An excellent gas furnace troubleshooting guide helps you in determining what is wrong with the furnace based upon its signs. That's what we do here with clear, simple information.
Repairing Common Gas Heating System Issues
Every year, thousands of Calgary house owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heating system?" If you remain in that scenario, this guide will arm you with info before you call a heater business. Understanding is defense versus being made the most of-- though a lot of repair work professionals have sound principles.
Note: This guide covers the most common problems, specifically those most property owners can quickly contact no tools or fundamental 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 existing temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The furnace switch (situated on or near the heating system, appears like a common light switch) is shut off and just requires to be switched on, though the heater might have a brief hold-up before starting
- The circuit breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to journey after it is turned back on, there is likely a wiring short in the heating system
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is easy to inspect and remedy
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is sometimes brought on 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 problem that can be detected utilizing an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is total
- The filter is dirty and must be replaced or cleaned, a problem that is specifically true on newer furnaces that are equipped to shut down if the filter isn't permitting adequate air circulation, a condition that can trigger major mechanical failure
- The heating system's primary circuit board/control board is bad, an issue that can be diagnosed by a HEATING AND COOLING specialist is nothing else fixes the issue
2. Furnace 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 "Car" position to the "On" position. If the fan begins, then the heater is getting power. The likely problems then are:
- The gas is shut off, so check the gas dick near the heater to make certain it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and need to be replaced
- The ignitor is failing and must be replaced
- The draft motor isn't working or the fresh-air consumption is obstructed, maybe by snow or debris, and requires to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Furnace Will Not 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 starts and after that the heater shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has failed and must be changed
- An obstructed air consumption or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests prevail causes) should be cleared
- One of the concerns talked about above with gas, gas valve and ignitor must be dealt with
4. The Draft Motor Won't Start
The problem, in this case, is either that the hvac company calgary motor is bad or the capacitor that supports it is bad. This video will assist you in troubleshooting draft motor issues and furnace maintenance calgary what is causing them.
5. The Flame Starts, however the Heater Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat but quickly shuts off without warming your home, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensing unit has corrosion on it, sanding it might work, though changing it is a longer-lasting repair.
6. The Blower Won't Shut Down
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three typical problems:
- The fan switch on the thermostat is set to "on" rather than "auto".
- Relays in the control board are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a consistent supply of electrical energy, and the control panel need to be replaced.
- 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 Heater Keep Turning Off?
If your furnace burner lights however the heating system quickly shuts down, there are a few typical concerns that might trigger this:.
- The heating system filter is filthy and need to be cleaned or replaced.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and must be changed.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these are common, there are a number of other possible causes best identified by a furnace technician. This video gives in-depth protection to the issue of furnace short-cycling.
8. The Heating System Runs however Can't Keep your house Warm.
If your heating system is appropriately sized for your home, then it needs to keep your home warm even in severe cold. If it runs constantly however isn't supplying enough heat, the likely causes are:.
- A dirty filter that must be cleaned (just if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the wrong type for your furnace and restricts airflow, so should be replaced.
- The filter is installed in reverse, a problem that can be examined by searching for the arrows on the filter frame that show proper installation instructions with the flow of air.
- Duct are leaking, often producing telltale 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 usually the result of:.
- The furnace 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 must be replaced.
- A leak in the heating system cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heater that need to be tightened up.
- An unclean filter, which can also cause whistling.
10. The Heating System 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 stopped up drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heater Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heating system are usually caused by:.
- An extremely unclean filter that ought to be cleaned, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, normally a job for a professional furnace service technician.
12. The CO Monitor Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm should be taken seriously. Turn the furnace off at the thermostat. Do not enter into the room where the furnace is located. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a mobile phone outside your home.
How to Choose a Gas Heating System Repair Specialist.
Some homeowners choose the least expensive repair service in Calgary, and the outcomes are normally bad. Cheap services are either simply getting started, so lack experience or they have a bad track record, so need to provide cheap rates to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best method to find quality heating system repair work at a fair rate is to get price quotes from numerous of the top heater repair companies in Calgary. Meet each, learn more about their history and the experience of the service technicians that will do the work. Choose an experienced heating system repair work contractor with affordable rates.