Your furnace is a key part of your home. Without one, you wouldn’t be able to keep warm during cold weather. Yet furnaces can have some issues that are more typical than others.

Let’s review these issues and discuss what they might cost to fix 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 Can’t Start

There are a couple of 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 on “heat,” “auto” and that your desired temperature is greater than the room’s current temperature. If you have a programmable thermostat, make sure it has fresh batteries.
  • Is the circuit breaker tripped? Your furnace can’t operate if it doesn’t have power. 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. Because 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 dusty air filter can create a lot of issues for your furnace. Replace yours if you can’t see light through it.

Estimated Repair Cost

This problem can be complicated, so the estimated cost to repair it varies according to what’s wrong.

2. The Furnace Isn’t Staying Lit

Your furnace uses a specific sequence when it starts 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 unlocks for the burners, which are lit electronically.
  4. The flame sensor signals to your furnace the burners have been lit.

If something is off during the sequence, your furnace will shut off as a safety precaution.

A couple of potential causes for this problem 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 as time passes. 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 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 properly, your furnace won’t be able to run.
  • Dirty air filter. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and force your furnace to shut off 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 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. My Furnace Won’t Blow Hot Air

In many instances, this problem is linked to an incorrect thermostat setting or a dusty air filter that’s restricting airflow. Follow the steps above to resolve the problem.

4. The Furnace Can’t Stop Running

If it’s very chilly outside or you like your home to be warm, your furnace may be running for a long time.

If this isn’t the case, ensure 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.

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

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

Point Heating & Cooling Will Work Hard to Resolve Your Furnace Problems as Soon as Possible

Furnace problems can be an expensive headache, but not when you work with Point Heating & Cooling. We’ve been providing the quality, affordable furnace repair Plover homeowners have trusted since year. Call us at 715-504-0533 to receive your free estimate today.