Furnace Repair: Top 12 Heating System Problems and Troubleshooting How to Guide

A great gas furnace troubleshooting guide assists you in identifying what is wrong with the furnace based upon its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated details.

Troubleshooting Common Gas Furnace Problems

Every year, thousands of Calgary homeowners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heater?" If you remain in that scenario, this guide will arm you with information before you call a furnace company. Understanding is security versus being taken advantage of-- though many repair professionals have sound principles.

Note: This guide covers the most common issues, particularly those most homeowners can quickly check with no tools or standard 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 (located on or near the furnace, appears like a typical light switch) is switched off and simply needs to be switched on, though the heating system might have a short hold-up before starting

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

- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to check and treat

- The thermostat isn't working, and this is sometimes caused by a wire coming loose, so examine the circuitry connections

- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and should be replaced, a concern that can be detected utilizing an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is complete

- The filter is dirty and must be replaced or cleaned, a concern that is especially true on newer heaters that are geared up to shut down if the filter isn't allowing appropriate air circulation, a condition that can trigger serious mechanical failure

- The heater's primary circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be diagnosed by an A/C specialist is nothing else resolves the issue

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 comes on, then the heater is getting power. The likely problems then are:

- The gas is switched off, so check the gas dick near the furnace to ensure it is parallel to the gas line

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

- The ignitor is failing and need to be replaced

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

3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heater Won't 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 heater closes down, the cause might be:

- The motor or the board that controls it has actually 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 problems talked about above with gas, gas valve and ignitor must 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 assist you in troubleshooting draft motor problems and what is triggering them.

5. The Flame Begins, however the Heating system Shuts Down

If the burner begins making heat however quickly shuts down without warming your home, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensor has corrosion on it, sanding it might work, though replacing it is a longer-lasting repair.

6. The Blower Won't Turn Off

If the blower motor runs all the time, there are 3 common issues:

- The fan turn on the thermostat is set to "on" instead of "vehicle".

- Relays in the control board are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a continuous supply of electrical power, and the control board need to be replaced.

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

7. Why Does the Heater Keep Turning Off?

If your heating system burner lights however the heater soon turns off, there are a couple of common problems that might cause this:.

- The heating system filter is dirty and need to be cleaned or replaced.

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

- The thermostat is stopping working.

- While these prevail, there are a number of other possible causes best diagnosed by a heater service technician. This video provides in-depth protection to the problem of furnace short-cycling.

8. The Heating System Runs but Can't Keep your house Warm.

If your heater is effectively sized for your house, then it should keep your home warm even in extreme cold. If it runs continuously however isn't providing enough heat, the likely causes are:.

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

- The filter is the incorrect type for your furnace and limits air flow, so need to be changed.

- furnace company calgary The filter is installed backwards, an issue that can be examined by looking for the arrows on the filter frame that reveal correct installation direction with the circulation of air.

- Air ducts are leaking, 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 loud furnace is usually the outcome of:.

- The furnace 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 replaced.

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

- An unclean filter, which can also cause whistling.

10. The Furnace Leaks when AC is Running.

Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heating system, and if it leakages onto the flooring, the issue is more than likely a clogged drain pan or drain line.

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

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

- An extremely dirty filter that should be cleaned, if washable, or changed.

- A dead rodent or bird someplace in the system, typically a job for a professional heating system service technician.

12. The CO Screen Going Off.

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

How to Choose a Gas Heating System Repair Work Specialist.

Some homeowners choose the least expensive repair work service in Calgary, and the outcomes are generally bad. Inexpensive services are either simply starting, so lack experience or they have a bad reputation, so need to give inexpensive pricing to get jobs.

On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best way to discover quality furnace repair work at a reasonable price is to get estimates furnace repair calgary from numerous of the top furnace repair business in Calgary. Meet each, discover their history and the experience of the professionals that will do the work. Choose a knowledgeable furnace repair professional with sensible rates.