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A great gas heater fixing guide helps you in identifying what is wrong with the furnace based on its signs. That's what we do here with clear, straightforward information.
Troubleshooting Common Gas Furnace Issues
Every year, thousands of Calgary house owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas furnace?" If you remain in that scenario, this guide will equip you with information prior to you call a heating system company. Knowledge is protection against being taken advantage of-- though most repair professionals have sound principles.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most common issues, particularly those most property owners can easily contact no tools or basic 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 current temperature, the most likely causes are these:
- The heating system switch (located on or near the furnace, looks like a common light switch) is turned off and merely needs to be turned on, though the heater may have a short delay prior to starting
- 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 simple to check and correct
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is in some cases brought on by a wire coming loose, so examine the electrical wiring connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and must be changed, a concern that can be detected 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 specifically real on more recent heating systems that are equipped to close down if the filter isn't enabling sufficient air circulation, a condition that can trigger serious mechanical failure
- The heating system's primary circuit board/control board is bad, a concern that can be identified by a HEATING AND COOLING service technician is absolutely nothing else solves the issue
2. Heating System Blowing Cold Air
If the heater won't produce heat, you can inspect 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 furnace is getting power. The likely issues then are:
- The gas is shut off, so check the gas cock near the furnace to make certain it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and should be changed
- The ignitor is failing and must be replaced
- The draft motor isn't functioning or the fresh-air intake is blocked, perhaps by snow or debris, and needs to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heating System Will Not Start
The draft motor is also 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 closes down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has stopped working and need to be changed
- A blocked air intake or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird's nests are common causes) must be cleared
- Among the issues discussed above with gas, gas valve and ignitor must be addressed
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 fixing draft motor issues and what is triggering them.
5. The Flame Starts, however the Heater Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat however quickly shuts down without warming your house, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensor has rust on it, sanding it might work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting repair.
6. The Blower Will Not Shut Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 typical concerns:
- The fan switch on the thermostat is set to "on" rather than "auto".
- 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 need to be replaced.
- The thermostat also has contacts that control power to the heater, and they can be worn, so the thermostat should be replaced.
7. Why Does the Heater Keep Shutting Off?
If your heater burner lights however the heater quickly shuts off, there are a few typical concerns that might trigger this:.
- The heater filter is dirty and ought to be cleaned or changed.
- The flame sensor isn't working and must be changed.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these are common, there are numerous other prospective causes finest identified by a furnace specialist. This video provides in-depth coverage to the issue of heater short-cycling.
8. The Furnace Runs however Can't Keep your house Warm.
If your heating system is properly sized for your home, then it ought to keep your home warm even in severe cold. If it runs constantly however isn't offering sufficient heat, the likely causes are:.
- A filthy filter that need to be washed (only if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your heater and limits air flow, so should be replaced.
- The filter is set up backwards, a problem that can be inspected by trying to find the arrows on the filter frame that reveal appropriate installation direction with the circulation of air.
- Air ducts are dripping, often producing obvious whistling noises, and it is time to have them sealed as recommended by Energy Star.
9. The Heating System Makes Loud Noises.
A loud heater is frequently the result of:.
- The furnace being a single-stage model that operates on high capacity all the time, so it's going to be loud.
- A leakage in the furnace cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the furnace that should be tightened.
- A filthy filter, which can likewise cause whistling.
10. The Furnace Leaks when Air Conditioner is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heating system, and if it leakages 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 caused by:.
- An extremely filthy filter that must be washed, if washable, or replaced.
12. The CO Monitor Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm need to be taken seriously. Turn the heating system off at the thermostat. Don't enter into the room where the heater is located. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cellular phone outside your house.
How to Choose a Gas Heating System Repair Specialist.
Some homeowners select the most inexpensive repair work service in Calgary, and the results are typically poor. Cheap services are either just beginning, so do not have experience or they have a bad reputation, so should provide cheap prices to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best way to find quality heating system repair work at a reasonable rate is to get quotes from numerous of the top furnace repair business in Calgary. Meet with each, learn about their history and the experience of the technicians that will do the work. Select a knowledgeable heater repair professional with reasonable rates.
- A bad bearing in the draft motor or the blower motor that should be changed.
- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, typically a job for a professional furnace professional.
