Heating System Repair: Top 12 Heater Problems and Fixing How to Guide
An excellent gas heating system fixing guide helps you in determining what is wrong with the furnace based upon its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, straightforward information.
Fixing Common Gas Heater Problems
Every year, countless Calgary property owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heating system?" If you remain in that scenario, this guide will arm you with info prior to you call a furnace company. Knowledge is defense against being benefited from-- though many repair work specialists have furnace repair in calgary sound ethics.
Note: This guide covers the most common problems, particularly those most property owners can easily check with no tools or standard tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.
1. The Heater Won't Start
If absolutely nothing happens when the thermostat is set above the house's existing temperature, the most likely causes are these:
- The furnace switch (situated on or near the heater, appears like a typical light switch) is switched off and just needs to be turned on, though the heating system might have a short hold-up prior to beginning
- The circuit 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 simple to examine and remedy
- The thermostat isn't working, and this is often caused by a wire coming loose, so examine the wiring connections
- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and should be replaced, a heating and cooling concern that can be detected utilizing an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is complete
- The filter is dirty and need to be replaced or cleaned, a problem that is specifically true on more recent furnaces that are geared up to shut down if the filter isn't allowing adequate air flow, a condition that can trigger major mechanical failure
- The furnace's primary circuit board/control board is bad, a concern that can be detected by a HVAC service technician is absolutely nothing else resolves the issue
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 "Car" position to the "On" position. If the fan comes on, then the heater is getting power. The likely problems then are:
- The gas is shut off, so examine the gas cock near the heater to make certain it is parallel to the gas line
- The gas control valve isn't opening and must be replaced
- The ignitor is failing and need to be replaced
- The draft motor isn't functioning or the fresh-air intake is obstructed, possibly 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 heater 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 stopped working and should be replaced
- An obstructed air intake or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests prevail causes) need to be cleared
- One of the issues discussed above with gas, gas valve and ignitor need to be attended to
4. The Draft Motor Won't 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 fixing draft motor issues and what is triggering them.
5. The Flame Starts, however the Furnace Shuts Down
If the burner begins making heat however soon shuts off without warming your house, the flame sensing unit 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 Down
If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 common concerns:
- The fan turn on the thermostat is set to "on" instead of "auto".
- Relays in the control panel are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a continuous supply of electrical power, and the control board must be changed.
- The thermostat also has contacts that manage power to the heater, and they can be worn, so the thermostat should be replaced.
7. Why Does the Heating System Keep Shutting Off?
If your heating system burner lights however the furnace soon shuts off, there are a couple of typical concerns that might cause this:.
- The heating system filter is unclean and ought to be cleaned or replaced.
- The flame sensor isn't working and must be replaced.
- The thermostat is failing.
- While these prevail, there are several other prospective causes best diagnosed by a furnace technician. This video provides thorough coverage to the problem of furnace short-cycling.
8. The Heating System Runs however Can't Keep the House Warm.
If your heating system is correctly sized for your home, then it needs to keep your house warm even in severe cold. If it runs constantly however isn't providing enough heat, the likely causes are:.
- A dirty filter that should be washed (just if the washable type) or replaced.
- The filter is the incorrect type for your heating system and restricts air flow, so should be changed.
- The filter is installed in reverse, a concern that can be checked by searching for the arrows on the filter frame that show appropriate setup direction with the circulation of air.
- Air ducts are leaking, 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 noisy heating system is most often the result of:.
- The furnace being a single-stage model that works 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 leakage in the heater cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heating system that should be tightened.
- An unclean filter, which can likewise cause whistling.
10. The Heating System Leaks when AC is Running.
Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heater, and if it leaks onto the floor, the issue is probably a clogged up drain pan or drain line.
11. The Air Coming from the Furnace Smells Bad.
Foul odors from the furnace are typically caused by:.
- A very unclean filter that should be washed, if washable, or changed.
- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, generally a task for a professional heating system technician.
12. The CO Screen Going Off.
A carbon monoxide alarm ought to be taken seriously. Turn the heating system 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 house.
How to Pick a Gas Heating System Repair Work Professional.
Some property owners pick the least expensive repair service in Calgary, and the outcomes are normally poor. Cheap services are either simply getting started, so do not have experience or they have a bad credibility, so need to give low-cost rates to get tasks.
On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best way to find quality heater repair work at a reasonable cost is to get estimates from numerous of the top heater repair work business in Calgary. Meet with each, discover their history and the experience of the specialists that will do the work. Select a skilled furnace repair specialist with sensible rates.
