A good gas furnace fixing guide assists you in determining what is wrong with the heating system based on its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, straightforward information.
Repairing Common Gas Furnace Issues
Every year, thousands of Calgary homeowners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heater?" If you're in that scenario, this guide will arm you with details prior to you call a heater business. Knowledge is protection against being made the most of-- though the majority of repair work professionals have sound ethics.
Note: This guide covers the most typical problems, specifically those most homeowners can easily contact no tools or basic tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heating System Won't Start
If nothing happens when the thermostat is set above the house's existing temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The heating system switch (located on or near the heating system, appears like a common light switch) is turned off and just needs to be switched on, though the heating system might have a brief delay before beginning
- The circuit breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to trip after it is turned back on, there is likely a wiring brief in the heating system
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to check and fix
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is often triggered by a wire coming loose, so inspect the circuitry connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and must be changed, a problem that can be diagnosed utilizing an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is total
- The filter is dirty and should be replaced or cleaned, an issue that is specifically real on more recent furnaces that are geared up to shut down if the filter isn't enabling adequate air circulation, a condition that can cause severe mechanical failure
- The furnace's main circuit board/control board is bad, an issue that can be diagnosed by a HVAC technician is absolutely nothing else fixes the concern
2. Heating System Blowing Cold Air
If the heating system will not produce heat, you can examine 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 furnace is getting power. The most likely issues then are:
- The gas is shut off, so examine the gas dick near the furnace 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 need to be replaced
- The draft motor isn't working or the fresh-air consumption is obstructed, perhaps by snow or debris, and requires 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 heating system and out the exhaust stack. If it begins and then the heater closes down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that controls it has actually failed and need to be replaced
- A blocked air consumption or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests prevail causes) must be cleared
- One of the issues discussed above with gas, gas valve and ignitor should be addressed
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 fixing draft motor problems and what is triggering them.
5. The Flame Begins, but the Heating system Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat but soon turns off without warming your home, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensor has corrosion on it, sanding it might work, though changing it is a longer-lasting repair.
6. The Blower Will Not Shut Down
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three typical problems:
- The fan switch on the thermostat is set to "on" instead of "vehicle".
- Relays in the control board are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a constant supply of electrical power, and the control panel should be changed.
- The thermostat also has contacts that control power to the heater, and they can be worn, so the thermostat must be changed.
7. Why Does the Heater Keep Shutting Down?
If your furnace burner lights but the furnace quickly shuts down, there are a couple of common problems that may trigger this:.
- The heating system filter is unclean and must be cleaned or replaced.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and should be replaced.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these hvac company are common, there are several other hvac heating and cooling prospective causes best identified by a heating system professional. This video gives in-depth protection to the problem of furnace short-cycling.
8. The Furnace Runs but Can't Keep your home Warm.
If your heating system is properly sized for your home, then it needs to keep your house warm even in extreme cold. If it runs constantly however isn't providing sufficient heat, the likely causes are:.
- An unclean filter that need to be cleaned (just if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your heater and limits air flow, so need to be changed.
- The filter is set up in reverse, an issue that can be examined by searching for the arrows on the filter frame that show correct setup instructions with the flow of air.
- Duct are leaking, often producing telltale whistling noises, and it is time to have them sealed as recommended by Energy Star.
9. The Heating System Makes Loud Noises.
A loud heating system is usually the result of:.
- The heating system 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 changed.
- A leak in the heating system cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the furnace that should be tightened up.
- An unclean filter, which can likewise cause whistling.
10. The Heating System Leaks when Air Conditioner is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heater, and if it leakages onto the floor, the concern is more than 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 very unclean filter that must be cleaned, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, typically a task for a professional heating system specialist.
12. The CO Display Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm ought to be taken seriously. Turn the heating system off at the thermostat. Don't enter into the space where the heater is located. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cellular phone outside your home.
How to Pick a Gas Heating System Repair Work Expert.
Some homeowners select the most affordable repair work service in Calgary, and the results are usually poor. Cheap services are either just beginning, so do not have experience or they have a bad credibility, so need to provide inexpensive pricing to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best way to discover quality furnace repair work at a fair cost is to get estimates from several of the top heating system repair companies in Calgary. Meet each, find out about their history and the experience of the technicians that will do the work. Select a knowledgeable heater repair professional with reasonable rates.