An excellent gas furnace troubleshooting guide helps you in determining what is wrong with the furnace based upon its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, simple details.
Fixing Common Gas Furnace Problems
Every year, countless Calgary property owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heating system?" If you're in that circumstance, this guide will equip you with information before you call a heating system company. Knowledge is protection versus being taken advantage of-- though most repair work specialists have sound principles.
Note: This guide covers the most common issues, specifically those most house owners can easily consult no tools or standard 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, appears like a typical light switch) is turned off and just needs to be turned on, though the furnace might have a brief hold-up before beginning
- 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 heating system
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is easy to inspect and treat
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is often caused by a wire coming loose, so check the electrical wiring connections
- The thermostat needs fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and need to be changed, a concern that can be detected using an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is complete
- The filter is unclean and need to be changed or cleaned up, a problem that is particularly real on newer heaters that are geared up to shut down if the filter isn't furnace repair calgary 24 hour enabling sufficient air flow, a condition that can trigger severe mechanical failure
- The furnace's main circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be diagnosed by a HVAC service technician is absolutely nothing else resolves the concern
2. Heating System Blowing Cold Air
If the heating system won't produce heat, you can inspect to see if it is getting power by moving the fan switch from the "Auto" position to the "On" position. If the fan comes on, then the heater is getting power. The most likely concerns then are:
- The gas is switched off, so examine the gas cock near the heater to make certain it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening furnace tune up and need to be replaced
- The ignitor is stopping working and must be changed
- The draft motor isn't operating or the fresh-air intake is obstructed, perhaps by snow or debris, and requires to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heater Will Not Start
The draft motor is also called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the heating system and out the exhaust stack. If it starts and then the furnace closes down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that controls it has actually failed and should be changed
- An obstructed air consumption or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests prevail causes) must be cleared
- Among the concerns talked about above with gas, gas valve and ignitor must be attended to
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 help you in repairing draft motor problems and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Begins, but the Furnace Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat but quickly turns off without warming your home, the flame sensing unit isn't working. If the sensing unit has deterioration on it, sanding it may work, though changing it is a longer-lasting fix.
6. The Blower Will Not Shut Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 common issues:
- 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 constant supply of electricity, and the control board should be changed.
- The thermostat likewise has contacts that control power to the heater, and they can be worn, so the thermostat must be changed.
7. Why Does the Furnace Keep Turning Off?
If your furnace burner lights but the furnace quickly shuts down, there are a couple of common issues that might cause this:.
- The heater filter is dirty and need to be cleaned up or replaced.
- The flame sensor isn't working and need to be changed.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these are common, there are a number of other potential causes best detected by a furnace service technician. This video provides extensive coverage to the problem of furnace short-cycling.
8. The Furnace Runs however Can't Keep the House Warm.
If your heater is appropriately sized for your home, then it should keep your house warm even in extreme cold. If it runs constantly however isn't providing adequate heat, the most likely causes are:.
- A filthy filter that need to be washed (just if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the wrong type for your heating system and limits air flow, so should be replaced.
- The filter is set up backwards, a concern that can be checked by looking for the arrows on the filter frame that show proper setup instructions with the circulation of air.
- Air ducts are dripping, often producing obvious whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as suggested by Energy Star.
9. The Heater Makes Loud Noises.
A loud heating system is frequently the outcome of:.
- The heating system 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 should be changed.
- A leak in the furnace cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heater that must be tightened up.
- A dirty filter, which can likewise trigger whistling.
10. The Heater Leaks when Air Conditioning is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heating system, and if it leaks onto the flooring, the problem is probably a clogged up drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Furnace Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the furnace are usually caused by:.
- A very filthy filter that need to be cleaned, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, usually a job for an expert furnace technician.
12. The CO Monitor Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm need to be taken seriously. Turn the heater off at the thermostat. Do not go into the room where the heating system lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cellular phone outside your home.
How to Choose a Gas Furnace Repair Professional.
Some house owners select the most affordable repair service in Calgary, and the results are generally bad. Cheap services are either just getting going, so lack experience or they have a bad reputation, so must provide low-cost rates to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best way to find quality heating system repair work at a reasonable rate is to get price quotes from numerous of the leading heating system repair companies in Calgary. Consult with each, discover their history and the experience of the technicians that will do the work. Select a skilled heating system repair work contractor with reasonable rates.