A good gas heating system troubleshooting guide helps you in identifying what is wrong with the heater based upon its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated info.
Fixing Common Gas Furnace Problems
Every year, countless Calgary homeowners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heating system?" If you're in that scenario, this guide will equip you with details before you call a furnace business. Knowledge is protection versus being taken advantage of-- though the majority of repair work experts have sound principles.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most typical issues, particularly those most property owners can quickly talk to no tools or standard tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Furnace Will Not Start
If nothing takes place when the thermostat is set above the house's current temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The heating system switch (located on or near the heater, appears like a common light switch) is switched off and merely requires to be switched on, though the heater may have a brief hold-up before beginning
- The breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to journey after it is turned back on, there is likely an electrical wiring short in the heater
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is easy to inspect and fix
- 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 need to be changed, a problem that can be diagnosed using an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is complete
- The filter is unclean and must be replaced or cleaned, a concern that is specifically real on more recent heating systems that are geared up to close down if the filter isn't permitting sufficient air flow, a condition that can cause severe mechanical failure
- The furnace's main circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be diagnosed by an A/C service technician is absolutely nothing else fixes the issue
2. Heater Blowing Cold Air
If the heater will not produce heat, you can examine to see if it is getting power by moving the fan switch from the "Car" position to the "On" position. If the fan comes on, then the heater is getting power. The likely issues then are:
- The gas is switched off, so examine the gas cock near the heating system to ensure it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and need to be replaced
- The ignitor is stopping working and need to be replaced
- The draft motor isn't operating or the fresh-air intake is obstructed, possibly by snow or particles, 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 starts and then the furnace shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has actually failed and must be replaced
- A blocked air intake or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests are common causes) must be cleared
- One of the issues gone over above with gas, gas valve and ignitor must 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 issues and what is triggering them.
5. The Flame Begins, but the Furnace Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat but quickly shuts off without warming your house, the flame sensing unit 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 Will Not Turn Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 typical concerns:
- The fan turn on the thermostat is set to "on" instead of "automobile".
- Relays in the control board are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a constant supply of electrical energy, and the control board should be replaced.
- The thermostat likewise has contacts that control power to the heating system, and they can be used, furnace service near me so the thermostat must be replaced.
7. Why Does the Furnace Keep Turning Off?
If your heater burner lights but the heater quickly shuts down, there are a few common problems that may cause this:.
- The furnace filter is unclean and need to be cleaned or changed.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and must be replaced.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these are common, there are several other possible causes finest detected by a furnace technician. This video offers thorough protection to the issue of furnace short-cycling.
8. The Furnace Runs but Can't Keep the House Warm.
If your heating system is properly sized for your home, then it ought to keep your house warm even in extreme cold. If it runs constantly but isn't providing adequate heat, the likely causes are:.
- An unclean filter that must be washed (only if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your heater and restricts air flow, so must be replaced.
- The filter is set up in reverse, a problem that can be inspected by 24 hour furnace repair calgary looking for the arrows on the filter frame that show correct installation 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 Heating System Makes Loud Noises.
A noisy heater is most often the outcome of:.
- The heater being a single-stage design that runs 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 should be changed.
- A leak in the heater cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the furnace that need to be tightened up.
- A filthy filter, which can also cause whistling.
10. The Furnace Leaks when Air Conditioner 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 Furnace Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heating system are normally triggered by:.
- A really unclean filter that must be washed, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, normally a task for an expert heating system specialist.
12. The CO Display Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm must be taken seriously. Turn the heater off at the thermostat. Don't enter into the room where the heating system is located. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a mobile phone outside your house.
How to Select a Gas Heating System Repair Expert.
Some house owners pick the most affordable repair work service in Calgary, and the results are normally poor. Cheap services are either simply getting started, so lack experience or they have a bad track record, so need to offer low-cost rates to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best method to find quality heating system repair at a fair rate is to get estimates from several of the top heating system repair business in Calgary. Meet with each, learn about their history and the experience of the technicians that will do the work. Pick an experienced heater repair contractor with reasonable rates.