Your furnace is a key part of your home. Without one, you wouldn’t be able to stay warm during the winter. Yet furnaces can have some issues that are more typical than others.
Let’s review 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 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 check 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 fresh batteries.
- Is the circuit breaker tripped? Your furnace can’t operate 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. Since 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 dirty air filter can cause a lot of issues for your furnace. Get a new one 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 starts heating your home.
- Your thermostat detects the temperature has fallen and tells your furnace to start running.
- The draft inducer fan activates to bring in fresh air for combustion.
- The gas valve unlocks for the burners, which are lit electronically.
- The flame sensor tells your furnace the burners have been lit.
If something is wrong during the sequence, your furnace will shut down as a preventive measure.
A couple of possible causes for this issue include:
- Dirty or malfunctioning flame sensor. If the sensor doesn’t sense a flame, it will shut 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 eventually need to be replaced.
- Bad limit switch. This safety feature will turn off your furnace if it detects backdrafting. Backdrafting is hazardous, 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 correctly, your furnace won’t be able to run.
- Dirty air filter. A dirty air filter can reduce airflow and force your furnace to shut down 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 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. Furnace Won’t Blow Hot Air
In many cases, this problem is linked to a wrong thermostat setting or a dusty air filter that’s restricting airflow. Use the steps above to fix the issue.
4. Furnace Won’t Turn Off
If it’s very chilly outside or you like your home to be warm, your furnace may be working 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 sound like your furnace is on all the time.
Alternatively, there might be an issue 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 approximations, 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
Durable Service Can Resolve Your Furnace Problems Quickly and Affordably
Furnace problems can be a costly headache, but not when you call Durable Service. We’ve been delivering the quality, affordable furnace repair Holdrege homeowners have relied on since {year}. Contact us at 308-995-8177 to receive your free estimate today.
