Your furnace is a key 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 fix so you know before you contact an HVAC technician. Some of the most common furnace repair issues 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 couple of reasons why your furnace won’t turn on, so make sure to go through all of them.
- Is your thermostat set correctly? Make sure it’s set to “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 new batteries.
- Is the circuit breaker tripped? Your furnace can’t run 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 located on or near it. Because this switch resembles a light switch, it’s easy to unintentionally turn it off. If it was off, it may take your furnace a few minutes to turn on.
- Is the air filter clean? A dirty air filter can cause a lot of problems for your furnace. Replace yours if you can’t see light through it.
Estimated Repair Cost
This problem can be complicated, so the estimated cost to repair it depends on what’s wrong.
2. Furnace Won’t Stay Lit
Your furnace uses a certain sequence when it starts heating your home.
- Your thermostat detects the temperature has fallen and tells your furnace to start running.
- The draft inducer fan turns on to bring in fresh air for combustion.
- The gas valve opens for the burners, which are lit electronically.
- The flame sensor signals to your furnace the burners have been ignited.
If something is off during the sequence, your furnace will shut down as a preventive measure.
A couple of possible causes for this problem include:
- Dirty or malfunctioning flame sensor. If the sensor doesn’t sense a flame, it will turn off your furnace to keep natural gas from getting into your home. The ignition process corrodes flame sensors as time passes. While cleaning during annual furnace maintenance can help, yours may ultimately 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 buildup.
- Old thermostat. If your thermostat isn’t working properly, your furnace won’t be able to run.
- Dirty air filter. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and force your furnace to shut off to prevent overheating. Make sure to replace 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 important to note yours may fluctuate 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 cases, this problem is linked to a wrong thermostat setting or a dirty air filter that’s limiting airflow. Follow the steps above to resolve the issue.
4. Furnace Won’t Turn Off
If it’s very cold outside or you like your home to be toasty, your furnace may be working 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 going even when the furnace isn’t, so it’ll sound like your furnace is running all the time.
Alternatively, 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 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 square footage
Gee & Missler Heating & Air Conditioning Can Resolve Your Furnace Problems Quickly and Affordably
Furnace issues 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 trusted since {year}. Contact us at 734-284-1224 to request your free estimate today.
