A great gas heating system troubleshooting guide helps you in identifying what is wrong with the furnace based on its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, simple information.
Fixing Common Gas Heating System Issues
Every year, thousands of Calgary homeowners ask, "What's wrong with my gas furnace?" If you remain in that scenario, this guide will arm you with information before you call a heating system business. Knowledge is security versus being made the most of-- though most repair professionals have sound principles.
Keep in mind: This guide covers the most typical problems, particularly those most homeowners can easily contact no tools or standard tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heating System Won't Start
If absolutely nothing happens when the thermostat is set above the house's present temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The heater switch (located on or near the heating system, looks like a common light switch) is shut off and just requires to be switched on, though the heater may have a short delay prior to starting
- The circuit breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to trip after it is turned back on, there is likely an electrical wiring short in the furnace
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to examine and treat
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is often brought on by a wire coming loose, so check the wiring connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and need to be changed, a problem that can be detected using an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is total
- heating and cooling systems The filter is unclean and should be replaced or cleaned, an issue that is especially real on newer heaters that are equipped to shut down if the filter isn't enabling appropriate air flow, a condition that can trigger major mechanical failure
- The heater's main circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be detected by a HVAC technician is absolutely nothing else solves the issue
2. Heating System Blowing Cold Air
If the heating system won't produce heat, you can check 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 heating system is getting power. The most likely issues then are:
- The gas is turned 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 need to be replaced
- The ignitor is failing and must be changed
- The draft motor isn't operating or the fresh-air consumption is blocked, possibly by snow or particles, and needs to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heating System Won't Start
The draft motor is likewise called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the furnace 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 controls it has actually stopped working and need to be replaced
- A blocked air consumption or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests prevail causes) must be cleared
- One of the problems talked about above with gas, gas valve and ignitor should be attended to
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 assist you in repairing draft motor problems and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Starts, however the Furnace Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat however quickly shuts down without warming your home, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensor has deterioration on it, sanding it might work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting fix.
6. The Blower Won't Turn Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three typical concerns:
- The fan switch on the thermostat is set to "on" instead of "car".
- Relays in the control panel are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a consistent supply of electrical power, and the control board need to be replaced.
- The thermostat also has contacts that control power to the heater, and they can be worn, so the thermostat should be changed.
7. Why Does the Heating System Keep Shutting Down?
If your heater burner lights however the heating system soon shuts down, there are a few typical problems that might cause this:.
- The furnace filter is dirty 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 prevail, there are several other prospective causes finest identified by a heater specialist. This video offers in-depth protection to the issue of heating system short-cycling.
8. The Heater Runs however Can't Keep your home 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 however isn't offering adequate heat, the likely causes are:.
- An unclean filter that need to be washed (just if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the wrong type for your heating system and limits airflow, so ought to be replaced.
- The filter is installed backwards, an issue that can be inspected by searching for the arrows on the filter frame that show proper installation instructions with the flow of air.
- Air ducts are leaking, in some cases producing obvious whistling noises, and it is time to gas furnace have them sealed as recommended by Energy Star.
9. The Heater Makes Loud Noises.
A loud furnace is usually the outcome of:.
- The heating system being a single-stage model that runs 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 need to be replaced.
- A leak in the heater cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the furnace that need to be tightened.
- An unclean filter, which can also cause whistling.
10. The Heater Leaks when Air Conditioning is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heater, and if it leakages onto the floor, the concern is more than likely a clogged drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heater Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heating system are generally brought on by:.
- A very dirty filter that need to be cleaned, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, usually a job for an expert heating system technician.
12. The CO Display Going Off.
A carbon monoxide gas alarm need to be taken seriously. Turn the heater off at the thermostat. Do not enter into the room where the heater is located. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cell phone outside your house.
How to Select a Gas Heater Repair Work Specialist.
Some house owners select the most inexpensive repair work service in Calgary, and the outcomes are typically bad. Low-cost services are either just getting started, so do not have experience or they have a bad credibility, so should give low-cost pricing to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best way to find quality heater repair at a fair cost is to get estimates from several of the leading heater repair work business in Calgary. Meet each, learn more about their history and the experience of the professionals that will do the work. Select a skilled heating system repair specialist with affordable rates.