Heater Repair Work: Top 12 Furnace Issues and Repairing Guide
A good gas furnace troubleshooting guide assists you in determining what is wrong with the heater based on its signs. That's what we do here with clear, simple info.
Repairing Common Gas Furnace Issues
Every year, thousands of Calgary property owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heater?" If you remain in that circumstance, this guide will equip you with details before you call a heating system business. Knowledge is defense against being benefited from-- though many repair work professionals have sound ethics.
Note: This guide covers the most common problems, specifically those most house owners can quickly consult no tools or fundamental tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heater Won't Start
If absolutely nothing takes place when the thermostat is set above the house's current temperature, the most likely causes are these:
- The furnace switch (situated on or near the furnace, appears like a common light switch) is switched off and simply requires to be switched on, though the heating system might have a brief delay before 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 heater
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is easy to inspect and remedy
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is often caused by a wire coming loose, so inspect the circuitry connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and should be replaced, a problem that can be detected using an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is total
- The filter is filthy and must be replaced or cleaned, a problem that is especially true on newer heating systems that are geared up to close down if the filter isn't allowing sufficient air circulation, a condition that can cause major mechanical failure
- The heater's main circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be detected by a HEATING AND COOLING professional is nothing else solves the concern
2. Heater 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 "Vehicle" position to the "On" position. If the fan comes on, then the heater is getting power. The most likely issues then are:
- The gas is switched off, so inspect the gas dick near the furnace 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 need to be replaced
- The draft motor isn't working or the fresh-air intake is obstructed, maybe by snow or debris, and requires to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heater Will Not Start
The draft motor is likewise called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the heater and out the exhaust stack. If it starts and after that 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
- A blocked air intake or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird's nests are common causes) need to be cleared
- Among the problems talked about above with gas, gas valve and ignitor should be resolved
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 troubleshooting draft motor concerns and what is causing them.
5. The Flame Starts, but the Furnace Shuts Down
If the burner starts making heat however quickly shuts off without warming your house, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensor has deterioration on it, sanding it may work, though changing it is a longer-lasting fix.
6. The Blower Won't Shut Off
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 common issues:
- The fan switch 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 electricity, and the control board must be changed.
- The thermostat also has contacts that manage power to the heating system, and they can be used, so the thermostat must be replaced.
7. Why Does the Heating System Keep Shutting Off?
If your heating system burner lights however the heating system soon shuts off, there are a couple of common problems that might trigger this:.
- The furnace filter is dirty and need to be cleaned up or changed.
- The flame sensing unit isn't working and should be changed.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these prevail, there are several other possible causes best detected by a heater specialist. This video provides extensive protection to the problem of heater short-cycling.
8. The Heating System Runs however Can't Keep your house Warm.
If your heating system is properly sized for your house, then it needs to keep your home warm even in extreme cold. If it runs constantly however isn't providing sufficient heat, the likely causes are:.
- A dirty filter that need to be cleaned (only if the washable type) or changed.
- The filter is the wrong type for your heating system and limits air flow, so should be changed.
- The filter is set up in reverse, a problem that can be examined by looking for the arrows on the filter frame that reveal appropriate installation instructions with the circulation of air.
- Air ducts are dripping, often producing obvious whistling noises, and it is time to have them sealed as suggested by Energy Star.
9. The Heating System Makes Loud Noises.
A loud heating system is usually the outcome of:.
- The heating system being a single-stage model that works 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 must be replaced.
- A leak in the heater cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the furnace that must be tightened.
- An unclean filter, which can likewise cause whistling.
10. The Heater Leaks when Air Conditioning is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your furnace, and if it leakages onto the flooring, the issue 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 usually triggered by:.
- An extremely filthy filter that need to be washed, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, normally a job for a professional heating system professional.
12. The CO Screen Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm ought to be taken seriously. Turn the furnace off at the thermostat. Don't enter into the room where the heater is located. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cell phone outside your home.
How to Choose a Gas Furnace Repair Specialist.
Some property owners choose the least expensive repair work service in Calgary, and the outcomes are normally poor. Inexpensive services are either simply getting going, so do not have experience or they have a bad reputation, so must offer cheap prices to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best method to discover quality heating system repair at a fair rate is to get quotes from several of the top heater heating and cooling companies repair companies in Calgary. Meet with each, learn more about their history and the experience of the professionals that will do the work. Choose a knowledgeable heating system repair work contractor furnace maintenance with sensible rates.
