Heater Repair: Top 12 Heater Issues and Troubleshooting How to Guide

Posted by Nelia on January 31st, 2021

A good gas heater repairing guide helps you in determining what is wrong with the furnace based upon its signs. That's what we hvac contractor do here with clear, uncomplicated information.

Fixing Common Gas Furnace Issues

Every year, thousands of Calgary homeowners ask, "What's wrong with my gas heater?" If you remain in that situation, this guide will arm you with details prior to you call a heating system company. Understanding is defense versus being taken advantage of-- though many repair work specialists have sound ethics.

Note: This guide covers the most common problems, particularly those most homeowners can easily consult no tools or basic 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 furnace, looks like a common light switch) is switched off and just requires to be turned on, though the heater might have a short delay before starting

- 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 furnace

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

- The thermostat isn't working, and this is often triggered by a wire coming loose, so check the wiring connections

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

- The filter is filthy and must be replaced or cleaned up, a problem that is particularly real on newer heating systems that are equipped to close down if the filter isn't enabling appropriate air flow, a condition that can cause serious mechanical failure

- The heater's main circuit board/control board is bad, a concern that can be detected by a HEATING AND COOLING specialist is nothing else fixes the concern

2. Heater Blowing Cold Air

If the heating system 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 begins, then the heater is getting power. The likely issues then are:

- The gas is shut off, so examine the gas dick near the heating system to ensure it is parallel to the gas line

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

- The ignitor is failing and should be changed

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

3. The Draft Motor Runs, Heating System Won't Start

The draft motor is likewise called the inducer motor. It pulls hot combustion gases through the furnace and out the exhaust stack. If it begins and then the heater closes down, the cause might be:

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

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

- One of the problems discussed above with gas, gas valve and ignitor need to be addressed

4. The Draft Motor Won't Start

The problem, 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 and what is triggering them.

5. The Flame Begins, however the Heater Shuts Down

If the burner begins making heat however quickly turns off without warming your house, the flame sensor isn't working. If the sensor has corrosion on it, sanding it might 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 problems:

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

- Relays in the control panel are stuck in the closed position, so the blower is getting a constant supply of electricity, and the control board must be replaced.

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

7. Why Does the Furnace Keep Turning Off?

If your heater burner lights however the heater soon shuts down, there are a few common problems that might cause this:.

- The heating system filter is dirty and must be cleaned up or changed.

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

- The thermostat is failing.

- While these are common, there are numerous other prospective causes finest identified by a heating system professional. This video gives in-depth coverage to the issue of heater short-cycling.

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

If your heater is appropriately sized for your home, then it should keep your house warm even in extreme cold. If it runs constantly but isn't supplying enough heat, the most likely causes are:.

- An unclean filter that need to be washed (only if the washable type) or changed.

- The filter is the wrong type for your heater and restricts airflow, so need to be replaced.

- The filter is installed backwards, a concern that can be examined by looking for the arrows on the filter frame that show proper installation direction with the flow of air.

- Air ducts are dripping, often 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 noisy furnace is most often the outcome of:.

- The heating system being a single-stage design that works 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 changed.

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

- A dirty filter, which can likewise cause whistling.

10. The Furnace Leaks when Air Conditioning is family heating and cooling Running.

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

11. The Air Coming from the Heater Smells Bad.

Foul odors from the heater are generally caused by:.

- A really filthy filter that ought to be washed, if washable, or replaced.

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

12. The CO Screen Going Off.

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

How to Pick a Gas Heating System Repair Expert.

Some homeowners pick the most affordable repair work service in Calgary, and the results are generally poor. Low-cost services are either simply starting, so lack experience or they have a bad credibility, so should offer inexpensive pricing to get jobs.

On the other hand, some services are overpriced. The best way to discover quality heater repair work at a reasonable cost is to get estimates from several of the leading furnace repair work business in Calgary. Consult with each, learn more about their history and the experience of the specialists that will do the work. Choose an experienced heating system repair specialist with sensible rates.