Your furnace is an integral part of your home. Without one, you wouldn’t be able to keep warm during the winter. Yet furnaces can have some problems 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 call an HVAC technician. Some of the most common furnace repair issues include:
- 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 on “heat,” “auto” and that your desired temperature is greater 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 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 located 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 dusty 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 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 certain sequence when it starts heating your home.
- Your thermostat detects the temperature has dropped and tells your furnace to start running.
- The draft inducer fan activates to pull in fresh air for combustion.
- The gas valve unlocks for the burners, which are lit electronically.
- 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 safety precaution.
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 over time. While cleaning during annual furnace maintenance can help, yours may eventually need to be taken out and changed.
- Bad limit switch. This safety feature will turn off your furnace if it senses backdrafting. Backdrafting is dangerous, because 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 restrict airflow and cause your furnace to shut off to prevent overheating. Make sure to change 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 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 tied to an incorrect thermostat setting or a dirty air filter that’s restricting airflow. Use the steps above to resolve the issue.
4. Furnace Won’t Turn Off
If it’s extremely cold outside or you like your home to be toasty, your furnace may be running for a long time.
If this isn’t what's happening, make sure your thermostat is set correctly and running 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 running all the time.
Alternatively, there might be an issue with the blower motor or your ductwork may be leaking air, forcing your furnace to run constantly to make up for the lost air.
Estimated Repair Cost
These costs are estimates, so it’s important 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
Appalachian Heating Can Solve Your Furnace Problems Quickly and Affordably
Furnace problems can be a costly headache, but not when you call Appalachian Heating. We’ve been providing the quality, affordable furnace repair Beckley and Mount Hope homeowners have relied on since 1948. Contact us at 304-707-0600 to request your free estimate today.