Your furnace is a key part of your home. Without one, you wouldn’t be able to stay warm during cold weather. Yet furnaces can have some issues that are more common than others.
Let’s go over these issues and about 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 preferred temperature is greater 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 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 close to it. Because this switch looks like 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 depends on what’s wrong.
2. Furnace Won’t Stay Lit
Your furnace uses a certain sequence when it begins heating your home.
- Your thermostat notices 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 ignited electronically.
- The flame sensor signals to your furnace the burners have been lit.
If something is wrong during the sequence, your furnace will shut off as a preventive measure.
A couple of possible causes for this issue 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 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 leak into your home. These switches can fail 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 limit airflow and force your furnace to shut off to avoid 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 instances, this problem is tied to an incorrect 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 very 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 going even when the furnace isn’t, so it’ll seem like your furnace is on all the time.
Otherwise, there might be an issue 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 estimates, 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
Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling Can Resolve Your Furnace Problems Quickly and Affordably
Furnace problems can be an expensive headache, but not when you work with Wolfe & Sons Heating and Cooling. We’ve been delivering the quality, affordable furnace repair Columbus homeowners have relied on since 1972. Contact us at 614-451-0846 to request your free estimate today.