A good gas heater fixing guide helps you in identifying what is wrong with the heating system based upon its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, simple info.
Troubleshooting Common Gas Furnace Issues
Every year, countless Calgary homeowners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heating system?" If you remain in that scenario, this guide will arm you with details prior to you call a heater business. Knowledge is protection against being made the most of-- though many repair specialists have sound ethics.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most common issues, especially those most homeowners can easily consult no tools or standard tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Furnace Will Not Start
If absolutely nothing happens when the thermostat is set above the home's present temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The furnace switch (situated on or near the heater, appears like a typical light switch) is shut off and just needs to be switched on, though the furnace might have a short hold-up before beginning
- 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 heating system
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to check and fix
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is often caused 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 changed, a concern that can be identified using an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is complete
- The filter is filthy and should be replaced or cleaned, a concern that is especially true on more recent heaters that are equipped to close down if the filter isn't permitting appropriate air circulation, a condition that can cause serious mechanical failure
- The furnace's main circuit board/control board is bad, a concern that can be diagnosed by an A/C technician is nothing else fixes the problem
2. Heater Blowing Cold Air
If the heating system will not produce heat, you can examine to see if it is getting power by moving the fan switch from the "Automobile" position to the "On" position. If the fan begins, then the heater is getting power. The likely concerns then are:
- The gas is turned off, so check the gas cock near the heater to make sure it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and should be replaced
- The ignitor is failing and should be changed
- The draft motor isn't functioning or the fresh-air intake is blocked, possibly by snow or particles, and requires to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heating System Won't 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 furnace shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has stopped working and should be replaced
- A blocked air consumption or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests prevail causes) must be cleared
- One of the issues talked about above heating and cooling systems with gas, gas valve and ignitor must be attended to
4. The Draft Motor Will Not Start
The issue, 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 problems and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Begins, but the Furnace Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat but soon turns off without warming your home, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensor has corrosion on it, sanding it may work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting repair.
6. The Blower Will Not Shut Down
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three common concerns:
- The fan switch on the thermostat is set to "on" instead of "auto".
- 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 must be changed.
- The thermostat likewise has contacts that manage power to the heater, and they can be used, so the thermostat needs to be changed.
7. Why Does the Heating System Keep Shutting Down?
If your furnace burner lights however the furnace soon turns off, there are a few typical issues that might cause this:.
- The furnace filter is dirty and need to be cleaned or replaced.
- The flame sensor isn't working and must be replaced.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these are common, there are numerous other prospective causes finest diagnosed by a heater service technician. This video provides in-depth coverage to the problem of heater short-cycling.
8. The Heating System Runs but Can't Keep your house Warm.
If your heater is correctly sized for your home, then it must keep your house warm even in extreme cold. If it runs continuously however isn't supplying enough heat, the most likely causes are:.
- An unclean filter that must be cleaned (just if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the wrong type for your heater and restricts airflow, so must be changed.
- The filter is installed in reverse, a problem that can be examined by trying to find the arrows on the filter frame that show correct setup instructions with the circulation of air.
- Air ducts are dripping, in some cases producing obvious whistling noises, and it is time to have them sealed as advised by Energy Star.
9. The Heating System Makes Loud Noises.
A loud heater is most often the outcome of:.
- The heating system 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 furnace that must be tightened up.
- A dirty filter, which can likewise cause whistling.
10. The Furnace Leaks when Air Conditioning is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heater, and if it leakages onto the floor, the concern is more than likely a stopped up drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heater Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heater are typically triggered by:.
- A really filthy filter that ought to be washed, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, normally a job for a professional furnace specialist.
12. The CO Screen Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm must be taken seriously. Turn the furnace hvac contractor calgary off at the thermostat. Do not enter into the room where the furnace lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a mobile phone outside your home.
How to Pick a Gas Heating System Repair Work Expert.
Some property owners choose the least expensive repair work service in Calgary, and the outcomes are usually poor. Cheap services are either simply starting, so do not have experience or they have a bad track record, so need to provide low-cost rates to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best method to find quality heating system repair work at a reasonable price is to get estimates from numerous of the leading heater repair work companies in Calgary. Meet each, discover their history and the experience of the specialists that will do the work. Select an experienced heating system repair professional with sensible rates.