An excellent gas furnace troubleshooting guide helps you in identifying what is wrong with the heater based on its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated details.
Fixing Common Gas Heater Problems
Every year, thousands of Calgary property owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas furnace?" If you remain in that situation, this guide will arm you with information before you call a heater business. Knowledge is security against being benefited from-- though many repair specialists have sound ethics.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most typical issues, especially those most homeowners can quickly talk to no tools or basic tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Furnace Won't Start
If absolutely nothing takes place when the thermostat is set above the home's present temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The heating system switch (located on or near the heating system, appears like a typical light switch) is switched off and just needs to be turned on, though the furnace might have a short delay before starting
- The circuit 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 easy to examine and remedy
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is sometimes caused by a wire coming loose, so check the circuitry connections
- The thermostat needs fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and must be changed, a concern that can be detected utilizing an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is complete
- The filter is filthy and need to be changed or cleaned, a problem that is especially real on more recent furnaces that are geared up to close down if the filter isn't enabling adequate air circulation, a condition that can cause major mechanical failure
- The furnace's primary circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be detected by a HEATING AND COOLING professional is nothing else resolves the problem
2. Heater Blowing Cold Air
If the heating system will not 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 heating system is getting power. The most likely issues then are:
- The gas is switched 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 should be replaced
- The ignitor is stopping working and must be replaced
- The draft motor isn't working or the fresh-air consumption is obstructed, perhaps 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 system and out the exhaust stack. If it starts and then the heater shuts down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that controls it has actually stopped working and need to be replaced
- An obstructed air intake or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests are common causes) need to be cleared
- One of the concerns discussed above with gas, gas valve and ignitor should be resolved
4. The Draft Motor Will Not 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 triggering them.
5. The Flame Starts, but 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 rust on it, sanding furnace company calgary it may work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting fix.
6. The Blower Will Not Shut Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 common concerns:
- The fan switch on the thermostat is set to "on" rather than "vehicle".
- 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 board should be replaced.
- The thermostat likewise has contacts that manage power to the heating system, and they can be used, so the thermostat must be changed.
7. Why Does the Heating System Keep Turning Off?
If your furnace burner lights but the furnace quickly turns off, there are a few common problems that may cause this:.
- The heater filter is dirty and need to be cleaned or changed.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and need to be replaced.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these are common, there are numerous other prospective causes finest diagnosed by a furnace specialist. This video provides thorough protection to the problem of furnace short-cycling.
8. The Heater Runs however Can't Keep your home Warm.
If your furnace is correctly sized for your house, then it needs to keep your house warm even in severe cold. If it runs constantly however isn't offering sufficient heat, cool heat the most likely causes are:.
- A dirty filter that must be washed (just if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your heater and limits airflow, so must be changed.
- The filter is set up backwards, a concern that can be inspected by trying to find the arrows on the filter frame that reveal appropriate installation instructions with the circulation of air.
- Air ducts are dripping, in some cases producing obvious whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as advised by Energy Star.
9. The Heating System Makes Loud Noises.
A loud heater is frequently 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 changed.
- A leak in the heating system cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heating system that need to be tightened up.
- A filthy filter, which can also trigger whistling.
10. The Heater Leaks when AC is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heating system, and if it leakages onto the flooring, the problem is most likely a stopped up drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heater Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heater are normally brought on by:.
- A very unclean filter that should be washed, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, generally a job for a professional heater professional.
12. The CO Screen Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm must be taken seriously. Turn the furnace off at the thermostat. Do not go into the space where the heating system lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cellular phone outside your house.
How to Choose a Gas Heater Repair Expert.
Some homeowners select the most inexpensive repair work service in Calgary, and the outcomes are usually poor. Cheap services are either simply starting, so lack experience or they have a bad credibility, so need to offer low-cost pricing to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best way to find quality furnace repair at a fair cost is to get estimates from numerous of the top heater repair business in Calgary. Consult with each, learn about their history and the experience of the professionals that will do the work. Pick an experienced heating system repair professional with reasonable rates.