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 issues that are more typical than others.
Let’s review these problems and discuss what they might cost to fix 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. The 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 new batteries.
- Is the circuit breaker tripped? Your furnace can’t run 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 located on or close to 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 turn on.
- Is the air filter clean? A dirty air filter can create a lot of problems for your furnace. Replace yours 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. My Furnace Ignition System Isn’t Working
Your furnace uses 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 activates to pull in fresh air for combustion.
- The gas valve opens 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 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 prevent 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 ultimately need to be replaced.
- 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 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 operate.
- Dirty air filter. A dirty air filter can limit airflow and force your furnace to shut down 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 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 cases, this problem is linked to a wrong thermostat setting or a dirty air filter that’s limiting airflow. Follow the steps above to resolve the problem.
4. The Furnace Can’t Shut Down
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, ensure your thermostat is set correctly and running properly. If your fan setting is at “on,” the blower motor will be going even when the furnace isn’t, so it’ll sound like your furnace is running all the time.
Otherwise, there might be an issue with the blower motor or your ductwork may be losing air, making your furnace run continuously to make up for the lost air.
Estimated Repair Cost
These costs are approximations, 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
Aggressive Mechanical Will Work Hard to Solve Your Furnace Issues Quickly and Affordably
Furnace problems can be a costly headache, but not when you call Aggressive Mechanical. We’ve been providing the quality, affordable furnace repair Neptune City homeowners have relied on since year. Call us at 732-806-5536 to request your free estimate today.