Last updated
Was this helpful?
An excellent gas furnace troubleshooting guide assists you in identifying what is wrong with the furnace based upon its signs. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated details.
Troubleshooting Common Gas Furnace Problems
Every year, thousands of Calgary house owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas furnace?" If you remain in that situation, this guide will arm you with information before you call a furnace company. Understanding is protection against being made the most of-- though a lot of repair specialists have sound principles.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most typical problems, specifically those most property owners can easily talk to no tools or standard tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Furnace Will Not Start
If absolutely 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 heater, appears like a typical light switch) is turned off and simply needs to be switched on, though the heater might have a short delay before starting
- 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 furnace
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is sometimes 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 changed, an issue that can be detected using an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is total
- The furnace's main circuit board/control board is bad, an issue that can be identified by an A/C technician is absolutely nothing else fixes the problem
2. Furnace Blowing Cold Air
If the furnace will not produce heat, you can check 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 furnace is getting power. The most likely problems then are:
- The gas is switched off, so check the gas dick near the heating system to ensure it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and need to be changed
- The ignitor is failing and must be changed
- The draft motor isn't operating or the fresh-air consumption is obstructed, possibly by snow or debris, and requires to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Furnace Will Not Start
The draft motor is also called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the heater and out the exhaust stack. If it begins and then the heating system closes down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has failed and must be replaced
- An obstructed air intake or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird's nests prevail causes) should be cleared
- Among the concerns talked about above with gas, gas valve and ignitor need to be dealt with
4. The Draft Motor Will Not 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 repairing draft motor concerns and what is triggering them.
5. The Flame Starts, however the Heating system Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat but quickly shuts down without warming your home, the flame sensing unit isn't working. If the sensing unit has deterioration on it, sanding it might work, though changing it is a longer-lasting repair.
6. The Blower Won't Turn Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three common issues:
- The fan switch on the thermostat is set to "on" rather than "automobile".
- Relays in the control panel are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a continuous supply of electrical energy, and the control panel need to be changed.
- The thermostat also has contacts that control power to the furnace, 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 furnace quickly shuts down, there are a few common issues that may trigger this:.
- The furnace filter is unclean and should be cleaned or replaced.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and need to be changed.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these prevail, there are several other possible causes best detected by a heater specialist. This video offers in-depth coverage to the problem of heating system short-cycling.
8. The Furnace Runs however Can't Keep the House Warm.
If your heater is properly sized for your home, then it ought to keep your home warm even in extreme cold. If it runs constantly however isn't supplying enough heat, the likely causes are:.
- A dirty filter that should be cleaned (only if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your heater and restricts airflow, so should be changed.
- The filter is set up backwards, a concern that can be inspected by searching for the arrows on the filter frame that show correct setup direction with the circulation of air.
- Duct are dripping, in some cases producing telltale whistling noises, and it is time to have them sealed as suggested by Energy Star.
9. The Heater Makes Loud Noises.
A noisy heating system is usually the result of:.
- The furnace being a single-stage model that works 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 replaced.
- A leakage in the heating system cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heater that must be tightened up.
- A dirty filter, which can likewise cause whistling.
10. The Heater Leaks when Air Conditioning is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heating system, and if it leakages onto the floor, the concern is most likely a stopped up drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heating System Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the furnace are normally triggered by:.
- A really filthy filter that ought to be cleaned, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, normally a job for a professional heater technician.
12. The CO Display Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm should 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 mobile phone outside your house.
How to Select a Gas Heater Repair Professional.
Some homeowners select the cheapest repair work service in Calgary, and the outcomes are normally poor. Inexpensive services are either just getting started, so lack experience or they have a bad track record, so must offer inexpensive prices to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best way to discover quality furnace repair at a reasonable price is to get price quotes from numerous of the top heater repair work companies in Calgary. Meet with each, find out about their history and the experience of the professionals that will do the work. Choose a knowledgeable furnace repair specialist with reasonable rates.
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is easy to examine and remedy
- The filter is filthy and need to be changed or cleaned, a problem that is particularly real on more recent furnaces that are geared up to close down if the filter isn't enabling sufficient air circulation, a condition that can trigger major mechanical failure
