A good gas heating system troubleshooting guide assists you in identifying what is wrong with the heating system based on its signs. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated details.
Troubleshooting Common Gas Furnace Issues
Every year, countless Calgary homeowners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heater?" If you remain in that circumstance, this guide will equip you with info before you call a heating system company. Knowledge is defense against being benefited from-- though a lot of repair work specialists have sound principles.
Note: This guide covers the most typical problems, specifically those most house owners can quickly talk to no tools or basic tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Furnace Will Not Start
If nothing occurs when the thermostat is set above the home's current temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The furnace switch (situated on or near the heater, appears like a typical light switch) is turned off and merely requires to be turned on, though the heater might have a brief delay prior to beginning
- The breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to journey after it is turned back on, there is likely a circuitry brief in the heater
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is easy to check and remedy
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is in some cases triggered by a wire coming loose, so examine the wiring connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and need to be replaced, a furnace service concern that can be diagnosed utilizing an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is complete
- The filter is filthy and need to be replaced or cleaned, a concern that is specifically real on newer furnaces that are equipped to close down if the filter isn't enabling appropriate air flow, a condition that can trigger serious mechanical failure
- The heating system's main circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be detected by a HVAC professional is absolutely nothing else solves the concern
2. Furnace Blowing Cold Air
If the heater 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 comes on, then the furnace is getting power. The likely problems then are:
- The gas is turned off, so check the gas dick near the heater to make sure it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and must be replaced
- The ignitor is stopping working and need to be changed
- The draft motor isn't operating or the fresh-air consumption is blocked, possibly 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 furnace and out the exhaust stack. If it begins and after that the furnace shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that controls it has actually stopped working and need to be replaced
- An obstructed air intake or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird's nests are common causes) need to be cleared
- Among the problems gone over above with gas, gas valve and ignitor need to be addressed
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 fixing draft motor issues and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Begins, but the Heating system Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat but quickly turns off without warming your home, the flame sensing unit isn't working. If the sensor has deterioration on it, sanding it might work, though changing it is a longer-lasting repair.
6. The Blower Won't Turn Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three common problems:
- The fan switch 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 consistent supply of electricity, and the control panel should be replaced.
- The thermostat likewise has contacts that control power to the heater, and they can be used, so the thermostat needs to be changed.
7. Why Does the Furnace Keep Turning Off?
If your heating system burner lights but the furnace soon shuts down, there are hvac repair a couple of typical problems that might cause this:.
- The furnace filter is dirty and need to be cleaned or replaced.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and need to be changed.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these are common, there are a number of other prospective causes best detected by a heating system specialist. This video provides in-depth protection to the problem of heating system short-cycling.
8. The Heater Runs however Can't Keep your house Warm.
If your furnace is properly sized for your home, then it ought to keep your home warm even in severe cold. If it runs continuously but isn't supplying adequate heat, the likely causes are:.
- A dirty filter that should be washed (only if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your furnace and restricts air flow, so should be changed.
- The filter is installed backwards, a concern that can be inspected by looking for the arrows on the filter frame that reveal correct installation instructions with the flow of air.
- Duct are dripping, sometimes producing telltale whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as suggested by Energy Star.
9. The Heating System Makes Loud Noises.
A loud heater is most often the outcome of:.
- The heating system being a single-stage design 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 leakage in the heating system cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heating system that should be tightened up.
- An unclean filter, which can also cause whistling.
10. The Furnace Leaks when A/C is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heater, and if it leaks onto the flooring, 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 typically caused by:.
- A very dirty filter that should be cleaned, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, usually a job for an expert heating system specialist.
12. The CO Display Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm must be taken seriously. Turn the heater off at the thermostat. Do not go into the room where the heater is located. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cell phone outside your home.
How to Select a Gas Furnace Repair Work Professional.
Some house owners choose the most inexpensive repair service in Calgary, and the outcomes are usually poor. Cheap services are either simply beginning, so lack experience or they have a bad track record, so need to give low-cost rates to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best way to find quality heating system repair at a reasonable price is to get quotes from numerous of the leading furnace repair companies in Calgary. Consult with each, learn more about their history and the experience of the professionals that will do the work. Pick a knowledgeable heater repair contractor with reasonable rates.