Your furnace is an integral 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 typical than others.
Let’s go over these problems and discuss what they might cost to fix 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. My Furnace Isn’t Turning 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 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 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 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 varies according to what’s wrong.
2. The Furnace Isn’t Staying Lit
Your furnace follows a certain sequence when it begins heating your home.
- Your thermostat notices the temperature has dropped and tells your furnace to start running.
- The draft inducer fan turns on 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 off 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 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 taken out and changed.
- Bad limit switch. This safety feature will shut off your furnace if it detects backdrafting. Backdrafting is hazardous, since carbon monoxide and natural gas can seep 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 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 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. The Furnace Blows Cold Air
In many cases, this problem is linked to an incorrect thermostat setting or a dirty air filter that’s limiting airflow. Follow the steps above to fix the issue.
4. The Furnace Isn’t Shutting Off
If it’s extremely chilly outside or you like your home to be warm, your furnace may be running for a long time.
If this isn’t what’s happening, 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 an issue with the blower motor or your ductwork may be leaking air, making your furnace run continuously 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 house size
Patterson & Stirling Can Solve Your Furnace Problems Quickly and Affordably
Furnace problems can be a costly headache, but not when you call Patterson & Stirling. We’ve been delivering the quality, affordable furnace repair Erie homeowners have relied on since year. Contact us at 814-308-0416 to request your free estimate today.
