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An excellent gas heater troubleshooting guide helps you in determining what is wrong with the heating system based upon its signs. That's what we do here with clear, simple info.
Troubleshooting Common Gas Heating System Issues
Every year, thousands of Calgary house owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heater?" If you're in that scenario, this guide will arm you with details prior to you call a heating system company. Understanding is security versus being taken advantage of-- though most repair experts have sound principles.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most typical problems, specifically those most homeowners can easily contact no tools or fundamental tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heater Won't Start
If nothing takes place when the thermostat is set above the home's present temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The heating system switch (located on or near the furnace, appears like a common light switch) is turned off and just requires to be switched on, though the furnace might have a brief delay prior to starting
- The breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to journey after it is turned back on, there is likely a wiring brief in the furnace
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to inspect and remedy
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is often brought on by a wire coming loose, so check the 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 reveals if a circuit is complete
- The filter is unclean and need to be changed or cleaned, a problem that is particularly true on more recent heating systems that are geared up to close down if the filter isn't enabling appropriate air circulation, a condition that can trigger major mechanical failure
- The heater's main circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be diagnosed by an A/C specialist is nothing else fixes the issue
2. Furnace Blowing Cold Air
If the heater will not produce heat, you can inspect 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 problems then are:
- The gas is shut off, so inspect the gas cock near the heater to ensure 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 replaced
- The draft motor isn't functioning or the fresh-air consumption is blocked, maybe by snow or debris, and requires to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Furnace Will Not Start
The draft motor is likewise called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the heater and out the exhaust stack. If it starts and after that the heating system closes down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that controls it has stopped working and should be replaced
- A blocked air intake or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird's nests are common causes) must be cleared
- Among the problems gone over above with gas, gas valve and ignitor should be addressed
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 fixing draft motor problems and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Begins, however the Heating system Shuts Down
6. The Blower Will Not Turn Off
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 "vehicle".
- Relays in the control panel are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a continuous 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 Heating System Keep Shutting Down?
If your furnace burner lights but the heating system quickly shuts off, there are a couple of common issues that may cause this:.
- The heating system filter is dirty and ought to be cleaned or replaced.
- The flame sensor isn't working and must be replaced.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these prevail, there are several other possible causes finest diagnosed by a furnace technician. This video provides thorough coverage to the issue of furnace short-cycling.
8. The Heating System Runs however Can't Keep your house Warm.
If your furnace is appropriately sized for your home, then it needs to keep your house warm even in extreme cold. If it runs continuously however isn't supplying enough heat, the most likely causes are:.
- An unclean filter that must be cleaned (only if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your heater and restricts air flow, so need to be replaced.
- The filter is installed backwards, a problem that can be checked by looking for the arrows on the filter frame that show proper setup instructions with the circulation of air.
- Duct are leaking, sometimes producing telltale whistling noises, and it is time to have them sealed as advised by Energy Star.
9. The Heating System Makes Loud Noises.
A loud furnace is usually the result of:.
- The heating system being a single-stage model that runs on high capability 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 heating system that must be tightened up.
- An unclean filter, which can likewise cause whistling.
10. The Heating System Leaks when Air Conditioning is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heater, and if it leakages onto the floor, the problem is more than likely a blocked drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heater Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the furnace are generally triggered by:.
- A really unclean filter that need to be washed, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, typically a job for an expert furnace technician.
12. The CO Monitor Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm need to be taken seriously. Turn the heater off at the thermostat. Don't go into the space where the heater is located. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cell phone outside your home.
How to Select a Gas Furnace Repair Work Specialist.
Some homeowners pick the most affordable repair service in Calgary, and the results are generally bad. Cheap services are either simply starting, so lack experience or they have a bad reputation, so should give inexpensive rates to get jobs.
If the burner begins making heat but quickly shuts down without warming your house, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensing unit has corrosion on it, sanding it might work, though changing it is a longer-lasting fix.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best way to find quality heating system repair at a reasonable cost is to get price quotes from several of the leading heating system repair business in Calgary. Consult with each, discover their history and the experience of the service technicians that will do the work. Pick a skilled heater repair work professional with sensible rates.
