A good gas furnace troubleshooting guide helps you in determining what is wrong with the heater based on its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, straightforward information.
Repairing Common Gas Heater Problems
Every year, thousands of Calgary property owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heater?" If you're in that scenario, this guide will arm you with info before you call a heater business. Understanding is protection against being benefited from-- though the majority of repair work experts have sound ethics.
Note: This guide covers the most typical problems, specifically those most homeowners can easily talk to no tools or standard tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Furnace Won't Start
If nothing occurs when the thermostat is set above the home's existing temperature, the most likely causes are these:
- The heater switch (situated on or near the heating system, appears like a common light switch) is shut off and just needs to be switched on, though the furnace might have a short hold-up prior to starting
- The circuit breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to journey after it is turned back on, there is likely an electrical wiring short in the heater
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to check and remedy
- The thermostat isn't working, heating & cooling near me 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 problem that can be identified using an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is complete
- The filter is dirty and must be changed or cleaned, a concern that is particularly real on more recent heaters that are equipped to shut down if the filter isn't permitting adequate air flow, a condition that can trigger major mechanical failure
- The heater's main circuit board/control board is bad, a concern that can be identified by a HEATING AND COOLING specialist is nothing else resolves the concern
2. Heating System Blowing Cold Air
If the heating system won't produce heat, you can examine to see if it is getting power by moving the fan switch from the "Automobile" position to the "On" position. If the fan begins, then the heater is getting power. The most likely problems then are:
- The gas is turned off, so check the gas cock near the heating system to ensure it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and must be replaced
- The ignitor is failing and should be replaced
- The draft motor isn't operating or the fresh-air consumption is obstructed, maybe by snow or debris, and needs 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 furnace company near me system 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 controls it has failed and should be replaced
- A blocked air intake or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird's nests are common causes) need to be cleared
- Among the problems discussed above with gas, gas valve and ignitor need to be attended to
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 repairing draft motor concerns and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Begins, however the Heater Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat however soon turns off without warming your home, the flame sensing unit isn't working. If the sensor has corrosion on it, sanding it may work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting fix.
6. The Blower Won't Shut Down
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three common concerns:
- 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 continuous supply of electrical energy, and the control panel must be changed.
- The thermostat also has contacts that control power to the heater, and they can be worn, so the thermostat should be replaced.
7. Why Does the Heater Keep Turning Off?
If your heater burner lights however the heating system soon shuts down, there are a couple of typical problems that may trigger this:.
- The furnace filter is unclean and ought to be cleaned or replaced.
- The flame sensor isn't working and need to be replaced.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these are common, there are numerous other potential causes finest diagnosed by a furnace professional. This video gives extensive protection to the issue of heating system short-cycling.
8. The Heater Runs but Can't Keep your house Warm.
If your furnace is appropriately sized for your house, then it needs to keep your house warm even in severe cold. If it runs continuously however isn't supplying enough heat, the likely causes are:.
- A filthy filter that must be cleaned (only if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your heating system and limits air flow, 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 correct setup direction with the flow 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 Furnace Makes Loud Noises.
A loud furnace is most often the result of:.
- The heating system 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 replaced.
- A leak in the furnace cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the furnace that must be tightened up.
- A dirty filter, which can likewise trigger whistling.
10. The Heating System Leaks when Air Conditioner is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your furnace, and if it leaks onto the floor, the concern is most likely a clogged drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heater Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the furnace are normally triggered by:.
- A really dirty filter that must be washed, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, normally a task for an expert heating system specialist.
12. The CO Monitor Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm ought to be taken seriously. Turn the heater off at the thermostat. Do not go into the room where the heating system lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cellular phone outside your house.
How to Pick a Gas Furnace Repair Professional.
Some house owners choose the most affordable repair service in Calgary, and the outcomes are typically bad. Inexpensive services are either just getting started, so lack experience or they have a bad track record, so must give inexpensive prices to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best way to discover quality heater repair at a fair price is to get estimates from numerous of the leading furnace repair work business in Calgary. Meet with each, find out about their history and the experience of the professionals that will do the work. Select a skilled heating system repair work contractor with affordable rates.