A great gas furnace fixing guide helps you in identifying what is wrong with the heater based upon its signs. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated info.
Fixing Common Gas Heater Problems
Every year, countless Calgary homeowners ask, "What's wrong with my gas furnace?" If you remain in that circumstance, this guide will arm you with details prior to you call a heater company. Knowledge is protection versus being taken advantage of-- though a lot of repair specialists have sound ethics.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most common issues, specifically those most property owners can easily check with no tools or basic tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heater Will Not Start
If nothing occurs when the thermostat is set above the home's present temperature, the most likely causes are these:
- The heater switch (located on or near the heater, appears like a typical light switch) is switched off and merely needs to be switched on, though the heating system may have a brief hold-up 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 inspect and remedy
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is often brought on by a wire coming loose, so inspect the wiring connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and should be replaced, a problem that can be identified using an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is total
- The filter is unclean and should be replaced or cleaned, a concern that is specifically true on more recent heating systems that are geared up to shut down if the filter isn't enabling adequate air flow, a condition that can cause serious mechanical failure
- The heating system's primary circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be identified by a HVAC technician is nothing else solves the issue
2. Heating System Blowing Cold Air
If the furnace will not produce heat, you can inspect to see if it is getting power by moving the fan switch from the "Vehicle" position to the "On" position. If the fan comes on, then the heater is getting power. The most likely issues then are:
- The gas is switched off, so examine the gas cock near the heater to ensure it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and must be changed
- The ignitor is furnace repair calgary stopping working and need to be replaced
- The draft motor isn't working or the fresh-air intake is blocked, possibly by snow or debris, and needs to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Furnace Will Not Start
The draft motor is likewise called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the heating system and out the exhaust stack. If it begins and after that the furnace shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has failed and should be replaced
- An obstructed air intake or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests prevail causes) should be cleared
- One of the concerns gone over above with gas, gas valve and ignitor should 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 troubleshooting draft motor problems and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Starts, however the Heating system Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat however quickly shuts off without warming your home, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensing unit has rust on it, sanding it may work, though changing it is a longer-lasting fix.
6. The Blower Will Not Turn Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 common problems:
- The fan switch on the thermostat is set to "on" rather than "car".
- 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 board need to be replaced.
- The thermostat likewise has contacts that manage power to the heater, and they can be worn, so the thermostat needs to be changed.
7. Why Does the Heater Keep Turning Off?
If your heater burner lights but the heater quickly shuts off, there are a few typical problems that may cause this:.
- The heater filter is filthy and must be cleaned or changed.
- The flame sensor isn't working and must be replaced.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these prevail, there are a number of other prospective causes finest diagnosed by a heater technician. This video provides thorough coverage to the problem of heater short-cycling.
8. The Heater Runs but Can't Keep the House Warm.
If your heating system is appropriately sized for your home, then it should keep your house warm even in severe cold. If it runs continuously however isn't supplying enough heat, the likely causes are:.
- A filthy filter that should be cleaned (just if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the wrong type for your heating system and restricts airflow, so should be replaced.
- The filter is installed in reverse, a problem that can be checked by trying to find the arrows on the filter frame that reveal appropriate installation direction with the flow of air.
- Air ducts are leaking, in some cases producing obvious whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as suggested by Energy Star.
9. The Heater Makes Loud Noises.
A noisy furnace is most often the outcome of:.
- The furnace being a single-stage design that operates 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 leak in the furnace cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heating system that need to be tightened.
- A dirty filter, which can also cause whistling.
10. The Heating System Leaks when A/C is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heating system, and if it leaks onto the flooring, the concern is probably a clogged drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heating System Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the furnace are usually caused by:.
- A hvac contractor calgary really unclean filter that need to be cleaned, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, generally a task for a professional heater specialist.
12. The CO Display Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm need to be taken seriously. Turn the furnace off at the thermostat. Don't enter into the room where the furnace is located. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cell phone outside your house.
How to Choose a Gas Heater Repair Expert.
Some homeowners choose the most affordable repair service in Calgary, and the results are usually poor. Inexpensive services are either simply beginning, so lack experience or they have a bad reputation, so need to give cheap prices to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best way to discover quality furnace repair work at a reasonable price is to get estimates from several of the top heater repair work companies in Calgary. Meet each, learn more about their history and the experience of the specialists that will do the work. Pick a skilled heater repair specialist with sensible rates.