Heating System Repair: Leading 12 Furnace Issues and Repairing How to Guide

Posted by Nelia on January 31st, 2021

A great gas heater fixing guide assists you in determining what is wrong with the heating system based upon its symptoms. That's what we do here with clear, uncomplicated info.

Fixing Common Gas Heating System Issues

Every year, thousands of Calgary property owners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heater?" If you're in that situation, this guide will equip you with information prior to you call a heating system business. Knowledge is protection versus being benefited from-- though a lot of repair work experts have sound principles.

Note: This guide covers the most typical problems, particularly those most house owners can quickly consult no tools or fundamental tools such as screwdrivers and a multimeter.

1. The Furnace Won't Start

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

- The heater switch (located on or near the heating system, looks like a common light switch) is switched off and merely requires to be turned on, though the heater might have a short 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 brief 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 often caused by a wire coming loose, so check the circuitry connections

- The thermostat requires fresh batteries, if battery-powered, or it is bad and need to be replaced, a problem that can be diagnosed using an electrical multimeter that shows if a circuit is total

- The filter is dirty and must be changed or cleaned, a concern that is especially true on more recent heating systems that are equipped to shut down if the filter isn't enabling adequate air flow, a condition that can cause serious mechanical failure

- The heater's primary circuit board/control board is bad, a concern that can be diagnosed by a HEATING AND COOLING service technician is absolutely nothing else solves the issue

2. Furnace 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 furnace is getting power. The most likely concerns then are:

- The gas is switched off, so check the gas emergency furnace repair cock near the heater to make certain it is parallel to the gas line

- The gas control valve isn't opening and must be changed

- The ignitor is stopping working and must be replaced

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

3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heating System 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 starts and after that the furnace closes down, the cause might be:

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

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

- One of the concerns gone over above with gas, gas valve and ignitor must 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 fixing draft motor problems and what is causing them.

5. The Flame Begins, however the Furnace Shuts Down

If the burner starts making heat however quickly shuts down without warming your home, the flame sensing unit isn't working. If the sensor has deterioration 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 3 common issues:

- The fan switch on the thermostat is set to "on" rather than "automobile".

- 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 panel should be changed.

- The thermostat also has contacts that manage power to the heater, and they can be used, so the thermostat should be changed.

7. Why Does the Furnace Keep Shutting Off?

If your heating system burner lights but the furnace soon shuts off, there are a few common issues that might cause this:.

- The heater filter is unclean and ought to be cleaned up or changed.

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

- The thermostat is failing.

- While these are common, there are numerous other prospective causes finest diagnosed by a heating system technician. This video gives thorough coverage to the problem of furnace short-cycling.

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

If your furnace is appropriately sized for your home, family heating and cooling then it needs to keep your home warm even in severe cold. If it runs constantly however isn't providing sufficient heat, the most likely causes are:.

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

- The filter is the wrong type for your furnace and restricts airflow, so ought to be changed.

- The filter is set up in reverse, a problem that can be checked by looking for the arrows on the filter frame that show proper setup direction with the circulation of air.

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

9. The Heater Makes Loud Noises.

A noisy heater is most often the result of:.

- The heating system 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 need to be changed.

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

- A filthy filter, which can also cause whistling.

10. The Furnace Leaks when Air Conditioning is Running.

Water condenses on the evaporator coil in your furnace, and if it leakages onto the flooring, the problem is probably a clogged drain pan or drain line.

11. The Air Coming from the Heater Smells Bad.

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

- A very unclean filter that must be washed, if washable, or changed.

- A dead rodent or bird somewhere in the system, usually a task for a professional furnace service technician.

12. The CO Screen Going Off.

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

How to Choose a Gas Furnace Repair Work Specialist.

Some homeowners select the most inexpensive repair service in Calgary, and the outcomes are typically poor. Low-cost services are either simply starting, so lack experience or they have a bad credibility, so need to offer inexpensive prices to get tasks.

On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best method to find quality furnace repair work at a reasonable cost is to get price quotes from numerous of the leading furnace repair work companies in Calgary. Consult with each, discover their history and the experience of the service technicians that will do the work. Choose an experienced heating system repair work specialist with sensible rates.