An excellent gas heating system troubleshooting guide assists you in determining what is wrong with the heater based upon its signs. That's what we do here with clear, straightforward info.
Fixing Common Gas Furnace Problems
Every year, countless Calgary house owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heating system?" If you remain in that situation, this guide will equip you with information prior to you call a heating system business. Knowledge is security versus being taken advantage of-- though a lot of repair work specialists have sound ethics.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most typical issues, especially those most property owners can quickly check with no tools or fundamental tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heating System Will Not Start
If nothing happens when the thermostat is set above the home's present temperature, the most likely causes are these:
- The heater switch (situated on or near the furnace, appears like a common light switch) is turned off and just needs to be turned on, though the heating system may have a short hold-up before starting
- The breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to journey after it is turned back on, there is likely a wiring short in the heater
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is easy to inspect and correct
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is sometimes 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 should be changed, an issue that can be hvac company calgary diagnosed utilizing an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is complete
- The filter is unclean and should be replaced or cleaned up, an issue that is especially real on more recent heaters that are geared up to shut down if the filter isn't enabling adequate air flow, a condition that can trigger major mechanical failure
- The furnace's main circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be detected by a HVAC professional is absolutely nothing else solves the problem
2. Heating System Blowing Cold Air
If the heating system will not produce heat, you can inspect 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 heating system is getting power. The most likely issues then are:
- The gas is switched off, so check the gas dick near the furnace 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 need to be replaced
- The draft motor isn't working or the fresh-air intake is obstructed, maybe by snow or particles, and needs 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 heater closes down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has actually stopped working and need to be replaced
- A blocked air intake or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests prevail causes) should be cleared
- One of the concerns gone over above with gas, gas valve and ignitor must be resolved
4. The Draft Motor Won't 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 fixing draft motor problems and what is triggering them.
5. The Flame Begins, but the Heater Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat but quickly turns off without warming your house, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensing unit has rust on it, sanding it may work, though changing it is a longer-lasting fix.
6. The Blower Will Not Shut Down
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 typical issues:
- 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 electrical power, and the control board need to be replaced.
- The thermostat also has contacts that manage power to the heater, and they can be worn, so the thermostat must be changed.
7. Why Does the Furnace Keep Shutting Off?
If your furnace burner lights but the furnace quickly turns off, there are a few typical problems that may trigger this:.
- The furnace filter is dirty and should be cleaned or changed.
- The flame sensor isn't working and ought to be replaced.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these prevail, there are numerous other prospective causes finest diagnosed by a heater specialist. This video provides extensive coverage to the issue of heating system short-cycling.
8. The Furnace Runs but Can't Keep your home Warm.
If your heating system is appropriately sized for your home, then it must keep your home warm even in severe cold. If it runs constantly but isn't offering sufficient heat, the likely causes are:.
- A filthy filter that need to be cleaned (just if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your furnace and restricts airflow, so ought to be changed.
- The filter is installed in reverse, a concern that can be checked by searching for the arrows on the filter frame that show proper installation instructions with the circulation of air.
- Air ducts are dripping, in some cases producing telltale whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as advised by Energy Star.
9. The Furnace Makes Loud Noises.
A loud heater is usually the outcome of:.
- The heater being a single-stage model that runs 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 should be changed.
- A leakage in the heater cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the furnace that need to be tightened up.
- A dirty filter, which can likewise cause whistling.
10. The Heating System Leaks when A/C is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heater, and if it leakages onto the floor, the issue is probably a clogged drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Furnace Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heating system are typically triggered by:.
- A really filthy filter that must be washed, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, generally a job for a professional heater professional.
12. The CO Display Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm ought to be taken seriously. Turn the heating system off at the thermostat. Don't go into the room where the furnace is located. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cellular phone outside your house.
How to Select a Gas Heating System Repair Professional.
Some property owners select the most affordable repair work furnace companies in calgary service in Calgary, and the results are normally bad. Cheap services are either simply starting, so lack experience or they have a bad reputation, so must provide cheap rates to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best method to discover quality heater repair work at a reasonable price is to get price quotes from numerous of the top heater repair work companies in Calgary. Meet each, find out about their history and the experience of the professionals that will do the work. Choose a knowledgeable heating system repair work professional with affordable rates.