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A great gas heating system fixing guide assists you in determining what is wrong with the heater based upon its signs. That's what we do here with clear, simple information.
Fixing Common Gas Furnace Problems
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 details prior to you call a heating system company. Knowledge is protection against being taken advantage of-- though a lot of repair specialists have sound principles.
Note: This guide covers the most typical issues, particularly those most house owners can easily contact no tools or fundamental tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heating System Won't Start
If nothing occurs when the thermostat is set above the home's current temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The furnace switch (situated on or near the heating system, looks like a typical light switch) is turned off and simply requires to be turned on, though the heater might have a short delay prior to 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 heater
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is easy to examine and correct
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is often caused by a wire coming loose, so inspect the electrical wiring connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and should be changed, a concern that can be detected using an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is complete
- The filter is dirty and must be replaced or cleaned, a problem that is particularly true on more recent heaters that are equipped to shut down if the filter isn't permitting appropriate air circulation, a condition that can cause severe mechanical failure
- The heater's primary circuit board/control board is bad, an issue that can be identified by a HEATING AND COOLING technician is nothing else solves the issue
2. Heater Blowing Cold Air
- The gas is shut off, so check the gas dick near the heating system to ensure 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 changed
- The draft motor isn't operating or the fresh-air consumption is obstructed, perhaps by snow or debris, and requires to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heater Will Not 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 heater shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that controls it has actually stopped working and need to be replaced
- An obstructed air consumption or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests are common causes) need to be cleared
- One of the concerns 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 assist you in repairing draft motor issues and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Begins, but the Heater 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 corrosion on it, sanding it may work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting repair.
6. The Blower Will Not Turn Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 common concerns:
- The fan turn 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 continuous supply of electricity, and the control board need to be changed.
- The thermostat likewise has contacts that manage power to the heater, and they can be worn, so the thermostat must be changed.
7. Why Does the Furnace Keep Turning Off?
- The furnace filter is filthy and need to be cleaned up or replaced.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and need to be replaced.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these prevail, there are several other prospective causes best detected by a heater technician. This video provides in-depth protection to the problem of heater short-cycling.
8. The Heating System Runs however Can't Keep the House Warm.
If your furnace is appropriately sized for your home, then it needs 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 need to be cleaned (only if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the wrong type for your heater and limits airflow, so ought to be changed.
- The filter is installed backwards, a problem that can be checked by looking for the arrows on the filter frame that show appropriate installation instructions with the circulation of air.
- Duct are dripping, in some cases producing obvious whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as recommended by Energy Star.
9. The Heater Makes Loud Noises.
A loud furnace is most often the outcome of:.
- The heating system being a 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 should be changed.
- A leakage in the furnace cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the furnace that need to be tightened.
- An unclean filter, which can also trigger whistling.
10. The Heater Leaks when Air Conditioning is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your furnace, and if it leaks onto the flooring, the problem is most likely a blocked drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heater Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the furnace are typically triggered by:.
- A very filthy filter that should be cleaned, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, typically a job for an expert heating system service technician.
12. The CO Display Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm should be taken seriously. Turn the heater off at the thermostat. Don't go into the space where the heating system lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cell phone outside your home.
How to Pick a Gas Heating System Repair Work Professional.
Some house owners pick the least expensive repair service in Calgary, and the outcomes are normally poor. Cheap services are either simply starting, so do not have experience or they have a bad reputation, so must offer inexpensive prices to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best method to find quality heating system repair at a reasonable rate is to get price quotes from several of the leading heating system repair business in Calgary. Consult with each, find out about their history and the experience of the professionals that will do the work. Choose an experienced heater repair professional with affordable rates.
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 "Auto" position to the "On" position. If the fan begins, then the heater is getting power. The most likely concerns then are:
If your furnace burner lights but the furnace soon turns off, there are a couple of common issues that may cause this:.
