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A good gas heater fixing guide helps you in identifying what is wrong with the heating system based upon its signs. That's what we do here with clear, simple info.
Repairing Common Gas Heater Problems
Every year, countless Calgary house owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heating system?" If you remain in that circumstance, this guide will equip you with details before you call a heater company. Understanding is defense versus being benefited from-- though the majority of repair specialists have sound principles.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most common issues, especially those most property owners can quickly check with no tools or fundamental tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Furnace Will Not Start
If nothing takes place when the thermostat is set above the house's current temperature, the most likely causes are these:
- The furnace switch (situated on or near the furnace, looks like a typical light switch) is shut off and merely needs to be turned on, though the heating system may have a brief hold-up before beginning
- The breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to trip after it is turned back on, there is likely an electrical wiring short in the furnace
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to examine and fix
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is sometimes brought on by a wire coming loose, so inspect the circuitry connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and must be replaced, a concern that can be identified utilizing an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is complete
- The filter is filthy and need to be replaced or cleaned, a problem that is specifically real on newer heaters that are geared up to close down if the filter isn't allowing sufficient air flow, a condition that can trigger severe mechanical failure
- The heating system's main circuit board/control board is bad, a concern that can be identified by a HEATING AND COOLING specialist is absolutely nothing else solves the issue
2. Heating System 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 "Automobile" position to the "On" position. If the fan comes on, then the furnace is getting power. The likely problems then are:
- The gas is turned off, so check the gas cock near the heating system to make certain it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and should be replaced
- The ignitor is failing and need to be changed
- The draft motor isn't functioning or the fresh-air intake is obstructed, possibly by snow or debris, and needs to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heating System Won't Start
The draft motor is likewise called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the furnace and out the exhaust stack. If it begins and then the furnace closes down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has stopped working and must be replaced
- A blocked air intake or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests prevail causes) must be cleared
- Among the problems gone over above with gas, gas valve and ignitor must be dealt with
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 help you in troubleshooting draft motor concerns and what is triggering them.
5. The Flame Begins, however the Furnace Shuts Down
6. The Blower Will Not Shut Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three typical problems:
- The fan turn on the thermostat is set to "on" instead of "vehicle".
- Relays in the control board are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a continuous supply of electrical energy, and the control board must be replaced.
- The thermostat likewise has contacts that manage power to the heating system, and they can be used, so the thermostat needs to be replaced.
7. Why Does the Furnace Keep Shutting Off?
If your furnace burner lights but the heater soon shuts down, there are a couple of common concerns that may cause this:.
- The heating system filter is filthy and must be cleaned or changed.
- The flame sensor isn't working and need to be replaced.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these are common, there are several other prospective causes best detected by a heater technician. This video provides thorough protection to the problem of heating system short-cycling.
8. The Heating System Runs however Can't Keep your home Warm.
If your heater is properly sized for your house, then it should keep your house warm even in severe cold. If it runs continuously however isn't offering adequate heat, the most likely causes are:.
- An unclean filter that need to be cleaned (only if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the wrong type for your heater and limits airflow, so need to be changed.
- The filter is installed backwards, a problem that can be examined by looking for the arrows on the filter frame that show proper setup instructions with the flow of air.
- Duct are leaking, in some cases producing obvious whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as advised by Energy Star.
9. The Furnace Makes Loud Noises.
A noisy heating system is frequently the result of:.
- The furnace 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 need to be changed.
- A leakage in the furnace cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heating system that should be tightened.
10. The Furnace Leaks when A/C is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your furnace, and if it leakages onto the floor, the problem is more than likely a clogged drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heater Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the furnace are normally caused by:.
- A very filthy filter that ought to be cleaned, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, typically a job for a professional heating system service technician.
12. The CO Screen Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm must be taken seriously. Turn the heating system off at the thermostat. Do not go into the space where the furnace lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cell phone outside your house.
How to Select a Gas Furnace Repair Professional.
Some homeowners choose the cheapest repair service in Calgary, and the outcomes are generally bad. Inexpensive services are either just getting started, so do not have experience or they have a bad track record, so need to offer cheap rates 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 cost is to get price quotes from several of the leading furnace repair companies in Calgary. Meet with each, find out about their history and the experience of the service technicians that will do the work. Choose a knowledgeable heater repair specialist with affordable rates.
If the burner begins making heat but soon turns off without warming your home, the flame sensing unit isn't working. If the sensor has corrosion on it, sanding it might work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting repair.
- A filthy filter, which can also trigger whistling.
