, then the furnace is getting power. The likely problems then are:
- The gas is turned off, so examine the gas cock near the furnace 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 operating or the fresh-air intake is obstructed, maybe by snow or debris, and requires to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heating System Will Not Start
The draft motor is also called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the heating system and out the exhaust stack. If it starts and then the furnace shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has stopped working and need to be changed
- A blocked air consumption or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests are common causes) need to be cleared
- One of the issues talked about above with gas, gas valve and ignitor must 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 help you in fixing draft motor problems and what is triggering them.
5. The Flame Begins, however the Heating system Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat but soon shuts down without warming your house, the flame sensing unit isn't working. If the sensing unit has rust on it, sanding it may work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting repair.
6. The Blower Will Not Shut Down
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three typical concerns:
- The fan switch on the thermostat is set to "on" rather than "automobile".
- Relays in the control board are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a constant supply of electrical power, and the control panel should be changed.
- The thermostat also has contacts that control power to the heating system, and they can be used, so the thermostat needs to be changed.
7. Why Does the Heating System Keep Shutting Off?
If your heating system burner lights but the furnace soon shuts down, there are a couple of common concerns that may cause this:.
- The heating system filter is filthy and need to be cleaned or changed.
- The flame sensor isn't working and must be replaced.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these are common, there are a number of other prospective causes finest identified by a heater technician. This video offers thorough coverage to the issue of heater short-cycling.
8. The Furnace Runs but Can't Keep your home Warm.
If your heating system is effectively sized for your home, then it ought to keep your home warm even in severe cold. If it runs constantly but isn't offering sufficient heat, the most likely causes are:.
- An unclean filter that need to be cleaned (only if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your heating system and restricts airflow, so must be changed.
- The filter is set up in reverse, a concern that can be examined by looking for the arrows on the filter frame that reveal appropriate setup direction with the flow of air.
- Air ducts are dripping, sometimes producing obvious whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as suggested by Energy Star.
9. The Furnace Makes Loud Noises.
A loud furnace is usually the outcome of:.
- The heating system being a furnace installation calgary single-stage design that works 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 leak in the heater cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the furnace that should be tightened.
- 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 furnace, and if it leaks onto the flooring, the concern is more than likely a clogged drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Furnace Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heating system are typically brought on by:.
- An extremely dirty filter that must be washed, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, typically a job for a professional heater service technician.
12. The CO Display Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm ought to be taken seriously. Turn the furnace off at the thermostat. Don't enter into the space where the furnace lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a mobile phone outside your home.
How to Pick a Gas Heater Repair Professional.
Some house owners select the cheapest repair service in Calgary, and the outcomes are normally bad. Low-cost services are either simply getting started, so lack experience or they have a bad track record, so must provide inexpensive pricing to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best method to find quality furnace repair at a reasonable rate is to get estimates from numerous of the top heating system repair companies in Calgary. Meet with each, learn more about their history and the experience of the specialists that will do the work. Pick an experienced heating system repair work contractor with reasonable rates.