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An excellent gas heating system repairing guide assists you in determining what is wrong with the furnace based on its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, simple info.
Fixing Common Gas Heating System Issues
Every year, thousands of Calgary homeowners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heater?" If you remain in that scenario, this guide will equip you with details prior to you call a heater company. Understanding is defense versus being benefited from-- though many repair specialists have sound ethics.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most typical problems, specifically 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 absolutely nothing occurs when the thermostat is set above the house's present temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The heating system switch (located on or near the heater, looks like a common light switch) is switched off and just requires to be turned on, though the heater might have a short hold-up prior to beginning
- The breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to trip after it is turned back on, there is likely a circuitry short in the heating system
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to examine and correct
- 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 should be replaced, a problem that can be identified using an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is complete
- The filter is dirty and should be replaced or cleaned up, a problem that is especially true on more recent heaters that are equipped to close down if the filter isn't allowing appropriate air flow, a condition that can trigger major mechanical failure
- The heating system's primary circuit board/control board is bad, a concern that can be detected by an A/C service technician is nothing else solves the concern
2. Heater Blowing Cold Air
If the furnace won't produce heat, you can check to see if it is getting power by moving the fan switch from the "Car" position to the "On" position. If the fan begins, then the furnace is getting power. The likely problems then are:
- The gas is shut off, so check the gas cock near the furnace to ensure it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and should be changed
- The ignitor is failing and need to be changed
- The draft motor isn't operating or the fresh-air consumption is blocked, perhaps by snow or particles, and requires to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heater Won't Start
The draft motor is also 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 closes down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has actually failed and need to be changed
- A blocked air intake or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests are common causes) need to be cleared
- Among the issues talked about above with gas, gas valve and ignitor should be attended to
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 help you in fixing draft motor issues and what is triggering them.
5. The Flame Begins, however the Heater Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat however soon shuts off without warming your home, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensing unit has deterioration on it, sanding it may work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting repair.
6. The Blower Won't Shut Down
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three typical problems:
- The fan switch on the thermostat is set to "on" rather than "automobile".
- Relays in the control board are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a consistent supply of electrical energy, and the control board need to be changed.
- The thermostat likewise has contacts that manage power to the heater, and they can be used, so the thermostat should be changed.
7. Why Does the Heater Keep Shutting Off?
If your furnace burner lights but the heater quickly turns off, there are a few common concerns that may trigger this:.
- The furnace filter is unclean and should be cleaned up or replaced.
- The flame sensor isn't working and need to be changed.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these are common, there are numerous other possible causes finest diagnosed by a heating system specialist. This video provides in-depth protection to the issue of furnace short-cycling.
8. The Heating System Runs however Can't Keep the House Warm.
If your heating system is properly sized for your house, then it needs to keep your house warm even in severe cold. If it runs constantly but isn't offering enough heat, the likely causes are:.
- A dirty filter that should be washed (just if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is set up in reverse, an issue that can be checked by trying to find the arrows on the filter frame that show proper setup direction with the flow of air.
- Duct are dripping, sometimes producing obvious whistling noises, and it is time to have them sealed as recommended by Energy Star.
9. The Furnace Makes Loud Noises.
A noisy heater is usually 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 should be replaced.
- A leakage in the heater cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heater that should be tightened up.
- An unclean filter, which can likewise trigger whistling.
10. The Furnace Leaks when A/C is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heater, and if it leakages onto the floor, the issue is more than likely a clogged up drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heater Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the furnace are normally caused by:.
- A really 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 furnace professional.
12. The CO Display Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm must be taken seriously. Turn the furnace off at the thermostat. Do not enter into the space where the furnace lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cell phone outside your home.
How to Choose a Gas Heating System Repair Expert.
Some property owners choose the least expensive repair work service in Calgary, and the outcomes are usually bad. Cheap services are either simply starting, so lack experience or they have a bad credibility, so need to offer low-cost rates to get jobs.
- The filter is the wrong type for your heating system and limits air flow, so ought to be replaced.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best method to discover quality heating system repair at a fair rate is to get estimates from several of the top heating system repair work companies in Calgary. Consult with each, learn about their history and the experience of the technicians that will do the work. Pick a skilled heater repair work professional with sensible rates.
