Your furnace is an integral part of your home. Without one, you wouldn’t be able to keep warm during the winter. Yet furnaces can have some issues that are more typical than others.
Let’s go over these problems and discuss what they might cost to correct so you know before you call an HVAC technician. Some of the most common furnace repair issues include:
- Furnace won’t turn on
- Furnace doesn’t stay lit
- Furnace won’t blow hot air
- Furnace won’t turn off
1. My Furnace Won’t Turn On
There are a couple of reasons why your furnace won’t turn on, so make sure to check all of them.
- Is your thermostat set right? Make sure it’s on “heat,” “auto” and that your preferred temperature is higher than the room’s current temperature. If you have a programmable thermostat, make sure it has new batteries.
- Is the circuit breaker tripped? Your furnace can’t run if it doesn’t have electricity. Reset the switch if it’s facing the outside of the electrical panel.
- Is the furnace switch off? Your furnace has a power switch found on or close to it. Since this switch looks like a light switch, it’s easy to accidentally turn it off. If it was off, it may take your furnace a few minutes to start.
- Is the air filter clean? A dirty air filter can cause a lot of problems for your furnace. Get a new one if you can’t see light through it.
Estimated Repair Cost
This issue can be complicated, so the estimated cost to repair it varies according to what’s wrong.
2. The Furnace Ignition System Isn’t Working
Your furnace uses a specific sequence when it begins heating your home.
- Your thermostat detects the temperature has dropped and tells your furnace to turn on.
- The draft inducer fan activates to pull in fresh air for combustion.
- The gas valve unlocks for the burners, which are ignited electronically.
- The flame sensor tells your furnace the burners have been lit.
If something is off during the sequence, your furnace will shut down as a preventive measure.
A couple of potential causes for this problem include:
- Dirty or malfunctioning flame sensor. If the sensor doesn’t detect a flame, it will shut off your furnace to prevent natural gas from getting into your home. The ignition process corrodes flame sensors over time. While cleaning during annual furnace maintenance can help, yours may eventually need to be replaced.
- Bad limit switch. This safety feature will turn off your furnace if it senses backdrafting. Backdrafting is dangerous, since carbon monoxide and natural gas can seep into your home. These switches can malfunction due to age, damage or dust accumulation.
- Old thermostat. If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, your furnace won’t be able to operate.
- Dirty air filter. A dirty air filter can reduce airflow and force your furnace to shut off to prevent overheating. Make sure to change yours every 30 to 90 days, or whenever you can’t see light through it.
Estimated Repair Cost
These costs are estimates, so it’s necessary to note yours may vary based on your furnace’s brand and model.
- Flame sensor: $350–$500
- Limit switch: $150–$300
- Thermostat: $150–$350
- Furnace filter: $10-$30
3. My Furnace Is Blowing Cold Air
In many instances, this problem is linked to a wrong thermostat setting or a dirty air filter that’s restricting airflow. Use the steps above to fix the problem.
4. The Furnace Won’t Turn Off
If it’s extremely cold outside or you like your home to be warm, your furnace may be running for a long time.
If this isn’t the case, ensure your thermostat is set correctly and working properly. If your fan setting is at “on,” the blower motor will be running even when the furnace isn’t, so it’ll sound like your furnace is on all the time.
Otherwise, there might be a problem with the blower motor or your ductwork may be losing air, forcing your furnace to run continuously to make up for the air loss.
Estimated Repair Cost
These costs are estimates, so it’s necessary to note yours may vary based on your furnace’s brand and model.
- New blower motor: $250–$800
- Seal ductwork: varies based on square footage
Northwest Services Can Get to the Bottom of Your Furnace Issues as Soon as Possible
Furnace problems can be a costly headache, but not when you work with Northwest Services. We’ve been providing the quality, affordable furnace repair Swanton homeowners have relied on since year. Contact us at 419-548-5017 to request your free estimate today.