Your furnace is an integral part of your home. Without one, you wouldn’t be able to stay warm during cold weather. Yet furnaces can have some problems 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 contact an HVAC technician. Some of the most common furnace repair problems involve:

  • Furnace won’t turn on
  • Furnace doesn’t stay lit
  • Furnace won’t blow hot air
  • Furnace won’t turn off

1. Furnace Won’t Turn On

There are a few 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 desired temperature is higher than the room’s current temperature. If you use a programmable thermostat, make sure it has fresh batteries.
  • Is the circuit breaker tripped? Your furnace can’t operate if it doesn’t have power. 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. Because this switch looks like a light switch, it’s easy to unintentionally turn it off. If it was off, it might take your furnace a few minutes to start.
  • Is the air filter clean? A dirty air filter can create a lot of issues for your furnace. Replace yours if you can’t see light through it.

Estimated Repair Cost

This problem can be complex, so the estimated cost to repair it depends on what’s wrong.

2. Furnace Won’t Stay Lit

Your furnace uses a specific sequence when it begins heating your home.

  1. Your thermostat notices the temperature has fallen and tells your furnace to start running.
  2. The draft inducer fan turns on to pull in fresh air for combustion.
  3. The gas valve unlocks for the burners, which are ignited electronically.
  4. The flame sensor tells your furnace the burners have been ignited.

If something is wrong during the sequence, your furnace will shut off as a preventive measure.

A couple of potential causes for this issue include:

  • Dirty or malfunctioning flame sensor. If the sensor doesn’t detect a flame, it will shut off your furnace to keep natural gas from spilling into your home. The ignition process corrodes flame sensors as time passes. While cleaning during annual furnace maintenance can help, yours may eventually need to be replaced.
  • Bad limit switch. This safety feature will shut off your furnace if it senses backdrafting. Backdrafting is dangerous, because 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 limit airflow and force your furnace to shut off to prevent overheating. Make sure to change yours every 30 to 90 days, or anytime you can’t see light through it.

Estimated Repair Cost

These costs are estimates, so it’s important 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. Furnace Won’t Blow Hot Air

In many instances, this problem is linked to a wrong thermostat setting or a dirty air filter that’s limiting airflow. Use the steps above to fix the problem.

4. Furnace Won’t Turn Off

If it’s extremely cold outside or you like your home to be toasty, your furnace may be running for a long time.

If this isn’t what’s happening, ensure your thermostat is set correctly and running 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 an issue with the blower motor or your ductwork may be losing air, making your furnace run constantly to make up for the lost air.

Estimated Repair Cost

These costs are approximations, so it’s important to note yours may be different based on your furnace’s brand and model.

  • New blower motor: $250–$800
  • Seal ductwork: varies based on house size

Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning Can Solve Your Furnace Problems Quickly and Affordably

Furnace problems can be a costly headache, but not when you call Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve been delivering the quality, affordable furnace repair Wyandotte homeowners have relied on since {year}. Call us at 734-284-1224 to receive your free estimate today.