Your furnace is a key 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 typical than others.
Let’s go over these problems 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 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 few reasons why your furnace won’t turn on, so make sure to go through all of them.
- Is your thermostat set correctly? Make sure it’s set to “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 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. Since 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 turn on.
- Is the air filter clean? A dusty air filter can create a lot of issues for your furnace. Get a new one if you can’t see light through it.
Estimated Repair Cost
This issue can be complicated, so the estimated cost to repair it varies according to 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 pull in fresh air for combustion.
- The gas valve opens for the burners, which are ignited electronically.
- The flame sensor tells your furnace the burners have been lit.
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 turn 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 ultimately 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 malfunction due to age, damage or dust accumulation.
- 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 limit airflow and cause your furnace to shut off to prevent 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. 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 resolve 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 running even when the furnace isn’t, so it’ll seem like your furnace is on all the time.
Alternatively, there might be a problem with the blower motor or your ductwork may be losing air, making your furnace run constantly to make up for the lost air.
Estimated Repair Cost
These costs are estimates, 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
Pepper AC & Htg Inc Can Resolve Your Furnace Issues Quickly and Affordably
Furnace problems can be a costly headache, but not when you call Pepper AC & Htg Inc. We’ve been providing the quality, affordable furnace repair Justin homeowners have trusted since 1982. Call us at 940-202-1184 to request your free estimate today.