A good gas heater troubleshooting guide assists you in determining what is wrong with the heating system based on its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated information.
Fixing Common Gas Heater Problems
Every year, countless Calgary homeowners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heater?" If you remain in that scenario, this guide will equip you with info before you call a heater company. Knowledge is security versus being benefited from-- though most repair experts have sound ethics.
Note: This guide covers the most common problems, especially those most property owners can easily consult no tools or fundamental tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heater Won't Start
If absolutely nothing occurs when the thermostat is set above the home's existing temperature, the most likely causes are these:
- The heating system switch (situated on or near the furnace, appears like a typical light switch) is turned off and just requires to be switched on, though the furnace may have a short hold-up before beginning
- The circuit 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 simple to inspect and correct
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is often triggered by a wire coming loose, so inspect the wiring connections
- The thermostat needs fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and must be changed, an issue that can be detected using an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is total
- The filter is unclean and must be replaced or cleaned up, an issue that is specifically real on more recent heaters that are geared up to shut down if the filter isn't permitting adequate air flow, a condition that can cause major mechanical failure
- The furnace's main circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be detected by an A/C professional is nothing else solves the problem
2. Heater 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 comes on, then the heating system is getting power. The most likely concerns then are:
- The gas is switched off, so check 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 must be changed
- The ignitor is stopping working and need to be replaced
- The draft motor isn't functioning or the fresh-air consumption is blocked, maybe by snow or particles, and needs to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heater Won't Start
The draft motor is likewise called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the furnace and out the exhaust stack. If it begins and then the heater shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that controls it has failed and must be changed
- An obstructed air consumption or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird's nests are common causes) must be cleared
- One of the concerns gone over above with gas, gas valve and ignitor should 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 help you in repairing draft motor issues and what is triggering them.
5. The Flame Begins, however the Heating system Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat however quickly shuts down without warming your home, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensing unit has corrosion on it, sanding it might work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting repair.
6. The Blower Won't Shut Down
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 common problems:
- The fan turn on the thermostat is set to "on" instead of "vehicle".
- Relays in the control panel are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a continuous supply of electricity, and the control board should be changed.
- The thermostat also has contacts that manage power to the furnace, and they can be used, so the thermostat must be changed.
7. Why Does the Furnace Keep Turning Off?
If your heating system burner lights but the heater quickly shuts down, there are a couple of common problems that may trigger this:.
- The heating system filter is dirty and should be cleaned or replaced.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and ought to be changed.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these are common, there are several other possible causes best detected by a furnace specialist. This video gives in-depth protection to the problem of heating system short-cycling.
8. The Heating System Runs but Can't Keep your home Warm.
If your furnace is correctly sized for your home, then it must keep your house warm even in extreme cold. If it runs continuously but isn't supplying adequate heat, the most likely causes are:.
- A filthy filter that must be washed (only if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the wrong type for your heating system and limits airflow, so ought to be changed.
- The filter is installed backwards, a concern that can be inspected by searching for the arrows on the filter frame that reveal proper setup direction with the flow of air.
- Duct are dripping, often producing obvious whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as advised by Energy Star.
9. The Heater Makes Loud Noises.
A noisy heating system is frequently the result of:.
- The heating system 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 heating & cooling near me motor that need to be changed.
- A leak in the heater cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heater that need to be tightened.
- A dirty filter, which can likewise cause whistling.
10. The Furnace Leaks when AC is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your furnace, and if it leakages onto the flooring, 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 heater are normally triggered by:.
- An extremely unclean filter that need to be washed, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, normally furnace company calgary a job for an expert heater technician.
12. The CO Screen Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm need to be taken seriously. Turn the heater off at the thermostat. Do not go into the space where the heating system is located. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cell phone outside your house.
How to Choose a Gas Heater Repair Work Professional.
Some house owners pick the most affordable repair service in Calgary, and the outcomes are generally poor. Cheap services are either just getting started, so lack experience or they have a bad credibility, so must offer inexpensive prices to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best method to find quality heater repair work at a fair price is to get estimates from numerous of the top furnace repair business in Calgary. Consult with each, learn about their history and the experience of the specialists that will do the work. Choose a skilled heating system repair work professional with affordable rates.