Furnace Repair Work: Top Twelve Furnace Problems and Repairing Guide

A good gas heater troubleshooting guide assists you in identifying what is wrong with the heater based on its signs. That's what we do here with clear, simple details.

Troubleshooting Common Gas Heater Problems

Every year, thousands of Calgary house owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heater?" If you're in that situation, this guide will equip you with details prior to you call a furnace company. Understanding is protection versus being benefited from-- though most repair work experts have sound principles.

Keep in mind: This guide covers the most common problems, especially those most homeowners can quickly contact no tools or basic tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.

1. The Heating System Will Not Start

If nothing occurs when the thermostat is set above the home's current temperature, the most likely causes are these:

- The furnace switch (situated on or near the heater, looks like a typical light switch) is switched off and just needs to be switched on, though the furnace may have a short delay before beginning

- The circuit breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to journey after it is turned back on, there is likely a wiring short in the heating system

- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is easy to examine and remedy

- The thermostat isn't working, and this is often brought on 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 changed, a problem that can be detected utilizing an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is complete

- The filter is filthy and must be changed or cleaned, an issue that is specifically true on newer furnaces that are equipped to close down if the filter isn't permitting appropriate air flow, a condition that can cause major mechanical failure

- The heating system's main circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be detected by a HEATING AND COOLING service technician is absolutely nothing else resolves the problem

2. Heating System Blowing Cold Air

If the heating system will not produce heat, you can check to see if it is getting power by moving the fan switch from the "Car" position to the "On" position. If the fan begins, then the heater is getting power. The likely concerns then are:

- The gas is turned off, so check the gas dick near the heater to make certain it is parallel to the gas line

- The gas control valve isn't opening and should be replaced

- The ignitor is failing and must be changed

- The draft motor isn't functioning or the fresh-air consumption is blocked, maybe by snow or particles, and needs to be cleared

3. The Draft Motor Runs, Furnace Will Not Start

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

- The motor or the board that manages it has failed and should be replaced

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

- One of the problems gone over above with gas, gas valve and ignitor must 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 help you in fixing draft motor issues and what is triggering them.

5. The Flame Starts, however the Furnace Shuts Down

If the burner starts making heat but soon shuts down without warming your home, 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 repair.

6. The Blower Won't Shut Down

If the blower motor runs all the time, there are three common concerns:

- The fan turn on the thermostat is set to "on" rather than "vehicle".

- 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 replaced.

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

7. Why Does the Heater Keep Turning Off?

If your furnace burner lights however the heating system soon shuts down, there are a few typical concerns that might cause this:.

- The furnace filter is unclean and must be cleaned up or changed.

- The flame sensor isn't working and must be changed.

- The thermostat is failing.

- While these prevail, there are several other possible causes finest detected by a heater service technician. This video provides thorough protection to the problem of furnace short-cycling.

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

If your heater is correctly sized for your home, then it must keep your house warm even in severe cold. If it runs constantly however isn't providing sufficient heat, the likely causes are:.

- A filthy filter that should be cleaned (just if the washable type) or replaced.

- The filter is the wrong type for your heater and limits airflow, so must be replaced.

- The filter is installed in reverse, a problem that can be checked by looking for the arrows on the filter hvac heating and cooling frame that reveal correct installation instructions with the circulation of air.

- Air ducts are leaking, sometimes producing obvious whistling noises, and it is time to have them sealed as advised by Energy Star.

9. The Heater Makes Loud Noises.

A loud heating system 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 should 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 also cause whistling.

10. The Heating System Leaks when AC is Running.

Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heater, and if it leakages onto the flooring, the concern is more than likely a stopped up drain pan or drain line.

11. The Air Coming from the Heater Smells Bad.

Foul odors from the heating system are typically brought on by:.

- A very dirty filter that should be cleaned, if washable, or replaced.

- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, typically a task for an expert heater professional.

12. The CO Display Going Off.

A carbon monoxide gas alarm must be taken seriously. Turn the furnace off at the thermostat. Don't go into the space where the heating system lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cellular phone outside your house.

How to Select a Gas Heater Repair Specialist.

Some family heating and cooling house owners select the most inexpensive repair work service in Calgary, and the outcomes are generally bad. Inexpensive services are either simply beginning, so do not have experience or they have a bad credibility, so need to provide low-cost prices to get jobs.

On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best way to discover quality furnace repair work at a reasonable rate is to get quotes from several of the leading heating system repair business in Calgary. Consult with each, find out about their history and the experience of the professionals that will do the work. Choose a knowledgeable heater repair work contractor with reasonable rates.