A good gas heating system troubleshooting guide helps you in identifying what is wrong with the heater based upon its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated info.
Repairing Common Gas Heating System Problems
Every year, hvac repair countless Calgary homeowners ask, "What's wrong with my gas furnace?" If you remain in that circumstance, this guide will arm you with information prior to you call a heater company. Understanding is defense against being made the most of-- though the majority of repair work professionals have sound principles.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most typical problems, especially those most house owners can quickly consult no tools or fundamental tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Furnace Will Not Start
If absolutely nothing takes place 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, looks like a typical light switch) is shut off and simply needs to be turned on, though the heating system might have a short hold-up before beginning
- The breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to trip after it is turned back on, there is likely a circuitry brief in the heater
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to examine and fix
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is sometimes triggered by a wire coming loose, so check the circuitry connections
- The thermostat requires 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 complete
- The filter is dirty and need to be changed or cleaned, an issue that is specifically real on more recent heaters that are geared up to close down if the filter isn't permitting adequate air flow, a condition that can cause severe mechanical failure
- The furnace's primary circuit board/control board is bad, a concern that can be identified by heating & cooling near me an A/C service technician is nothing else fixes the problem
2. Heating System Blowing Cold Air
If the furnace 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 comes on, then the heater is getting power. The most likely concerns then are:
- The gas is switched off, so examine the gas cock near the heating system to make sure it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and must be changed
- The ignitor is stopping working and should 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, Heater Won't Start
The draft motor is also called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the heating system 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 should be replaced
- An obstructed air consumption or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird's nests are common causes) must be cleared
- One of the problems gone over above with gas, gas valve and ignitor should be attended to
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 assist you in repairing draft motor issues and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Begins, but the Furnace Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat but quickly turns off without warming your home, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensor has corrosion on it, sanding it might work, though changing it is a longer-lasting repair.
6. The Blower Will Not Turn Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 typical concerns:
- 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 consistent supply of electricity, and the control board need to be changed.
- The thermostat also has contacts that manage power to the heating system, and they can be used, so the thermostat needs to be changed.
7. Why Does the Furnace Keep Turning Off?
If your heating system burner lights however the heating system quickly turns off, there are a couple of typical issues that might cause this:.
- The heater filter is unclean and should be cleaned up or replaced.
- The flame sensor isn't working and should be replaced.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these prevail, there are numerous other potential causes best diagnosed by a furnace service technician. This video gives extensive protection to the problem of heating system short-cycling.
8. The Furnace Runs but Can't Keep the House Warm.
If your heater is appropriately sized for your home, then it should keep your home warm even in severe cold. If it runs constantly but isn't offering adequate heat, the likely causes are:.
- An unclean filter that should be washed (just if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your furnace and restricts airflow, so must be replaced.
- The filter is set up backwards, an issue that can be examined by searching for the arrows on the filter frame that show proper setup instructions with the circulation of air.
- Duct are dripping, sometimes producing obvious whistling noises, and it is time to have them sealed as advised by Energy Star.
9. The Furnace Makes Loud Noises.
A loud heater is most often the outcome of:.
- The furnace being a single-stage design 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 must be changed.
- A leakage in the heating system cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heating system that must be tightened.
- A filthy filter, which can likewise cause whistling.
10. The Furnace Leaks when Air Conditioner is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heating system, and if it leaks onto the flooring, the issue is probably a blocked drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heating System Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the furnace are normally caused by:.
- A really unclean filter that need to be washed, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, typically a job for a professional furnace professional.
12. The CO Display Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm must be taken seriously. Turn the heating system off at the thermostat. Don't 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 home.
How to Choose a Gas Furnace Repair Work Expert.
Some homeowners choose the cheapest repair work service in Calgary, and the results are usually poor. Cheap services are either just getting going, so do not have experience or they have a bad reputation, so should provide cheap pricing to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best way to discover quality furnace repair at a reasonable price is to get price quotes from numerous of the leading furnace repair work companies in Calgary. Meet each, learn more about their history and the experience of the service technicians that will do the work. Select a skilled furnace repair contractor with affordable rates.