An excellent gas furnace repairing guide helps you in determining what is wrong with the heater based upon its signs. That's what we do here with clear, straightforward information.
Troubleshooting Common Gas Furnace Problems
Every year, thousands of Calgary homeowners ask, "What's wrong with my gas furnace?" If you're in that circumstance, this guide will arm you with details before you call a heater company. Knowledge is security versus being made the most of-- though many repair specialists have sound ethics.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most common issues, specifically those most homeowners can quickly talk to no tools or standard tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heating System Will Not Start
If nothing happens when the thermostat is set above the home's current temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The heater switch (located on or near the furnace, looks like a common light switch) is shut off and just requires to be switched on, though the furnace may have a brief delay prior to starting
- The circuit breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to trip after it is turned back on, there is likely a wiring brief in the furnace
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is easy to examine and fix
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is often triggered by a wire coming loose, so inspect the electrical wiring connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and must be replaced, a problem that can be diagnosed utilizing an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is total
- The filter is filthy and must be changed or cleaned up, a concern that is especially real on more recent heating systems that are equipped to shut down if the filter isn't allowing appropriate air flow, a condition that can trigger severe mechanical failure
- The heater's primary circuit board/control board is bad, a concern that can be identified by a HVAC service technician is nothing else solves the concern
2. Furnace 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 "Car" position to the "On" position. If the fan begins, then the heater is getting power. The most likely issues then are:
- The gas is shut off, so check the gas dick near the heater to make certain it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and must be changed
- The ignitor is stopping working and need to be changed
- The draft motor isn't functioning or the fresh-air intake is obstructed, possibly 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 closes down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has actually stopped working and must be changed
- A blocked air intake or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests prevail causes) need to be cleared
- One of the issues discussed above with gas, gas valve and ignitor need to be attended to
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 help you in fixing draft motor concerns and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Starts, but the Heater Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat however quickly shuts down without warming your home, the flame sensing unit isn't working. If the sensor has rust on it, sanding it may work, though changing it is a longer-lasting repair.
6. The Blower Will Not Turn Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three typical concerns:
- The fan switch 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 consistent supply of electrical power, and the control panel should be replaced.
- The thermostat likewise has contacts that control power to the furnace, and they can be worn, so the thermostat needs to be replaced.
7. Why Does the Heating System Keep Shutting Off?
If your furnace burner lights however the heating system quickly turns off, there are a couple of common problems that might cause this:.
- The furnace filter is dirty and should be cleaned or changed.
- The flame sensor isn't working and need to be changed.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these are common, there are numerous other potential causes best diagnosed by a furnace specialist. This video provides extensive coverage to the problem of heater short-cycling.
8. The Heating System Runs however Can't Keep your home Warm.
If your heating system is appropriately sized for your home, then it should keep your house furnace installation warm even in extreme cold. If it runs continuously however isn't supplying enough heat, the likely causes are:.
- A filthy filter that should be washed (just if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the wrong type for your furnace and limits air flow, so should be replaced.
- The filter is set up backwards, a problem that can be checked by looking for the arrows on the filter frame that reveal appropriate setup instructions with the circulation of air.
- Air ducts are dripping, often producing telltale whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as suggested by Energy Star.
9. The Furnace Makes Loud Noises.
A noisy heating system is most often the result of:.
- The furnace being a single-stage design 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 changed.
- A leak in the heater cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heating system that need to be tightened up.
- A dirty filter, which can also cause whistling.
10. The Heater Leaks when A/C is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heating system, 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 Heating System Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heater are normally triggered by:.
- A very dirty filter that must be washed, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, usually a job for a professional heating system service technician.
12. The CO Monitor Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm need to be taken seriously. Turn the heating system off at the thermostat. Do not enter into the space where the heater lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cellular phone outside your home.
How to Choose a Gas Heater Repair Specialist.
Some homeowners choose the most inexpensive repair work service in Calgary, and the results are generally poor. Inexpensive services are either simply getting going, so lack experience or they have a bad credibility, so need furnace repair calgary to give cheap pricing to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best way to find quality furnace repair at a reasonable price is to get price quotes from numerous of the top furnace repair work companies in Calgary. Meet with each, learn more about their history and the experience of the professionals that will do the work. Pick an experienced furnace repair specialist with affordable rates.