A good gas heater fixing guide helps you in identifying what is wrong with the furnace based upon its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, straightforward information.
Fixing Common Gas Heater Problems
Every year, countless Calgary house owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heating system?" If you remain in that situation, this guide will arm you with information prior to you call a heater business. Understanding is defense against being made the most of-- though a lot of repair work professionals have sound principles.
Note: This guide covers the most typical problems, particularly those most property owners can quickly check with no tools or basic tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heater Won't Start
If nothing happens 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 heating system, appears like a typical light switch) is turned off and merely needs to be turned on, though the heating system might have a brief hold-up before starting
- The circuit breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to journey after it is turned back on, there is likely a wiring short in the heater
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is easy to check and treat
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is sometimes brought on by a wire coming loose, so examine the wiring connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and need to be replaced, a concern that can be identified using an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is total
- The filter is filthy and must be changed or cleaned, a concern that is specifically true on more recent furnaces that are equipped to shut down if the filter isn't enabling appropriate air flow, a condition that can cause serious mechanical failure
- The heater's primary circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be diagnosed by a HVAC specialist is nothing else fixes the concern
2. Heater Blowing Cold Air
If the furnace won't 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 furnace is getting power. The likely problems 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 replaced
- The ignitor is stopping working and need to be changed
- The draft motor isn't operating or the fresh-air intake is blocked, perhaps by snow or particles, and needs to be cleared
3. The Draft gas furnace Motor Runs, Heater Will Not 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 controls it has actually stopped working and must be changed
- An obstructed air consumption or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests are common causes) should be cleared
- One of the issues gone over above with gas, gas valve and ignitor should be dealt with
4. The Draft Motor Won't 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 troubleshooting draft motor issues and what is triggering them.
5. The Flame Begins, but the Heating system Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat however quickly turns off without warming your home, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensing unit has rust on it, sanding it might work, though changing it is a longer-lasting fix.
6. The Blower Won't Shut Down
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 common concerns:
- The fan turn 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 constant supply of electricity, and the control panel should be replaced.
- The thermostat likewise has contacts that manage power to the heater, and they can be worn, so the thermostat should be changed.
7. Why Does the Heating System Keep Shutting Down?
If your heating system burner lights but the heater soon turns off, there are a couple of typical issues that may trigger this:.
- The heating system filter is unclean and should be cleaned or replaced.
- The flame sensor isn't working and should be replaced.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these are common, there are a number of other prospective causes finest detected by a heating system technician. This video provides extensive protection to the problem of heating system short-cycling.
8. The Heater Runs but Can't Keep your house Warm.
If your heating system is correctly sized for your home, then it needs to keep your home warm even in severe cold. If it runs continuously but isn't offering enough heat, the likely causes are:.
- A filthy filter that should be cleaned (just if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your furnace and restricts airflow, so should be replaced.
- The filter is set up backwards, a concern that can be inspected by looking for the arrows on the filter frame that show proper installation direction with the circulation of air.
- Duct are leaking, often producing obvious whistling noises, and it is time to have them sealed as recommended by Energy Star.
9. The Heater Makes Loud Noises.
A loud heating system is most often the outcome of:.
- The heating system being a single-stage model that works on high capability all the time, so it's going furnace installation to be loud.
- A bad bearing in the draft motor or the blower motor that need to be changed.
- A leakage in the heating system cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the furnace that should be tightened up.
- A filthy filter, which can also trigger whistling.
10. The Furnace Leaks when AC is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your furnace, and if it leaks onto the floor, the issue is most likely a clogged up drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heater Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heater are usually brought on by:.
- A really dirty filter that must be washed, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, generally a job for a professional heater professional.
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 room where the heater lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a mobile phone outside your house.
How to Pick a Gas Furnace Repair Work Expert.
Some property owners pick the most inexpensive repair work service in Calgary, and the outcomes are usually bad. Low-cost services are either simply starting, so lack experience or they have a bad track record, so need to give low-cost pricing to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best way to find quality furnace repair at a reasonable cost is to get price quotes from numerous of the leading heating system repair work business in Calgary. Consult with each, find out about their history and the experience of the service technicians that will do the work. Select an experienced heater repair professional with reasonable rates.