An excellent gas heater fixing guide helps you in identifying what is wrong with the heater based on its signs. That's what we do here with clear, straightforward info.
Fixing Common Gas Heater Problems
Every year, countless Calgary property owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heater?" If you're in that situation, this guide will equip you with details before you call a heater company. Understanding is security versus being taken advantage of-- though most repair work specialists have sound principles.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most typical issues, particularly those most homeowners can easily contact no tools or basic tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heating System Won't 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, looks like a typical light switch) is switched off and merely requires to be switched on, though the furnace may have a brief hold-up prior to 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 heater
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is easy to check and correct
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is sometimes triggered by a wire coming loose, so inspect the circuitry connections
- The thermostat needs fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and should be changed, an issue that can be diagnosed utilizing an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is complete
- The filter is dirty and need to be replaced or cleaned, a concern that is specifically real on newer furnaces that are geared up to close down if the filter isn't enabling adequate air circulation, a condition that can cause serious mechanical failure
- The heating system's main circuit board/control board is bad, an issue that can be identified by an high efficiency furnace A/C specialist is nothing else fixes the problem
2. Furnace Blowing Cold Air
If the heating system will not produce heat, you can examine 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 likely problems then are:
- The gas is shut 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 need to be replaced
- The ignitor is failing and should be replaced
- The draft motor isn't operating or the fresh-air consumption is obstructed, possibly by snow or particles, and requires to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heater Will Not Start
The draft motor is likewise called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the heater and out the exhaust stack. If it begins and after that the heating system closes down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has actually failed and must be replaced
- A blocked air intake or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird's nests prevail causes) must be cleared
- Among the problems talked about above with gas, gas valve and ignitor should be addressed
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 repairing draft motor concerns and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Starts, 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 sensing unit has deterioration on it, sanding it might work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting repair.
6. The Blower Will Not Shut Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 common issues:
- The fan turn on the thermostat is set furnace repair near me to "on" instead of "automobile".
- Relays in the control board are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a consistent supply of electrical power, and the control board should be replaced.
- The thermostat likewise has contacts that manage power to the heater, and they can be used, so the thermostat needs to be replaced.
7. Why Does the Heating System Keep Shutting Down?
If your heating system burner lights but the heater quickly turns off, there are a few common issues that may cause this:.
- The furnace filter is filthy and ought to be cleaned or changed.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and must be replaced.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these prevail, there are numerous other possible causes finest detected by a furnace specialist. This video provides in-depth protection to the problem of furnace short-cycling.
8. The Heater Runs however Can't Keep your house Warm.
If your heater is appropriately sized for your home, then it must keep your home warm even in extreme cold. If it runs continuously but isn't supplying enough heat, the likely causes are:.
- A dirty filter that need to be cleaned (just if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the wrong type for your heater and limits air flow, so should be changed.
- The filter is set up backwards, a problem that can be inspected by trying to find the arrows on the filter frame that show appropriate setup direction with the flow of air.
- Duct are dripping, in some cases producing telltale whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as recommended by Energy Star.
9. The Heater Makes Loud Noises.
A loud furnace is frequently the outcome of:.
- The furnace being a single-stage design that works 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 need to be replaced.
- A leakage in the furnace cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the furnace that must be tightened up.
- An unclean filter, which can likewise trigger whistling.
10. The Furnace Leaks when AC is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heater, and if it leakages onto the floor, the problem is more than likely a clogged drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heater Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the furnace are usually caused by:.
- An extremely filthy filter that need to be washed, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, usually a job for a professional heating system service technician.
12. The CO Monitor Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm need to be taken seriously. Turn the heating system 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 mobile phone outside your home.
How to Select a Gas Furnace Repair Expert.
Some house owners choose the most inexpensive repair service in Calgary, and the outcomes are normally poor. Low-cost services are either simply starting, so lack experience or they have a bad reputation, so must provide inexpensive rates to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best way to discover quality heater repair work at a fair price is to get price quotes from numerous of the top furnace repair work companies in Calgary. Meet with each, learn more about their history and the experience of the professionals that will do the work. Pick a skilled heater repair contractor with affordable rates.