Last updated
Was this helpful?
A great gas furnace fixing guide helps you in determining what is wrong with the furnace based upon its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated details.
Troubleshooting Common Gas Furnace Issues
Every year, thousands of Calgary house owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heating system?" If you're in that scenario, this guide will equip you with information before you call a heating system company. Understanding is security versus being made the most of-- though most repair specialists have sound principles.
Note: This guide covers the most typical issues, specifically those most house owners can quickly contact no tools or fundamental 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 current temperature, the most likely causes are these:
- The heating system switch (situated on or near the heating system, looks like a common light switch) is shut off and merely needs to be turned on, though the furnace may have a short delay prior to starting
- The breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to trip after it is turned back on, there is likely a wiring brief in the heater
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to examine and fix
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is sometimes brought on by a wire coming loose, so inspect 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 detected using an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is complete
- The filter is dirty and need to be changed or cleaned up, an issue that is particularly true on newer heaters that are geared up to close down if the filter isn't permitting appropriate air circulation, a condition that can cause serious mechanical failure
2. Furnace Blowing Cold Air
If the furnace won't produce heat, you can inspect to see if it is getting power by moving the fan switch from the "Vehicle" position to the "On" position. If the fan comes on, then the heater is getting power. The likely problems then are:
- The gas is shut off, so check the gas dick near the heating system to make certain 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 functioning or the fresh-air consumption is obstructed, maybe by snow or particles, and requires to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Furnace Won't Start
The draft motor is likewise called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the furnace and out the exhaust stack. If it begins and after that the heating system shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has actually failed and must be changed
- An obstructed air consumption or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests are common causes) should be cleared
- One of the problems gone over above with gas, gas valve and ignitor should be addressed
4. The Draft Motor Will Not 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 causing them.
5. The Flame Begins, however the Heating system Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat however quickly shuts down without warming your house, the flame sensing unit isn't working. If the sensing unit has rust on it, sanding it might work, though changing it is a longer-lasting repair.
6. The Blower Won't Shut Down
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 typical concerns:
- The fan switch on the thermostat is set to "on" instead of "car".
- 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 should be changed.
- The thermostat also has contacts that manage power to the furnace, and they can be used, so the thermostat needs to be replaced.
7. Why Does the Heating System Keep Turning Off?
If your heating system burner lights however the heater quickly shuts off, there are a couple of common concerns that may cause this:.
- The heater filter is unclean and need to be cleaned up or replaced.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and need to be replaced.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these are common, there are several other potential causes finest identified by a heating system professional. This video offers in-depth coverage to the problem of heating system short-cycling.
8. The Heating System Runs however Can't Keep your home Warm.
If your heating system is appropriately sized for your home, then it needs to keep your home warm even in severe cold. If it runs constantly but isn't offering adequate heat, the most likely causes are:.
- An unclean filter that need to be washed (only if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the wrong type for your heater and limits airflow, so ought to be replaced.
- The filter is set up backwards, a problem that can be checked by looking for the arrows on the filter frame that show appropriate installation instructions with the flow of air.
- Air ducts are leaking, sometimes producing obvious whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as advised by Energy Star.
9. The Heater Makes Loud Noises.
A loud furnace is frequently the outcome of:.
- A bad bearing in the draft motor or the blower motor that must be changed.
- A leakage in the furnace cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heating system that need to be tightened.
- A dirty filter, which can also trigger whistling.
10. The Heating System Leaks when A/C is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your furnace, and if it leakages onto the flooring, the concern is most likely a blocked drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Furnace Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heater are normally caused by:.
- An extremely unclean filter that should be washed, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, typically a task for an expert heating system professional.
12. The CO Monitor Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm must be taken seriously. Turn the heating system off at the thermostat. Don't go into the space where the heating system is located. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cell phone outside your house.
How to Choose a Gas Heating System Repair Expert.
Some property owners pick the most affordable repair work service in Calgary, and the outcomes are normally poor. Cheap services are either just getting started, so lack experience or they have a bad credibility, so need to give low-cost rates to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best method to find quality heater repair at a fair price is to get estimates from several of the top heating system repair business in Calgary. Meet each, learn more about their history and the experience of the service technicians that will do the work. Pick a knowledgeable heating system repair contractor with sensible rates.
- The furnace's primary circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be detected by a HEATING AND COOLING specialist is nothing else resolves the concern
- The furnace being a single-stage design that operates on high capacity all the time, so it's going to be loud.
