A great gas furnace fixing guide helps you in identifying what is wrong with the heating system based upon its signs. That's what we do here with clear, simple details.
Repairing Common Gas Heating System Issues
Every year, countless Calgary house owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas furnace?" If you remain in that circumstance, this guide will arm you with information before you call a furnace company. Knowledge is protection versus being taken advantage of-- though the majority of repair experts have sound principles.
Note: This guide covers the most common problems, specifically those most homeowners can quickly talk to no tools or fundamental tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heater Won't Start
If absolutely nothing happens when the thermostat is set above the home's present temperature, the most likely causes are these:
- The furnace switch (situated on or near the heater, appears like a common light switch) is switched off and simply needs to be turned on, though the furnace might have a short delay prior to starting
- The breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to trip after it is turned back on, there is likely a wiring short in the furnace
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is easy to inspect and treat
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is often triggered 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 replaced, a concern that can be identified utilizing an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is total
- The filter is filthy and need to be replaced or cleaned, a problem that is especially true on more recent heaters that are geared up to close down if the filter isn't allowing appropriate air circulation, a condition that can cause major mechanical failure
- The furnace's main circuit board/control board is bad, an issue that can be diagnosed by an A/C technician is nothing else resolves the issue
2. Furnace Blowing Cold Air
If the heater won't produce heat, you can check to see if it is getting power by moving the fan switch from the "Auto" 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 examine the gas cock near the heater to ensure it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and must be changed
- The ignitor is failing and need to be changed
- The draft motor isn't operating or the fresh-air consumption is blocked, maybe by snow or particles, and requires to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heater Won't Start
The draft motor is likewise called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the heating system and out the exhaust stack. If it begins and then the heater closes down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that controls it has actually failed and must be changed
- An obstructed air intake or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird's nests are common causes) need to be cleared
- One of the problems discussed above with gas, gas valve and ignitor should be addressed
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 assist you in troubleshooting draft motor problems and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Begins, however the Heating system Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat but soon shuts down 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 fix.
6. The Blower Will Not Shut Down
If the blower motor runs all heating and cooling companies near me the time, there are 3 common problems:
- The fan turn 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 continuous supply of electricity, and the control panel need to be replaced.
- The thermostat also has contacts that manage power to the heating system, and they can be used, so the thermostat should be changed.
7. Why Does the Heater Keep Turning Off?
If your heater burner lights but the heating system soon shuts off, there are a few common problems that might cause this:.
- The heating system filter is filthy and ought to be cleaned or changed.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and need to be changed.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these are common, there are numerous other possible causes best detected by a heating system service technician. This video offers thorough protection to the issue of heater short-cycling.
8. The Heater Runs but Can't Keep the House Warm.
If your heater is appropriately sized for your house, then it ought to keep your house warm even in extreme cold. If it runs continuously however isn't providing adequate heat, the likely causes are:.
- A dirty filter that need to be cleaned (just if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your heating system and restricts air flow, so need to be changed.
- The filter is set up in reverse, a concern that can be inspected by looking for the arrows on the filter frame that show appropriate setup instructions with the circulation of air.
- Air ducts are leaking, in some cases producing telltale whistling noises, and it is time to have them sealed as suggested by Energy Star.
9. The Furnace Makes Loud Noises.
A loud furnace is frequently the outcome of:.
- The heating system being a single-stage design 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 must be changed.
- A leak in the heater cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the furnace that need high efficiency furnace to be tightened up.
- A filthy filter, which can likewise trigger whistling.
10. The Furnace Leaks when A/C is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your furnace, and if it leaks onto the floor, the problem is more than likely a clogged 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 filthy filter that ought to be washed, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, generally a job for a professional heater service technician.
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 enter into the space where the heating system lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a mobile phone outside your home.
How to Pick a Gas Heater Repair Professional.
Some house owners select the most inexpensive repair service in Calgary, and the results are usually bad. Cheap services are either just getting going, so lack experience or they have a bad credibility, so must give inexpensive prices to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best method to find quality furnace repair at a fair rate is to get quotes from numerous of the top heater repair work business in Calgary. Meet each, find out about their history and the experience of the specialists that will do the work. Choose a skilled furnace repair specialist with sensible rates.