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 problems that are more typical than others.
Let’s go over 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 issues 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 on “heat,” “auto” and that your desired temperature is higher than the room’s current temperature. If you have a programmable thermostat, make sure it has new 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 close to it. Since this switch looks like 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. Replace yours if you can’t see light through it.
Estimated Repair Cost
This issue 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 detects the temperature has dropped and tells your furnace to start running.
- The draft inducer fan activates to bring 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 lit.
If something is wrong during the sequence, your furnace will shut off as a preventive measure.
A couple of possible causes for this problem include:
- Dirty or malfunctioning flame sensor. If the sensor doesn’t sense 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 taken out and changed.
- Bad limit switch. This safety feature will turn off your furnace if it detects 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 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 cause your furnace to shut down to avoid overheating. Make sure to replace 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 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. The Furnace Won’t Blow Hot Air
In many cases, this problem is linked to a wrong thermostat setting or a dusty air filter that’s restricting airflow. Use the steps above to resolve the issue.
4. My Furnace Can’t Stop Running
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 the case, 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 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, forcing your furnace to run constantly to make up for the lost air.
Estimated Repair Cost
These costs are approximations, 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 square footage
Ameri-Tec Will Work Hard to Solve Your Furnace Problems as Soon as Possible
Furnace problems can be an expensive headache, but not when you work with Ameri-Tec. We’ve been delivering the quality, affordable furnace repair Narvon homeowners have relied on since year. Contact us at 717-479-4950 to request your free estimate today.