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Topics >> by >> Furnace Repair: Top 12 Heater Issues and Troubleshooting Guide

Furnace Repair: Top 12 Heater Issues and Troubleshooting Guide Photos
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An excellent gas heater repairing guide assists you in identifying what is wrong with the heating system based on its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated info.

Fixing Common Gas Heating System Problems

Every year, countless Calgary property owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas furnace?" If you remain in that situation, this guide will equip you with info prior to you call a heater company. Understanding is security versus being benefited from-- though many repair specialists have sound ethics.

Note: This guide covers the most common issues, particularly those most property owners can easily contact no tools or basic tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.

1. The Heater Will Not Start

If absolutely nothing occurs when the thermostat is set above the house's present temperature, the most likely causes are these:

- The heating system switch (located on or near the heater, looks like a typical light switch) is shut off and merely requires to be turned on, though the heater might have a short hold-up before beginning

- The breaker is off, and if the circuit continues to trip after it is turned back on, there is likely a wiring brief in the furnace

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

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

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

- The filter is dirty and should be replaced or cleaned, a concern that is particularly true on more recent heating systems that are equipped to shut down if the filter isn't allowing adequate air circulation, a condition that can trigger major mechanical failure

- The heating system's primary circuit board/control board is bad, an issue that can be diagnosed by a HVAC specialist is absolutely nothing else solves the issue

2. Heater 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 heater is getting power. The most likely concerns then are:

- The gas is switched off, so inspect the gas cock near the heater to make sure it is parallel to the gas line

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

- The ignitor is failing and should be changed

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

3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heater Will Not Start

The draft motor is also called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the heater and out the exhaust stack. If it starts and after that the heating system closes down, the cause might be:

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

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

- One of the issues talked about 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 repairing draft motor concerns and what is triggering them.

5. The Flame Starts, but the Heater Shuts Down

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

6. The Blower Won't Turn Off

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

- The fan switch on the thermostat is set to "on" instead of "automobile".

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

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

7. Why Does the Heater Keep Shutting Off?

If your heating system burner lights but the heater quickly shuts down, there are a couple of common issues that might trigger this:.

- The heating system filter is filthy and ought to be cleaned up or replaced.

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

- The thermostat is stopping working.

- While these are common, there are a number of other potential causes best detected by a heating system specialist. This video gives extensive protection to the issue of furnace short-cycling.

8. The Heating System Runs but Can't Keep the House Warm.

If your furnace is correctly sized for your house, then it ought to keep your home warm even in extreme cold. If it runs constantly however isn't supplying adequate heat, the most likely causes are:.

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

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

- The filter is installed backwards, a concern that can be inspected by trying to find the arrows on the filter frame that reveal proper installation direction with the high efficiency furnace flow of air.

- Air ducts are leaking, in some cases producing obvious whistling sounds, and it is time to have them sealed as suggested by Energy Star.

9. The Heating System Makes Loud Noises.

A loud furnace is frequently 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 need to be replaced.

- A leak in the furnace cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the furnace that need to be tightened up.

- An unclean filter, which can likewise cause whistling.

10. The Heater Leaks when Air Conditioning is Running.

Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your heater, and if it leaks onto the floor, the problem is probably a blocked drain pan or drain line.

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

Foul odors from the heater are generally brought on by:.

- A very filthy filter that need to be cleaned, if washable, or replaced.

- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, normally a task for an expert furnace service technician.

12. The CO Monitor Going Off.

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

How to Choose a Gas Furnace Repair Professional.

Some house owners select the cheapest repair work service in Calgary, and the outcomes are typically poor. Low-cost services are either simply getting going, so lack experience or they have a bad reputation, so should give cheap rates to get tasks.

On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The very best method to discover hvac companies quality furnace repair at a fair cost is to get price quotes from several of the top heating system repair business in Calgary. Consult with each, learn more about their history and the experience of the specialists that will do the work. Select a skilled heater repair work specialist with reasonable rates.




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