An excellent gas furnace fixing guide helps you in identifying what is wrong with the furnace based upon its signs. That's what we do here with clear, simple info.
Troubleshooting Common Gas Heating System Issues
Every year, thousands of Calgary property owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heating system?" If you're in that situation, this guide will equip you with information before you call a heater company. Understanding is security versus being benefited from-- though a lot of repair professionals have sound principles.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most typical problems, especially those most house owners can easily contact no tools or standard tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Furnace Won't Start
If absolutely nothing happens when the thermostat is set above the house's present temperature, the most likely causes are these:
- The furnace switch (situated on or near the heater, appears like a typical light switch) is switched off and merely requires to be switched on, though the furnace may have a short 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 an electrical wiring short in the furnace
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to inspect and treat
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is in some cases caused by a wire coming loose, so inspect the electrical wiring connections
- The thermostat needs fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and need to be replaced, a problem that can be detected using an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is total
- The filter is dirty and need to be replaced or cleaned, an issue that is especially true on more recent furnaces that are geared up to shut down if the filter isn't permitting appropriate air flow, a condition furnace repair calgary 24 hour that can trigger serious mechanical failure
- The heater's main circuit board/control board is bad, an issue that can be identified by an A/C service technician is nothing else resolves the issue
2. Furnace Blowing Cold Air
If the heating system will not 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 heater is getting power. The likely problems then are:
- The gas is switched off, so inspect the gas cock near the furnace to make sure 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 operating or the fresh-air consumption is obstructed, maybe by snow or particles, 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 heating system closes down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that controls it has actually stopped working and must be changed
- A blocked air consumption or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird's nests are common causes) need to be cleared
- One of the issues gone over above with gas, gas valve and ignitor must be addressed
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 Begins, but the Heater Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat but quickly shuts down without warming your home, the flame sensing unit isn't working. If the sensor has deterioration on it, sanding it might 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 issues:
- 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 continuous supply of electricity, and the control panel should be changed.
- The thermostat likewise has contacts that control power to the heating system, and they can be worn, so the thermostat must be changed.
7. Why Does the Heating System Keep Shutting Off?
If your furnace burner lights however the furnace quickly shuts off, there are a few common problems that might trigger this:.
- The furnace filter is unclean and ought to be cleaned or replaced.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and ought to be changed.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these are common, there are a number of other prospective causes finest identified by a heating system technician. This video provides extensive protection to the issue of furnace short-cycling.
8. The Furnace Runs however Can't Keep your home Warm.
If your heating system is properly sized for your house, then it ought to keep your home warm even in severe cold. If it runs continuously however isn't providing enough heat, the most likely causes are:.
- A filthy filter that heat and cool should be washed (just if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your furnace and limits airflow, so must be changed.
- The filter is set up in reverse, an issue that can be checked by trying to find the arrows on the filter frame that reveal appropriate setup instructions with the flow of air.
- Duct are dripping, often producing telltale whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as advised by Energy Star.
9. The Heating System Makes Loud Noises.
A noisy furnace is usually the result of:.
- The heater 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 must be changed.
- A leak in the heater cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the furnace that should be tightened up.
- An unclean filter, which can likewise cause whistling.
10. The Furnace Leaks when AC is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your furnace, and if it leaks onto the flooring, the issue is probably a blocked drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heating System Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heating system are normally triggered by:.
- An extremely unclean filter that should be cleaned, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, usually a task for an expert heater specialist.
12. The CO Display Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm ought to be taken seriously. Turn the furnace off at the thermostat. Do not enter into the space where the heating system is located. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cell phone outside your house.
How to Pick a Gas Heating System Repair Professional.
Some homeowners select the least expensive repair service in Calgary, and the results are typically poor. Low-cost services are either just beginning, so do not have experience or they have a bad credibility, so should provide low-cost rates to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best method to discover quality heating system repair work at a fair rate is to get quotes from several of the top furnace repair business in Calgary. Meet each, find out about their history and the experience of the technicians that will do the work. Pick a knowledgeable heating system repair professional with affordable rates.