A great gas heater fixing guide assists you in identifying what is wrong with the furnace based on its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated information.
Troubleshooting Common Gas Heating System Issues
Every year, thousands of Calgary property owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas furnace?" If you're in that situation, this guide will arm you with information prior to you call a heater business. Understanding is protection versus being benefited from-- though the majority of repair specialists have sound principles.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most typical problems, especially those most property owners can quickly talk to no tools or standard tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Furnace Will Not Start
If nothing takes place when the thermostat is set above the home's existing temperature, the most likely causes are these:
- The heating system switch (located on or near the furnace, looks like a common light switch) is switched off and simply needs to be turned on, though the heating system may have a brief delay prior to starting
- The circuit breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to trip after it is turned back on, there is likely a wiring short in the heating system
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to inspect and treat
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is sometimes triggered by a wire coming loose, so examine the wiring connections
- The thermostat needs fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and should be changed, an issue that can be identified using an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is complete
- The filter is filthy and need to be changed or cleaned up, a concern that is particularly true on newer heaters that are equipped to shut down if the filter isn't enabling appropriate air circulation, a condition that can cause serious mechanical failure
- The heating system's primary circuit board/control board is bad, an issue that can be identified by an A/C technician is absolutely nothing else solves the issue
2. Heating System Blowing Cold Air
If the heater will not produce heat, you can examine to see if it is getting power by moving the fan switch from the "Automobile" position to the "On" position. If the fan comes on, then the heating system is getting power. The likely concerns then are:
- The gas is turned off, so inspect the gas cock 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 failing and must be changed
- The draft motor isn't operating or the fresh-air intake is blocked, possibly by snow or debris, and needs 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 heater closes down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has failed and must be replaced
- A blocked air intake or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird's nests are common causes) should be cleared
- Among the concerns discussed above with gas, gas valve and ignitor must 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 help you in troubleshooting draft motor issues and what is triggering them.
5. The Flame Starts, but the Heater Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat but quickly turns off without warming your house, the flame sensor 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 Will Not Turn Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 common problems:
- The fan switch on the thermostat is set to "on" rather than "vehicle".
- 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 board should be replaced.
- The thermostat likewise has contacts that manage power to the furnace, and they can be worn, so the thermostat needs to be changed.
7. Why Does the Heater Keep Shutting Off?
If your heating system burner lights but the furnace soon turns off, there are a couple of typical concerns that might cause this:.
- The furnace filter is unclean and should be cleaned or changed.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and must be changed.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these are common, there are several other prospective causes finest detected by a heater specialist. This video gives thorough protection to the problem of heater short-cycling.
8. The Heater Runs but Can't Keep your home Warm.
If your heater is appropriately sized for your house, then it should keep your house warm even cool heat in severe cold. If it runs constantly but isn't providing enough heat, the likely causes are:.
- An unclean filter that need to be washed (only if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your heater and restricts air flow, so need to be changed.
- The filter is set up backwards, a problem that can be checked by searching for the arrows on the filter frame that show proper setup instructions with the flow of air.
- Duct are dripping, in some cases producing obvious whistling noises, and it is time to have them sealed as suggested by Energy Star.
9. The Heating System Makes Loud Noises.
A loud furnace is frequently the result of:.
- The heating system being a single-stage design that runs 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 changed.
- A leak in the heating system cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heater that should be tightened up.
- An unclean filter, which can also cause whistling.
10. The Heating System Leaks when A/C is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heating system, and if it leaks onto the flooring, the problem is probably a stopped up drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heater Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the furnace are typically brought on by:.
- A very filthy filter that ought to be washed, if heating and cooling washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, usually a job for a professional heater specialist.
12. The CO Display Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm must be taken seriously. Turn the heater off at the thermostat. Don't enter into the space where the heater lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a mobile phone outside your house.
How to Select a Gas Heater Repair Specialist.
Some homeowners select the cheapest repair work service in Calgary, and the outcomes are usually poor. Low-cost services are either simply getting going, so lack experience or they have a bad credibility, so must provide inexpensive rates to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best way to discover quality furnace repair at a fair price is to get price quotes from several of the top heating system repair companies in Calgary. Meet each, discover their history and the experience of the technicians that will do the work. Select an experienced heater repair professional with affordable rates.