A great gas furnace troubleshooting guide assists you in identifying what is wrong with the heating system based upon its signs. That's what we do here with clear, simple information.
Fixing Common Gas Heating System Issues
Every year, thousands of Calgary property owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas furnace?" If you remain in that situation, this guide will arm you with information before you call a heater business. Knowledge is security against being taken advantage of-- though many repair professionals have sound principles.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most typical problems, especially those most house owners can quickly consult no tools or fundamental tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heating System furnace installation near me Won't Start
If absolutely nothing occurs when the thermostat is set above the home's existing temperature, the most likely causes are these:
- The heating system switch (located on or near the heater, looks like a typical light switch) is turned off and simply needs to be switched on, though the heater might have a brief hold-up prior to starting
- 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 simple to inspect and remedy
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is in some cases triggered by a wire coming loose, so check the circuitry connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and must be replaced, an issue that can be detected using an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is total
- The filter is unclean and need to be changed or cleaned, a problem that is particularly true on more recent furnaces that are geared up to close down if the filter isn't permitting appropriate air flow, a condition that can cause major mechanical failure
- The furnace's primary circuit board/control board is bad, a concern that can be identified by a HVAC specialist is nothing else resolves the problem
2. Furnace Blowing Cold Air
If the furnace will not produce heat, you can inspect 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 shut off, so examine the gas dick near the heater to make certain it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and should be changed
- The ignitor is stopping working and need to be changed
- The draft motor isn't operating or the fresh-air consumption is blocked, maybe by snow or particles, and requires to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Furnace Won't Start
The draft motor is also called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the heater and out the exhaust stack. If it starts and then the heating system shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that controls it has failed and should be replaced
- An obstructed air intake or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird's nests prevail causes) should be cleared
- Among the concerns discussed above with gas, gas valve and ignitor need to be dealt with
4. The Draft Motor Will Not 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 fixing draft motor concerns and what is triggering them.
5. The Flame Starts, but the Furnace Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat but soon turns off without warming your house, the flame sensing unit isn't working. If the sensor has corrosion on it, sanding it might work, though changing it is a longer-lasting fix.
6. The Blower Won't Shut Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three typical problems:
- The fan switch on the thermostat is set to "on" rather than "automobile".
- Relays in the control board are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a constant supply of electricity, and the control board should be changed.
- The thermostat also has contacts that manage power to the heater, and they can be worn, so the thermostat should be replaced.
7. Why Does the Heating System Keep Shutting Down?
If your furnace burner lights however the heating system quickly shuts off, there are a couple of typical problems that might cause this:.
- The heating system filter is dirty and should be cleaned up or replaced.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and need to be changed.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these prevail, there are several other potential causes best diagnosed by a furnace service technician. This video provides thorough coverage to the problem of heater short-cycling.
8. The Heating System Runs but Can't Keep the House Warm.
If your heater is correctly sized for your home, then it needs to keep your house warm even in severe cold. If it runs continuously however isn't supplying adequate heat, the most likely causes are:.
- A dirty filter that need to be washed (just if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the wrong type for your heater and limits air flow, so need to be replaced.
- The filter is set up in reverse, a concern that can be inspected by looking for the arrows on the filter frame that show proper installation instructions with the circulation of air.
- Air ducts are dripping, often producing obvious whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as advised by Energy Star.
9. The Heater Makes Loud Noises.
A loud heater is most often the result of:.
- The heating system 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 replaced.
- A leak in the heater cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heater that need to be tightened.
- A dirty filter, which can also trigger whistling.
10. The Heater Leaks when AC is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your furnace, and if it leaks onto the flooring, the problem is probably a clogged drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heater Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heater are generally caused by:.
- A really filthy filter that ought to be washed, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, normally a job for an expert heater professional.
12. The CO Display Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm need to be taken seriously. Turn the furnace off at the thermostat. Do not enter into the space 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 Heater Repair Work Specialist.
Some homeowners pick the most inexpensive repair service in Calgary, and the outcomes are usually bad. Low-cost services are either just beginning, so lack experience or they have a bad credibility, so must give inexpensive prices to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best way to find calgary furnace repair quality furnace repair work at a fair rate is to get quotes from numerous of the leading furnace repair work business in Calgary. Consult with each, find out about their history and the experience of the specialists that will do the work. Pick a knowledgeable heater repair specialist with reasonable rates.