Your furnace is an integral part of your home. Without one, you wouldn’t be able to keep warm during cold weather. Yet furnaces can have some issues that are more common 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 problems involve:

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

1. The 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 correctly? Make sure it’s set to “heat,” “auto” and that your preferred temperature is greater than the room’s current temperature. If you have a programmable thermostat, make sure it has fresh 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 near it. Because this switch resembles a light switch, it’s easy to accidentally turn it off. If it was off, it might take your furnace a few minutes to turn on.
  • Is the air filter clean? A dusty air filter can create a lot of problems for your furnace. Replace yours if you can’t see light through it.

Estimated Repair Cost

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

2. My Furnace Ignition System Isn’t Working

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

  1. Your thermostat detects the temperature has fallen and tells your furnace to turn on.
  2. The draft inducer fan activates to bring in fresh air for combustion.
  3. The gas valve unlocks for the burners, which are lit electronically.
  4. The flame sensor tells your furnace the burners have been ignited.

If something is off during the sequence, your furnace will shut off 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 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 ultimately need to be taken out and changed.
  • Bad limit switch. This safety feature will shut off your furnace if it senses backdrafting. Backdrafting is hazardous, because 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 operate.
  • Dirty air filter. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and cause your furnace to shut off to avoid 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 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. The 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 problem.

4. My Furnace Can’t Shut Down

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

If this isn’t the case, make sure 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 seem like your furnace is running all the time.

Alternatively, 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 air loss.

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

Cooler Tymes LLC Can Resolve Your Furnace Problems as Soon as Possible

Furnace problems can be a costly headache, but not when you work with Cooler Tymes LLC. We’ve been delivering the quality, affordable furnace repair Litchfield Park homeowners have trusted since year. Contact us at 623-208-6444 to request your free estimate today.