A good gas heater 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.
Troubleshooting Common Gas Heater Problems
Every year, countless Calgary property owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas furnace?" If you remain in that situation, this guide will equip you with info before you call a heater business. Knowledge is protection against being taken advantage of-- though most repair experts have sound ethics.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most typical problems, specifically those most house owners can quickly check with no tools or fundamental tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Furnace Will Not Start
If nothing takes place when the thermostat is set above the house's current temperature, the most likely causes are these:
- The heater switch (located on or near the furnace, appears like a typical light switch) is shut off and simply needs to be switched on, though the furnace might have a short hold-up prior to starting
- The breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to trip after it is turned back on, there is likely a wiring brief in the furnace
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is easy to inspect and correct
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is often caused by a wire coming loose, so inspect the circuitry connections
- The thermostat needs fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and need to be replaced, an issue that can be detected utilizing an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is complete
- The filter is unclean and need to be changed or cleaned up, a concern that is specifically true on newer heaters that are geared up to close down if the filter isn't allowing appropriate air flow, a condition that can cause severe mechanical failure
- The heater's primary circuit board/control board is bad, a concern that can be detected by a HEATING AND COOLING service technician is nothing else solves the issue
2. Heater Blowing Cold Air
If the heater will not 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 furnace is getting power. The most likely problems then are:
- The gas is shut off, so examine the gas cock near the furnace to make sure 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 replaced
- The draft motor isn't working or the fresh-air intake is obstructed, possibly by snow or particles, and needs to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heating System Will Not 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 then the heating system closes down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has actually stopped working and need to be replaced
- An obstructed air intake or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird's nests are common causes) should be cleared
- One of the concerns talked about above with gas, gas valve and ignitor need to be dealt with
4. The Draft Motor Won't 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 Heater Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat however quickly shuts off without warming your house, the flame sensing unit isn't working. If the sensor has corrosion on it, sanding it may work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting fix.
6. The Blower Will Not Shut Down
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 common issues:
- The fan furnace tune up calgary switch on the thermostat is set to "on" rather than "automobile".
- Relays in the control panel are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a constant supply of electrical power, and the control panel need to be changed.
- The thermostat likewise has contacts that manage power to the furnace, and they can be worn, so the thermostat needs to be replaced.
7. Why Does the Heater Keep Turning Off?
If your furnace burner lights but the furnace quickly shuts off, there are a few common issues that might cause this:.
- The furnace filter is unclean and need to be cleaned or changed.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and ought to be changed.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these are common, there are a number of other possible causes best detected by a heater service technician. This video gives thorough coverage to the problem of heater short-cycling.
8. The Furnace Runs but Can't Keep your house Warm.
If your heater is effectively sized for your house, then it ought to keep your home warm even in severe cold. If it runs constantly however isn't supplying sufficient heat, the most likely causes are:.
- A dirty filter that need to be washed (only if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your heating system and limits airflow, so should 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 proper installation direction with the flow 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 Heating System Makes Loud Noises.
A noisy furnace is most often the outcome of:.
- The heater being a single-stage model 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 need to be changed.
- A leakage in the heating system cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heating system that must be tightened.
- An unclean filter, which can also 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 flooring, the issue is more than likely a clogged drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heating System Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heater are usually triggered by:.
- A very filthy filter that need to be cleaned, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, generally a job for hvac company calgary an expert heater specialist.
12. The CO Display Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm must be taken seriously. Turn the heating system off at the thermostat. Do not 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 Professional.
Some homeowners pick the most inexpensive repair work service in Calgary, and the outcomes are normally bad. Cheap services are either simply getting started, so lack experience or they have a bad credibility, so need to offer low-cost pricing to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best way to discover quality furnace repair at a reasonable price is to get estimates from several of the leading furnace repair companies in Calgary. Meet with each, discover their history and the experience of the professionals that will do the work. Pick an experienced furnace repair professional with affordable rates.