heating system repair leading 12 heating system issues and troubleshooting guide

An excellent gas heater troubleshooting guide helps you in identifying what is wrong with the heating system based on its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, straightforward 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 situation, this guide will equip you with information prior to you call a furnace business. Knowledge is defense against being taken advantage of– though a lot of repair work professionals have sound principles.

Keep in mind: This guide covers the most common problems, especially those most property owners can easily consult no tools or standard tools such as 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 furnace switch (located on or near the furnace, looks like a common light switch) is shut off and simply requires to be turned on, though the heater might have a brief hold-up before starting

– The breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to journey after it is turned back on, there is likely a circuitry short in the furnace

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

– The thermostat isn't working, and this is in some cases triggered by a wire coming loose, so check the wiring connections

– The thermostat needs fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and need to be replaced, an issue that can be detected utilizing an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is complete

– The filter is unclean and must be replaced or cleaned, an issue that is particularly true on more recent furnaces that are equipped to close down if the filter isn't enabling sufficient air circulation, a condition that can trigger major mechanical failure

– The heater's primary circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be identified by an A/C technician is absolutely nothing else fixes the issue

2. Furnace 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 "Automobile" position to the "On" position. If the fan begins, then the furnace is getting power. The likely concerns then are:

– The gas is shut off, so inspect the gas cock near the heater to make sure it is parallel to furnace company near me 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 operating or the fresh-air consumption is obstructed, possibly by snow or debris, and requires 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 furnace and out the exhaust stack. If it begins and after that the heating system closes down, the cause might be:

– The motor or the board that manages it has stopped working and should be changed

– An obstructed air consumption or blocked exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird's nests are common causes) must be cleared

– Among the problems discussed above with gas, gas valve and ignitor should be resolved

4. The Draft Motor Won't 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 Heater Shuts Down

If the burner begins making heat but soon shuts off without warming your house, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensing unit has corrosion on it, sanding it might work, though changing it is a longer-lasting fix.

6. The Blower Will Not Shut Down

If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 typical concerns:

– The fan switch on the thermostat is set to "on" instead of "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 need to be replaced.

– The thermostat also has contacts that control power to the furnace, and they can be worn, so the thermostat needs to be changed.

7. Why Does the Heater Keep Shutting Down?

If your heater burner lights however the heating system soon shuts off, there are a few typical problems that may cause this:.

– The furnace filter is filthy and should be cleaned or replaced.

– The flame sensor isn't working and ought to be changed.

– The thermostat is stopping working.

– While these prevail, there are numerous other potential causes finest diagnosed by a heating system technician. This video offers in-depth protection to the issue of heating system short-cycling.

8. The Furnace Runs but 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 extreme cold. If it runs continuously however isn't offering adequate heat, the most likely causes are:.

– A filthy filter that must be cleaned (just if the washable type) or changed.

– The filter is the incorrect type for your furnace and restricts air flow, so need to be replaced.

– The filter is installed backwards, a concern that can be checked by looking for the arrows on the filter frame that reveal correct installation direction with the flow of air.

– Air ducts are dripping, in some cases producing telltale whistling noises, and it is time to have them sealed as advised by Energy Star.

9. The Heating System Makes Loud Noises.

A noisy furnace is most often the outcome of:.

– The heating system being a single-stage model 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 must be changed.

– A leakage in the heater cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heating system that need to be tightened.

– A dirty filter, which can likewise trigger whistling.

10. The Furnace Leaks when A/C is Running.

Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heater, and if furnace replacement calgary it leaks onto the flooring, the issue is most likely a blocked drain pan or drain line.

11. The Air Coming from the Heating System Smells Bad.

Foul odors from the furnace are usually triggered by:.

– A very unclean filter that need to be cleaned, if washable, or replaced.

– A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, generally a task for an expert furnace professional.

12. The CO Monitor Going Off.

A carbon monoxide alarm should be taken seriously. Turn the heater off at the thermostat. Don't enter into the room where the heater lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cellular phone outside your house.

How to Pick a Gas Heating System Repair Work Expert.

Some property owners pick the most affordable repair service in Calgary, and the outcomes are generally bad. Low-cost services are either just getting started, so do not have experience or they have a bad track record, so need to provide inexpensive rates to get tasks.

On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best method to discover quality furnace repair work at a fair rate is to get quotes from several of the top heating system repair work companies in Calgary. Meet each, discover their history and the experience of the technicians that will do the work. Pick an experienced heater repair professional with reasonable rates.