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Gas Heat - Can't Keep-Up When It's Cold

Article ID: 196
Last updated: 6 Feb, 2017

Gas Furnace

Re: Can't Keep-Up When It's Cold / Low Heat

A gas furnace operating correctly typically has no problem maintaining the space temperature even when it is cold outside.


Qty Possible Causes (From Most to Least Likely):
Dirty Air Filter
Clogged Indoor Coil
Ductwork Problems
1 Under-Sized Equipment
Thermostat Issue


CHECKOUT:

1. Check Basic Operation

  • Start the furnace with a call for heat from the thermostat.
  • Ensure that the inducer motor starts and runs properly.
  • Ensure that ignition takes place properly.
  • Observe furnace operation for at least 5 minutes.
    • Monitor 24VAC between "W" and "C" on the LTB.
    • Make sure burners do not cycle off during the heat cycle.
      • "W" drops-out when burners cycle-off = Thermostat Cycling
      • 24VAC present on "W" when burners cycle-off = Safety Trip --> Check control board diagnostics

2. Check Temperature Rise

  • Check the return air temperature entering the furnace.
    • Unusually low return air temperature = Cold Air Infiltration --> Check Ductwork
  • Check the supply air temperature near the furnace.
  • Compare the actual temperature rise to the furnace rated temperature rise.

3. Check Air Filter & Coil

  • Remove the air filter and recheck temperature rise.

4. Check Gas Pressure

  • De-energize the call for heat and allow the furnace to cool.
  • Turn off power to the furnace and close the gas safety shut-off.
  • Hook-up a gas pressure gauge to the manifold (leaving) test port on the gas valve.
  • Open the gas safety shut-off valve and re-apply furnace power.
  • Activate a call for heat and monitor the manifold gas pressure when the gas valve opens.
    • Natural Gas = 2.5" w.c. minimum to 3.5" w.c. maximum
    • LP Gas = 9" w.c. minimum to 11" w.c. maximum
      • Gas Pressure Low --> Adjust as necessary
        • Gas pressure won't come-up --> Check inlet gas pressure

5. Check Indoor Airflow

  • Check airflow at the supply registers in the space.
    • Unusually low airflow = Ductwork problems

6. Check Space Sq. Ft.

  • Calculate the approximate square footage of the space being conditioned by the unit.
    • Sq. Ft. = Length X Depth
      • For example: A single story home that is approximately 50' long and 25' deep.
        • Length (50) X Depth (25) = 1250 sq. ft.
  • Use the following table to determine if the equipment is properly sized.
EQUIPMENT CONDITIONED SPACE
BTU Output Worst Case* Best Case**
48,000 - 54,000 600 sq. ft. 1,200 sq. ft.
64,000 - 72,000 800 sq. ft. 1,600 sq. ft.
72,000 - 81,000 900 sq. ft. 1,800 sq. ft.
80,000 - 90,000 1,000 sq. ft. 2,000 sq. ft.
96,000 - 108,000 1,200 sq. ft. 2,400 sq. ft.
112,000 - 130,000 1,400 sq. ft. 2,800 sq. ft.
  • * Worst Case = Very Loose Construction with Little to No Insulation
  • ** Best Case = Very Tight Construction, Heavily Insulated or Foamed

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Article ID: 196
Last updated: 6 Feb, 2017
Revision: 18
Access: Public
Views: 70
Comments: 0
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