Heating System Repair Work: Leading 12 Furnace Problems and Troubleshooting Guid
An excellent gas heating system fixing guide assists you in determining what is wrong with the furnace based upon its signs. That's what we do here with clear, simple information.
Repairing Common Gas Furnace Problems
Every year, thousands of Calgary homeowners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heater?" If you remain in that circumstance, this guide will arm you with details before you call a heater company. Understanding is defense versus being benefited from-- though many repair specialists have sound ethics.
Note: This guide covers the most typical issues, specifically those most homeowners can easily contact no tools or basic tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heating System Will Not Start
If nothing takes place when the thermostat is set above the home's current temperature level, the most likely causes are these:
- The furnace switch (located on or near the heater, appears like a common light switch) is switched off and simply needs to be switched on, though the heater may have a brief hold-up before starting
- The circuit breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to journey after it is turned back on, there is likely a circuitry short in the heating system
- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is easy to check and correct
- The cool heat thermostat isn't working, and this is sometimes triggered by a wire coming loose, so inspect the wiring connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and must be replaced, an issue that can be detected utilizing an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is total
- The filter is filthy and need to be replaced or cleaned, an issue that is especially true on newer heaters that are equipped to close down if the filter isn't enabling appropriate air flow, a condition that can cause major mechanical failure
- The furnace's primary circuit board/control board is bad, a concern that can be identified by an A/C specialist is absolutely nothing else resolves the concern
2. Heater Blowing Cold Air
If the heater won't produce heat, you can inspect to see if it is getting power by moving the fan switch from the "Automobile" position to the "On" position. If the fan begins, then the heater is getting power. The likely problems then are:
- The gas is switched off, so inspect 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 should be changed
- The ignitor is stopping working and need to be changed
- The draft motor isn't working or the fresh-air intake is blocked, possibly by snow or particles, and needs to be cleared
3. The Draft Motor Runs, Furnace Won't 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 begins and then the furnace closes down, the cause might be:
- The motor or the board that controls it has failed and must be changed
- A blocked air consumption or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird's nests are common causes) must be cleared
- Among the issues talked about above with gas, gas valve and ignitor need to be addressed
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 Heating system Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat but quickly shuts off without warming your home, the flame sensing unit isn't working. If the sensing unit has rust on it, sanding it may work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting repair.
6. The Blower Won't Shut Down
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 common concerns:
- 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 constant 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 worn, so the thermostat needs to be changed.
7. Why Does the Furnace Keep Shutting Down?
If your heating system burner lights but the heater soon shuts down, there are a couple of typical problems that might trigger this:.
- The heating system filter is dirty and need to be cleaned up or replaced.
- The flame sensor isn't working and ought to be replaced.
- The thermostat is stopping working.
- While these are common, there are several other prospective causes finest detected by a furnace specialist. This video gives extensive coverage to the problem of heater short-cycling.
8. The Furnace Runs however Can't Keep the House Warm.
If your furnace is effectively sized for your home, then it ought to keep your home warm even in severe cold. If it runs constantly however isn't supplying adequate heat, the most likely causes are:.
- A dirty filter that need to be cleaned (just if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your heater and restricts air flow, so need to be replaced.
- The filter is installed backwards, an issue that can be checked by searching for the arrows on the filter frame that show proper installation instructions with the flow of air.
- Duct are dripping, often producing telltale whistling noises, and it is time to have them sealed as advised by Energy Star.
9. The Heater Makes Loud Noises.
A loud furnace is usually the outcome of:.
- The furnace 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 should be changed.
- A leak in the furnace cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the furnace that must be tightened up.
- A filthy filter, which can likewise trigger whistling.
10. The Furnace Leaks when Air Conditioning is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heating and cooling companies near me heater, and if it leakages onto the floor, the issue is probably a clogged drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Heating System Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the heating system are usually brought on by:.
- A really dirty filter that should be cleaned, if washable, or replaced.
- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, typically a task for a professional heater professional.
12. The CO Screen Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm ought to be taken seriously. Turn the furnace off at the thermostat. Do not go into the room where the heating system is located. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cellular phone outside your house.
How to Pick a Gas Heating System Repair Expert.
Some house owners choose the most inexpensive repair work service in Calgary, and the results are normally bad. Inexpensive services are either simply getting started, so lack experience or they have a bad credibility, so need to give cheap pricing to get jobs.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best method to find quality heating system repair work at a fair cost is to get price quotes from several of the leading heater repair companies in Calgary. Meet with each, discover their history and the experience of the service technicians that will do the work. Choose a skilled furnace repair work contractor with sensible rates.
