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A great gas heating system repairing guide helps you in determining what is wrong with the heating system based upon its signs. That's what we do here with clear, straightforward details.
Troubleshooting Common Gas Heater Problems
Every year, thousands of Calgary house owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heating system?" If you remain in that situation, this guide will equip you with details prior to you call a heater business. Knowledge is defense versus being made the most of-- though a lot of repair professionals have sound principles.
Note: This guide covers the most common issues, especially those most house owners can easily talk to no tools or fundamental tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heater Will Not Start
If absolutely nothing occurs when the thermostat is set above the house's existing temperature, the most likely causes are these:
- The heating system switch (located on or near the heating system, appears like a typical light switch) is turned off and just needs to be turned on, though the heater may have a brief delay before beginning
- The circuit breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to trip after it is turned back on, there is likely a circuitry short in the heater
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to examine and treat
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is sometimes brought on by a wire coming loose, so examine the circuitry connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and must be changed, a problem that can be detected using an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is complete
- The filter is filthy and must be changed or cleaned up, a concern that is specifically true on newer furnaces that are equipped to close down if the filter isn't permitting appropriate air flow, a condition that can trigger major mechanical failure
- The heating system's primary circuit board/control board is bad, an issue that can be detected by an A/C specialist is nothing else fixes the problem
2. Furnace Blowing Cold Air
- The gas is shut 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 need to be replaced
- The ignitor is stopping working and need to be changed
- The draft motor isn't functioning or the fresh-air intake is obstructed, maybe by snow or debris, 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 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 stopped working and should be replaced
- An obstructed air intake or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird's nests prevail causes) need to be cleared
- One of the concerns discussed above with gas, gas valve and ignitor should be addressed
4. The Draft Motor Will Not Start
5. The Flame Starts, but the Heater Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat however quickly shuts down without warming your house, the flame sensing unit isn't working. If the sensor has deterioration on it, sanding it might 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 common problems:
- The fan turn on the thermostat is set to "on" rather than "auto".
- Relays in the control board are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a constant supply of electrical power, and the control panel should be replaced.
- The thermostat also has contacts that control power to the heating system, and they can be used, so the thermostat should be replaced.
7. Why Does the Furnace Keep Shutting Off?
If your heating system burner lights however the furnace quickly shuts down, there are a few common problems that might cause this:.
- The heater filter is unclean and need to be cleaned up or changed.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and must be replaced.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these are common, there are several other possible causes finest detected by a furnace service technician. This video offers extensive protection to the problem of heater short-cycling.
8. The Heater Runs however Can't Keep the House Warm.
If your heating system is effectively sized for your house, then it should keep your house warm even in severe cold. If it runs constantly however isn't offering enough heat, the most likely causes are:.
- A filthy filter that should be washed (only if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the wrong type for your heating system and limits air flow, so need to be changed.
- The filter is set up backwards, an issue that can be examined by searching for the arrows on the filter frame that reveal correct installation instructions with the circulation of air.
- Air ducts are dripping, in some cases producing telltale whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as suggested by Energy Star.
9. The Furnace Makes Loud Noises.
A loud furnace is usually the result of:.
- The heater being a single-stage design 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 should be changed.
- A leakage in the furnace cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heating system that need to be tightened up.
- A dirty filter, which can likewise cause whistling.
10. The Heating System Leaks when Air Conditioner is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heater, and if it leaks onto the floor, the issue is most likely a stopped up drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Furnace Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the furnace are generally brought on by:.
- A very dirty filter that ought to be washed, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, typically a job for an expert heating system specialist.
12. The CO Screen Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm must be taken seriously. Turn the furnace 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 mobile phone outside your house.
How to Select a Gas Heater Repair Professional.
Some house owners select the most inexpensive repair service in Calgary, and the outcomes are generally bad. Inexpensive services are either simply starting, so do not have experience or they have a bad track record, so need to give low-cost pricing to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best way to find quality heating system repair work at a reasonable price is to get estimates from several of the top furnace repair companies in Calgary. Meet each, discover their history and the experience of the technicians that will do the work. Pick a knowledgeable furnace repair work professional with affordable rates.
If the heating system will not 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 most likely issues then are:
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 troubleshooting draft motor problems and what is causing them.
