An excellent gas furnace troubleshooting guide helps you in identifying what is wrong with the heater based upon its signs. That's what we do here with clear, simple details.

Fixing Common Gas Heater Issues

Every year, thousands of Calgary house owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heater?" If you're in that scenario, this guide will arm you with details before you call hvac companies a heating system company. Knowledge is defense against being made the most of-- though many repair work professionals have sound principles.

Keep in mind: This guide covers the most typical problems, specifically those most property owners can easily consult no tools or standard tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.

1. The Furnace Will Not Start

If absolutely nothing takes place when the thermostat is set above the house's existing temperature level, the most likely causes are these:

- The heater switch (situated on or near the furnace, looks like a common light switch) is turned off and simply needs to be turned on, though the furnace might have a brief 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 wiring short in the heating system

- The thermostat isn't set to "heat," which is simple to inspect and correct

- The thermostat isn't working, and this is in some cases caused by a wire coming loose, so examine the wiring connections

- The thermostat needs fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and need to be changed, a concern that can be diagnosed using an electrical multimeter that reveals if a circuit is complete

- The filter is dirty and need to be changed or cleaned, a problem that is specifically real on newer heating systems that are equipped to close down if the filter isn't enabling adequate air flow, a condition that can trigger major mechanical failure

- The heating system's primary circuit board/control board is bad, a problem that can be diagnosed by a HVAC technician is absolutely nothing else fixes the problem

2. Heater Blowing Cold Air

If the heater won't produce heat, you can examine to see if it is getting power by moving the fan switch from the "Car" position to the "On" position. If the fan comes on, then the furnace is getting power. The likely issues then are:

- The gas is switched off, so check the gas dick near the furnace 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 need to be replaced

- The draft motor isn't working or the fresh-air intake is blocked, maybe by snow or debris, and requires 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 heater and out the exhaust stack. If it starts and then the furnace closes down, the cause might be:

- The motor or the board that manages it has actually stopped working and must be replaced

- A blocked air intake or obstructed exhaust chimney (snow, debris and bird's nests prevail causes) should be cleared

- One of the concerns talked about above with gas, gas valve and ignitor need to be resolved

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 fixing draft motor issues hvac heating and cooling and what is causing them.

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

If the burner begins making heat but soon shuts off without warming your home, the flame sensing unit 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 Will Not Shut Off

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

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

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

- The thermostat likewise has contacts that control power to the heater, and they can be used, so the thermostat should be replaced.

7. Why Does the Heater Keep Shutting Down?

If your heater burner lights but the heater quickly turns off, there are a couple of typical concerns that might cause this:.

- The furnace filter is filthy and should be cleaned up or changed.

- The flame sensor isn't working and ought to be replaced.

- The thermostat is failing.

- While these prevail, there are numerous other possible causes finest detected by a heating system technician. This video provides extensive protection to the issue of furnace short-cycling.

8. The Furnace Runs however Can't Keep the House Warm.

If your furnace is effectively sized for your home, then it must keep your house warm even in extreme cold. If it runs constantly but isn't offering adequate heat, the likely causes are:.

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

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

- The filter is installed in reverse, an issue that can be checked by looking for the arrows on the filter frame that show proper setup instructions with the flow of air.

- Duct are dripping, in some cases producing obvious whistling noises, and it is time to have them sealed as advised by Energy Star.

9. The Heating System Makes Loud Noises.

A loud heating system is usually the result of:.

- The furnace being a single-stage design that runs on high capability 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 leak in the furnace cabinet, sheet metal plenum or ductwork near the heater that need to be tightened up.

- A dirty filter, which can also trigger whistling.

10. The Furnace Leaks when Air Conditioning is Running.

Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your furnace, and if it leaks onto the flooring, the problem is more than likely a clogged up drain pan or drain line.

11. The Air Coming from the Furnace Smells Bad.

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

- A really dirty filter that must be cleaned, if washable, or replaced.

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

12. The CO Screen Going Off.

A carbon monoxide gas alarm ought to be taken seriously. Turn the heater off at the thermostat. Do not go into the room where the furnace lies. Open doors and windows, and go outside. Call 911 from a cell phone outside your home.

How to Choose a Gas Furnace Repair Professional.

Some property owners choose the least expensive repair service in Calgary, and the results are typically bad. Inexpensive services are either just getting started, so do not have experience or they have a bad credibility, so must give low-cost rates 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 price quotes from numerous of the top heating system repair work business in Calgary. Meet with each, find out about their history and the experience of the technicians that will do the work. Pick an experienced furnace repair work specialist with reasonable rates.