A great gas furnace fixing guide assists you in identifying what is wrong with the heater based upon its signs. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated information.
Fixing Common Gas Heating System Problems
Every year, countless Calgary property owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas furnace?" If you're in that situation, this guide will equip you with info prior to you call a furnace company. Knowledge is security against being taken advantage of-- though most repair work professionals have sound ethics.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most common issues, especially those most house owners can quickly talk to no tools or fundamental tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heater Won't Start
If absolutely nothing takes place when the thermostat is set above the home's current temperature, the most likely causes are these:
- The heating system switch (located on or near the heating system, looks like a typical light switch) is shut off and just requires to be turned on, though the heating system may have a brief hold-up prior to starting
- The breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to trip after it is turned back on, there is likely a circuitry brief 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 in some cases triggered by a wire coming loose, so examine the electrical wiring connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and should be replaced, an issue that can be detected using an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is total
- The filter is dirty and should be changed or cleaned, a concern that is especially real on newer heaters that are geared up to close down if the filter isn't permitting adequate air circulation, a condition that can cause major mechanical failure
- The furnace's primary circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be detected by a HVAC service technician is absolutely nothing else resolves the issue
2. Furnace Blowing Cold Air
If the heater won't produce heat, you can check to see if it is getting power by moving the fan switch from the "Car" position to the "On" position. If the fan begins, then the heater is getting power. The likely problems then are:
- The gas is turned off, so check 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 changed
- The ignitor is failing and should be changed
- The draft motor isn't operating or the fresh-air consumption is blocked, perhaps by snow or debris, and needs to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heater 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 shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that controls it has actually failed and should be changed
- A blocked air consumption or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird's nests are common causes) must be cleared
- One of the issues talked about above with gas, gas valve and ignitor must be attended to
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 assist you in troubleshooting draft motor concerns and what is heat and cool causing them.
5. The Flame Begins, however the Furnace Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat however quickly shuts down without warming your home, 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 repair.
6. The Blower Will Not Turn Off
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 "vehicle".
- Relays in the control panel are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a constant supply of electricity, and the control board must be replaced.
- The thermostat likewise has contacts that control power to the furnace, and they can be worn, so the thermostat must be changed.
7. Why Does the Heater Keep Turning Off?
If your heating system burner lights but the heater soon shuts down, there are a few typical problems that might trigger this:.
- The furnace filter is dirty and should be cleaned up or changed.
- The flame sensor isn't working and ought to be changed.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these are common, there are numerous other possible causes finest identified by a heating system professional. This video gives thorough coverage to the problem of furnace short-cycling.
8. The Heating System Runs however Can't Keep the House Warm.
If your heater is properly sized for your home, then it ought to keep your home warm even in extreme cold. If it runs constantly but isn't offering sufficient heat, the likely causes are:.
- An unclean filter that must be washed (only if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the wrong type for your heating system and restricts air flow, so need to be replaced.
- The filter is installed backwards, a concern that can be checked by trying to find the arrows on the filter frame that show proper installation instructions with the flow of air.
- Duct are leaking, often producing obvious whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as advised by Energy Star.
9. The Heating System Makes Loud Noises.
A noisy heater is most often the result of:.
- The furnace being a single-stage model that operates 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 replaced.
- A leak in the furnace cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heating system that must be tightened up.
- A dirty filter, which can likewise trigger whistling.
10. The Furnace Leaks when A/C is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heater, and if it leaks onto the floor, the problem is most likely a clogged up drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heater Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heating system are generally caused by:.
- A really filthy filter that should be cleaned, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, normally a task for a professional furnace specialist.
12. The CO Monitor Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm must be taken seriously. Turn the heater off at the thermostat. Don't go into the room where the heater lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cell phone outside your house.
How to Pick a Gas Heating System Repair Work Specialist.
Some property owners pick the cheapest repair service in Calgary, and the outcomes are generally bad. Cheap services are either just beginning, so lack experience or they have a bad credibility, so must offer low-cost prices to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best heating and cooling companies way to discover quality heater repair at a fair price is to get price quotes from several of the leading furnace repair work companies in Calgary. Meet each, discover their history and the experience of the specialists that will do the work. Select a skilled heating system repair work specialist with sensible rates.