An excellent gas heating system troubleshooting guide helps you in determining what is wrong with the heating system based upon its signs. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated details.
Repairing Common Gas Furnace Issues
Every year, thousands of Calgary property owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heating system?" If you remain in that circumstance, this guide will arm you with info prior to you call a furnace company. Knowledge is defense versus being taken advantage of-- though the majority of repair work experts have sound principles.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most common issues, specifically those most homeowners can quickly talk to no tools or basic tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Furnace Will Not Start
If absolutely nothing takes place when the thermostat is set above the home's present temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The heater switch (located on or near the heating system, appears like a typical light switch) is shut off and merely needs to be turned on, though the heater might have a brief hold-up before 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 furnace
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to check and fix
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is in some cases brought on 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 replaced, an issue that can be diagnosed using an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is total
- The filter is unclean and must be replaced or cleaned up, a problem that is specifically true on newer furnaces that are equipped to close down if the filter isn't allowing appropriate air circulation, a condition that can trigger severe mechanical failure
- The heating system's main circuit board/control board is bad, an issue that can be diagnosed by an A/C professional is family heating and cooling nothing else fixes the concern
2. Heater 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 "Car" position to the "On" position. If the fan begins, then the heater is getting power. The most likely concerns then are:
- The gas is shut off, so inspect the gas dick near the heating system 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 should be replaced
- The draft motor isn't functioning or the fresh-air consumption is obstructed, possibly by snow or particles, and needs to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heater Will Not Start
The draft motor is likewise called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the heater and out the exhaust stack. If it begins and then the furnace shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has failed and should be changed
- An obstructed air intake or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird's nests prevail causes) must be cleared
- Among the issues gone over above with gas, gas valve and ignitor must be dealt with
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 assist you in troubleshooting draft motor concerns and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Starts, but the Heater Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat however soon shuts down without warming your house, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensor has rust on it, sanding it might work, though changing it is a longer-lasting fix.
6. The Blower Won't Shut Off
If furnace company calgary the blower motor runs all the time, there are three typical issues:
- The fan switch on the thermostat is set to "on" rather than "vehicle".
- Relays in the control board are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a constant supply of electricity, and the control panel should be changed.
- The thermostat also has contacts that control power to the heating system, and they can be worn, so the thermostat should be changed.
7. Why Does the Furnace Keep Shutting Off?
If your heater burner lights but the heater soon shuts down, there are a couple of typical concerns that might trigger this:.
- The furnace filter is unclean and should be cleaned up or replaced.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and need to be replaced.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these prevail, there are a number of other prospective causes best detected by a heating system specialist. This video provides extensive protection to the problem of heater short-cycling.
8. The Heater Runs but Can't Keep the House Warm.
If your furnace is effectively sized for your house, then it should keep your house warm even in severe cold. If it runs continuously however isn't supplying enough heat, the most likely causes are:.
- An unclean filter that should be cleaned (only if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the wrong type for your furnace and restricts air flow, so must be replaced.
- The filter is set up backwards, a concern that can be inspected by looking for the arrows on the filter frame that show correct setup direction with the flow of air.
- Duct are dripping, sometimes producing telltale whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as advised by Energy Star.
9. The Heater Makes Loud Noises.
A loud heating system is frequently the outcome of:.
- The heater being a single-stage model that works on high capacity all the time, so it's going to be loud.
- A bad bearing in the draft motor or the blower motor that need to be replaced.
- A leakage in the furnace cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heating system that need to be tightened up.
- A filthy filter, which can also cause whistling.
10. The Heater Leaks when Air Conditioning is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your furnace, and if it leakages onto the flooring, the concern is most likely a blocked drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heating System Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heater are typically triggered by:.
- A very dirty filter that ought to be washed, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, normally a task for an expert heater professional.
12. The CO Screen Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm need to be taken seriously. Turn the furnace off at the thermostat. Do not go into the space where the furnace is located. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cell phone outside your home.
How to Choose a Gas Heating System Repair Work Expert.
Some house owners choose the least expensive repair work service in Calgary, and the outcomes are generally bad. Cheap services are either just getting going, so do not have experience or they have a bad reputation, so must provide cheap prices to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best way to discover quality furnace repair work at a reasonable cost is to get price quotes from numerous of the leading furnace repair business in Calgary. Meet each, discover their history and the experience of the professionals that will do the work. Choose an experienced heating system repair professional with affordable rates.