Heater Repair: Top 12 Furnace Issues and Troubleshooting How to Guide
A great gas heating system heating and cooling systems repairing guide assists you in identifying what is wrong with the furnace based upon its signs. That's what we do here with clear, straightforward details.
Fixing Common Gas Heating System Issues
Every year, thousands of Calgary property owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heating system?" If you're in that circumstance, this guide will equip you with info prior to you call a heater company. Understanding is security against being taken advantage of-- though many repair professionals have sound ethics.
Note: This guide covers the most common problems, specifically those most homeowners can quickly check with no tools or basic tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heater Will Not Start
If nothing occurs when the thermostat is set above the house's existing temperature, the most likely causes are these:
- The heating system switch (situated on or near the heater, appears like a typical light switch) is shut off and merely requires to be switched on, though the heating system might have a short hold-up before 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 furnace
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is easy to inspect and correct
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is sometimes brought on by a wire coming loose, so examine the electrical wiring connections
- The thermostat needs fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and need to be replaced, a problem that can be identified utilizing an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is total
- The filter is unclean and should be changed or cleaned up, a concern that is particularly true on newer furnaces that are equipped to shut down if the filter isn't allowing appropriate air circulation, a condition that can trigger major mechanical failure
- The heating system's main circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be detected by a HVAC professional is nothing else fixes the concern
2. Heater Blowing Cold Air
If the heater will not produce heat, you can inspect 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 furnace is getting power. The likely concerns then are:
- The gas is turned off, so examine the gas dick near the heating system to make certain it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and need to be replaced
- The ignitor is stopping working and should be replaced
- The draft motor isn't working or the fresh-air consumption is obstructed, possibly by snow or particles, and requires to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Furnace Will Not Start
The draft motor is also called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the heater and out the exhaust stack. If it starts and after that the furnace closes down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that manages it has actually stopped working and need to be changed
- A heating and cooling system blocked air consumption or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird's nests prevail causes) need to be cleared
- Among the concerns gone over above with gas, gas valve and ignitor need to be attended to
4. The Draft Motor Will Not 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 fixing draft motor issues and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Starts, but the Heater Shuts Down
If the burner begins 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 changing it is a longer-lasting repair.
6. The Blower Won't Turn Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three common problems:
- The fan switch on the thermostat is set to "on" rather than "vehicle".
- Relays in the control panel are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a consistent supply of electricity, and the control board must be changed.
- The thermostat likewise has contacts that control power to the furnace, and they can be used, so the thermostat should be changed.
7. Why Does the Heating System Keep Turning Off?
If your heater burner lights but the furnace soon shuts off, there are a few typical problems that might cause this:.
- The furnace filter is unclean and must be cleaned up or replaced.
- The flame sensor isn't working and need to be changed.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these are common, there are numerous other possible causes finest detected by a heating system specialist. This video gives in-depth coverage to the issue of heater short-cycling.
8. The Heater Runs but Can't Keep your house Warm.
If your heating system is effectively sized for your home, then it ought to keep your home warm even in extreme cold. If it runs constantly but isn't supplying adequate heat, the likely causes are:.
- A dirty filter that must be washed (just if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your heating system and limits airflow, so must be changed.
- The filter is installed backwards, a concern that can be examined by looking for the arrows on the filter frame that show proper installation direction with the flow of air.
- Duct are dripping, sometimes producing telltale whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as advised by Energy Star.
9. The Heating System Makes Loud Noises.
A loud furnace is usually the result of:.
- The heater being a single-stage design that runs on high capacity 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 changed.
- A leakage in the furnace cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the furnace that need to be tightened up.
- A dirty filter, which can likewise cause whistling.
10. The Furnace Leaks when A/C is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heating system, and if it leaks onto the floor, the concern is probably a blocked drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heating System Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heating system are typically triggered by:.
- An extremely filthy filter that should be washed, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, usually a task for a professional heating system service technician.
12. The CO Display Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm must be taken seriously. Turn the heating system off at the thermostat. Don't go into the space where the heater lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a mobile phone outside your home.
How to Select a Gas Furnace Repair Specialist.
Some homeowners select the least expensive repair work service in Calgary, and the results are normally bad. Cheap services are either just getting started, so do not have experience or they have a bad reputation, so should offer low-cost rates to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best method to discover quality heating system repair at a reasonable price is to get estimates from numerous of the leading heating system repair work companies in Calgary. Meet with each, learn more about their history and the experience of the technicians that will do the work. Select an experienced heater repair specialist with sensible rates.
