An excellent gas heater fixing guide assists you in determining what is wrong with the heating system based on its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, simple info.
Repairing Common Gas Furnace Problems
Every year, thousands of Calgary property owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heater?" If you remain in that circumstance, this guide will arm you with details before you call a furnace business. Knowledge is defense versus being benefited from-- though many repair work experts have sound principles.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most common issues, specifically those most house owners can quickly check with no tools or basic tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Furnace Will Not Start
If absolutely nothing happens when the thermostat is set above the house's existing temperature, the most likely causes are these:
- The furnace switch (situated on or near the heater, looks like a typical light switch) is switched off and simply requires to be switched on, though the heater may have a short hold-up prior to beginning
- The 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 simple to inspect and fix
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is in some cases caused by a wire coming loose, so inspect the wiring connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and must be changed, a concern that can be diagnosed using an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is complete
- The filter is dirty and should be changed or cleaned up, a concern that is specifically real on newer heaters that are geared up to shut down if the filter isn't enabling sufficient 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 a HEATING AND COOLING technician is nothing else solves the concern
2. Heating System Blowing Cold Air
If the furnace will not produce heat, you can check to see if it is getting power by moving the fan switch from the "Vehicle" position to the "On" position. If the fan begins, then the furnace is getting power. The likely issues then are:
- The gas is switched off, so check the gas cock near the furnace to make certain it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and must be replaced
- The ignitor is stopping working and should be changed
- The draft motor isn't operating or the fresh-air intake is obstructed, maybe by snow or debris, and requires to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heater Will Not 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 furnace shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has stopped working and must be changed
- A blocked air intake or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird's nests are common causes) should be cleared
- Among the problems gone over above with gas, gas valve and ignitor need to 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 issues and what is triggering them.
5. The Flame Begins, but the Heating system Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat but quickly shuts down without warming your house, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensor 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 problems:
- The fan turn on the thermostat is set to "on" instead of "car".
- Relays in the control board are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a constant supply of electrical power, and the control panel need to be changed.
- The thermostat likewise has contacts that manage power to the furnace, and they can be used, so the thermostat must be replaced.
7. Why Does the Heating System Keep Shutting Off?
If your heating system burner lights however the furnace soon turns off, there are a couple of common issues that may cause this:.
- The heater filter is filthy and ought to be cleaned up or changed.
- The flame sensor isn't working and need to be changed.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these prevail, there are several other potential causes finest diagnosed by a furnace technician. This video gives extensive protection to the problem of heater short-cycling.
8. The Furnace Runs but Can't Keep your home Warm.
If your heating system is effectively sized for your home, then it should keep your home warm even in extreme cold. If it runs constantly but isn't offering enough heat, the likely causes are:.
- A filthy filter that must be cleaned (only if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your heating system and limits air flow, so should be replaced.
- The filter is set up in reverse, an issue that can be inspected by searching for the arrows on the filter frame that reveal appropriate setup direction with the circulation of air.
- Air ducts are dripping, in some cases producing obvious whistling noises, and it is time to have them sealed as advised by Energy Star.
9. The Heating System Makes Loud Noises.
A noisy furnace is most often the outcome of:.
- The heater 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 furnace cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heating system that must be tightened.
- A dirty filter, which can also cause whistling.
10. The Heating System Leaks when Air Conditioner is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heater, and if it leakages onto the flooring, the concern is more than likely a clogged up drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heating System Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the furnace are typically triggered by:.
- An extremely filthy filter that should be cleaned, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, usually a task emergency furnace repair for an expert heating system service technician.
12. The CO Screen Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm should be taken seriously. Turn the furnace off at the thermostat. Don't enter into the space where the heater lies. furnace maintenance Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cell phone outside your house.
How to Pick a Gas Heater Repair Work Professional.
Some property owners choose the most inexpensive repair service in Calgary, and the outcomes are typically poor. Inexpensive services are either simply getting started, so lack experience or they have a bad credibility, so should offer cheap prices to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best way to find quality furnace repair work at a reasonable price is to get price quotes from numerous of the top heater repair business in Calgary. Consult with each, learn about their history and the experience of the technicians that will do the work. Choose a knowledgeable heater repair work specialist with affordable rates.