An excellent gas heating system troubleshooting guide assists you in identifying what is wrong with the heater based upon its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, straightforward details.
Repairing Common Gas Furnace Issues
Every year, countless Calgary homeowners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heating system?" If you remain in that situation, this guide will equip you with information prior to you call a furnace business. Understanding is security versus being taken advantage of-- though the majority of repair experts have sound principles.
Note: This guide covers the most common problems, particularly those most property owners can easily contact no tools or standard tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heating System Won't Start
If absolutely nothing takes place when the thermostat is set above the house's present temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The furnace 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 heating system may have a short delay prior to beginning
- The 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 heating system
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to inspect and fix
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is often triggered by a wire coming loose, so examine the electrical wiring connections
- The thermostat needs fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and need to be changed, a problem that can be detected using an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is total
- The filter is unclean and need to be changed or cleaned up, a problem that is especially real on more recent furnaces that are geared up to close down if the filter isn't permitting adequate air circulation, a condition that can cause severe mechanical failure
- The furnace's primary circuit board/control board is bad, a concern that can be detected by an A/C service technician is nothing else solves the issue
2. Heating System Blowing Cold Air
If the heating system won't 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 begins, then the furnace is getting power. The likely concerns then are:
- The gas is switched off, so check the gas cock near the heater to ensure it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and should be replaced
- The ignitor is stopping working and should be replaced
- The draft motor isn't working or the fresh-air intake is blocked, maybe by snow or particles, and needs 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 heater shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that controls it has stopped working and should be changed
- A blocked air consumption or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird's nests are common causes) need to be cleared
- One of the problems talked about above with gas, gas valve and ignitor need to be attended to
4. The Draft Motor Will Not Start
The issue, in this case, is either that the motor is bad or the emergency furnace repair calgary capacitor that supports it is bad. This video will assist you in repairing draft motor concerns and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Starts, however the Heating system Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat however soon shuts down without warming your house, the flame sensing unit isn't working. If the sensing unit has rust on it, sanding it may work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting repair.
6. The Blower Will Not Shut Down
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three common problems:
- The fan turn on the thermostat is set to "on" instead of "auto".
- Relays in the control panel are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a continuous supply of electrical energy, and the control panel should be changed.
- The thermostat also has contacts that control power to the heater, and they can be used, so the thermostat should be replaced.
7. Why Does the Heater Keep Shutting Down?
If your furnace burner lights however the furnace soon shuts off, there are a couple of typical issues that may cause this:.
- The heater filter is filthy and must be cleaned up or changed.
- The flame sensor isn't working and must be replaced.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these are common, there are numerous other possible causes finest diagnosed by a heater professional. This video provides extensive protection to the issue of heating system short-cycling.
8. The Heating System Runs however Can't Keep your 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 constantly however isn't providing sufficient heat, the most likely causes are:.
- A dirty filter that must be washed (just if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the wrong type for your heating system and limits airflow, so should be replaced.
- The filter is installed backwards, a problem that can be checked by looking for the arrows on the filter frame that show appropriate setup instructions with the circulation of air.
- Air ducts are dripping, often producing telltale whistling noises, and it is time to have them furnace installation sealed as suggested by Energy Star.
9. The Heating System Makes Loud Noises.
A loud heater is most often the outcome of:.
- The furnace being a single-stage model 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 heating system cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heater that need to be tightened.
- An unclean filter, which can likewise cause whistling.
10. The Heater Leaks when A/C is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heating system, and if it leakages onto the floor, the issue is most likely a stopped up drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Furnace Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heating system are typically brought on by:.
- An extremely filthy filter that must be washed, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, generally a job for an expert heater service technician.
12. The CO Screen Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm ought to be taken seriously. Turn the furnace off at the thermostat. Don't go into the space where the furnace lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cell phone outside your house.
How to Choose a Gas Furnace Repair Specialist.
Some property owners pick the least expensive repair work service in Calgary, and the results are typically poor. Inexpensive services are either just beginning, so do not have experience or they have a bad track record, so must offer cheap pricing to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best method to find quality heater repair work at a fair cost is to get quotes from several of the leading heater repair work business in Calgary. Consult with each, discover their history and the experience of the professionals that will do the work. Pick an experienced heater repair work contractor with affordable rates.