heating system repair leading 12 heater problems and fixing how to guide

A good gas furnace troubleshooting guide helps you in determining what is wrong with the heater based on its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, straightforward information.

Fixing Common Gas Heater Problems

Every year, countless Calgary house owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heater?" If you remain in that situation, this guide will equip you with details prior to you call a furnace company. Knowledge is protection against being taken advantage of– though most repair work professionals have sound principles.

Keep in mind: This guide covers the most common problems, especially those most house owners can quickly check with no tools or basic tools such as heating and cooling system screwdrivers and a multimeter.

1. The Furnace Won't Start

If nothing takes place 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 heating system, appears like a typical light switch) is switched off and simply requires to be switched on, though the furnace may 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 circuitry short in the heater

– The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to check and fix

– The thermostat isn't working, and this is often caused 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 identified using an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is total

– The filter is dirty and should be replaced or cleaned, a concern that is particularly true on newer furnaces that are equipped to close down if the filter isn't enabling adequate air flow, a condition that can cause serious mechanical failure

– The heater's main circuit board/control board is bad, a concern that can be detected by a HEATING AND COOLING technician is absolutely nothing else resolves the problem

2. Heating System Blowing Cold Air

If the furnace will not produce heat, you can examine to see if it is getting power by moving the fan switch from the "Automobile" position to the "On" position. If the fan comes on, then the heating system is getting power. The most likely concerns then are:

– The gas is shut 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 replaced

– The ignitor is stopping working and must be changed

– The draft motor isn't working or the fresh-air intake is obstructed, maybe by snow or particles, and needs to be cleared

3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heating System Won't Start

The draft motor is likewise called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the furnace and out the exhaust stack. If it begins and then the heating system shuts down, the cause might be:

– The motor or the board that manages it has failed and need to be changed

– A blocked air consumption or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, particles and bird's nests are common causes) should be cleared

– Among the concerns discussed above with gas, gas valve and ignitor need to be dealt with

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 troubleshooting draft motor issues 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 sensing unit has corrosion on it, sanding it may work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting fix.

6. The Blower Won't Shut Down

If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three typical issues:

– The fan switch on the thermostat is set to "on" rather than "automobile".

– 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 replaced.

– The thermostat likewise has contacts that manage power to the furnace, and they can be worn, so the thermostat must be replaced.

7. Why Does the Heating System Keep Shutting Down?

If your furnace burner lights however the furnace soon shuts off, there are a few typical concerns that might trigger this:.

– The heater filter is filthy and ought to be cleaned up or changed.

– The flame sensor isn't working and should be replaced.

– The thermostat is failing.

– While these are common, there are several other potential causes finest diagnosed by a furnace professional. This video provides extensive coverage to the problem of heating system short-cycling.

8. The Heater Runs however Can't Keep your home Warm.

If your heating system is properly sized for your house, then it needs to keep your house warm even in severe cold. If it runs continuously but isn't providing enough heat, the likely causes are:.

– An unclean filter that need to be washed (only if the washable type) or replaced.

– The filter is the wrong type for your furnace and restricts airflow, so ought to be replaced.

– The filter is installed backwards, an issue that can be inspected by trying to find the arrows on the filter frame that show appropriate installation direction with the flow of air.

– Duct are leaking, often producing telltale whistling noises, and it is time to have them sealed as recommended by Energy Star.

9. The Furnace Makes Loud Noises.

A loud heater is most often the outcome of:.

– The furnace being a single-stage design that operates 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 need to be tightened up.

– A dirty filter, which can likewise trigger whistling.

10. The Heater Leaks when Air Conditioner is Running.

Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heating system, and if it leakages onto the floor, the problem is most likely a clogged up drain pan or drain line.

11. The Air Coming from the Furnace Smells Bad.

Foul odors from the furnace are normally triggered by:.

– A really unclean filter that should be washed, if washable, or changed.

– A dead rodent or furnace replacement bird somewhere in the system, typically a job for a professional heating system service technician.

12. The CO Monitor Going Off.

A carbon monoxide gas alarm ought to be taken seriously. Turn the heating system off at the thermostat. Don't go into the room where the furnace is located. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a mobile phone outside your house.

How to Select a Gas Furnace Repair Work Specialist.

Some house owners select the most inexpensive repair service in Calgary, and the results are typically bad. Inexpensive services are either just starting, so do not have experience or they have a bad reputation, so must give low-cost prices to get tasks.

On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best way to find quality heater repair work at a fair cost is to get quotes from numerous of the top heating system repair companies in Calgary. Meet with each, learn about their history and the experience of the specialists that will do the work. Pick a knowledgeable heater repair professional with reasonable rates.