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 problems that are more common 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 problems 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 Isn’t Turning 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 have a programmable thermostat, make sure it has new 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 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 complex, so the estimated cost to repair it varies according to what’s wrong.

2. The Furnace Won’t Stay Lit

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

  1. Your thermostat notices the temperature has dropped and tells your furnace to start running.
  2. The draft inducer fan activates to bring in fresh air for combustion.
  3. The gas valve opens for the burners, which are lit electronically.
  4. The flame sensor signals to your furnace the burners have been ignited.

If something is wrong 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 detect a flame, it will turn off your furnace to keep natural gas from spilling into your home. The ignition process corrodes flame sensors over time. 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 fail 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 cause your furnace to shut off to avoid overheating. Make sure to replace 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 necessary 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. The Furnace Blows 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 resolve the issue.

4. My Furnace Can’t Stop Running

If it’s very cold 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 going even when the furnace isn’t, so it’ll seem like your furnace is running all the time.

Otherwise, there might be a problem with the blower motor or your ductwork may be leaking air, making your furnace run continuously to make up for the air loss.

Estimated Repair Cost

These costs are approximations, so it’s necessary 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

West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. Can Resolve Your Furnace Issues Quickly and Affordably

Furnace issues can be a costly headache, but not when you work with West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating, Inc.. We’ve been delivering the quality, affordable furnace repair West Jefferson homeowners have relied on since year. Contact us at 614-879-9091 to receive your free estimate today.