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An excellent gas heating system repairing guide assists you in identifying what is wrong with the furnace based on its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, straightforward details.
Repairing Common Gas Furnace Problems
Every year, countless Calgary house owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heating system?" If you're in that situation, this guide will equip you with details prior to you call a heating system company. Knowledge is defense against being taken advantage of-- though many repair professionals have sound principles.
Note: This guide covers the most typical issues, specifically those most property owners can easily talk to no tools or basic tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heater Won't Start
If absolutely nothing takes place when the thermostat is set above the house's current temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The heater switch (situated on or near the heater, looks like a common light switch) is shut off and just requires to be switched on, though the heating system might have a short delay before beginning
- The circuit breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to journey 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 easy to inspect and treat
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is in some cases triggered by a wire coming loose, so inspect the wiring connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and should be changed, a problem that can be identified using an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is complete
- The filter is dirty and must be changed or cleaned up, an issue that is specifically true on newer heating systems that are equipped to close down if the filter isn't enabling appropriate air circulation, a condition that can cause severe mechanical failure
- The heater's primary circuit board/control board is bad, a concern that can be identified by a HEATING AND COOLING professional is absolutely nothing else fixes the concern
2. Heating System Blowing Cold Air
- The gas is switched off, so examine the gas dick 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 stopping working and should be changed
- The draft motor isn't working or the fresh-air consumption is blocked, maybe by snow or debris, and requires to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heater Will Not Start
The draft motor is likewise called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the heating system and out the exhaust stack. If it begins and then the heater shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has actually failed and should be replaced
- An obstructed air consumption or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird's nests are common causes) must be cleared
- One of the concerns gone over above with gas, gas valve and ignitor should be addressed
4. The Draft Motor Won't Start
The issue, in this case, is either that the motor is bad or the capacitor that supports it is bad. This video will assist you in fixing draft motor issues and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Starts, however the Furnace Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat but quickly turns off without warming your house, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensor has corrosion on it, sanding it may work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting fix.
6. The Blower Won't Turn Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three typical issues:
- The fan turn on the thermostat is set to "on" instead of "vehicle".
- Relays in the control panel are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a constant supply of electricity, and the control board must be changed.
- The thermostat also has contacts that control power to the heater, and they can be worn, so the thermostat must be changed.
7. Why Does the Furnace Keep Shutting Down?
If your heating system burner lights but the heater soon shuts off, there are a couple of common concerns that might cause this:.
- The furnace filter is dirty and must be cleaned up or replaced.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and must be replaced.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these are common, there are numerous other potential causes finest diagnosed by a heating system professional. This video provides thorough coverage to the problem of heating system short-cycling.
8. The Heater Runs but Can't Keep your home Warm.
If your furnace is properly sized for your house, then it needs to keep your house warm even in severe cold. If it runs continuously however isn't providing adequate heat, the most likely causes are:.
- An unclean filter that need to be washed (just if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your heater and restricts air flow, so need to be replaced.
- The filter is installed in reverse, a problem that can be inspected by searching for the arrows on the filter frame that show appropriate installation instructions with the circulation of air.
- Air ducts are leaking, in some cases producing telltale whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as advised by Energy Star.
9. The Heater Makes Loud Noises.
A loud heating system is frequently the result of:.
- The furnace being a single-stage model 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 heating system cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heater that should be tightened.
- An unclean filter, which can likewise trigger whistling.
10. The Furnace Leaks when Air Conditioning is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your furnace, and if it leakages onto the flooring, the problem is more than likely a clogged drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Furnace Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heater are normally brought on by:.
- An extremely filthy filter that need to be washed, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, usually a job for a professional heating system professional.
12. The CO Monitor Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm need to be taken seriously. Turn the heating system off at the thermostat. Do not enter into the room where the heating system is located. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a mobile phone outside your home.
How to Select a Gas Furnace Repair Expert.
Some house owners select the cheapest repair work service in Calgary, and the results are generally poor. Cheap services are either simply beginning, so do not have experience or they have a bad credibility, so need to give inexpensive prices to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best method to find quality furnace repair work at a fair price is to get quotes from numerous of the top heating system repair companies in Calgary. Meet each, discover their history and the experience of the service technicians that will do the work. Select a skilled heater repair contractor with sensible rates.
If the heating system won't 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 begins, then the furnace is getting power. The likely concerns then are:
