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 issues that are more typical than others.
Let’s go over these issues and discuss 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. My Furnace Won’t Turn On
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 set to “heat,” “auto” and that your preferred 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 located on or close to it. Since this switch resembles a light switch, it’s easy to unintentionally turn it off. If it was off, it might take your furnace a few minutes to start.
- Is the air filter clean? A dirty air filter can create a lot of problems 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 depends on what’s wrong.
2. My Furnace Won’t Stay Lit
Your furnace follows a specific 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 bring in fresh air for combustion.
- The gas valve opens for the burners, which are ignited electronically.
- The flame sensor signals to your furnace the burners have been ignited.
If something is wrong during the sequence, your furnace will shut down 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 spilling 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 senses backdrafting. Backdrafting is dangerous, since carbon monoxide and natural gas can seep 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 reduce airflow and force your furnace to shut off to avoid overheating. Make sure to change 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 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 Won’t Blow Hot Air
In many instances, this problem is tied to an incorrect thermostat setting or a dusty air filter that’s limiting airflow. Use the steps above to resolve the issue.
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 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 on all the time.
Alternatively, there might be an issue with the blower motor or your ductwork may be losing air, forcing your furnace to run constantly to make up for the air loss.
Estimated Repair Cost
These costs are approximations, 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
Kapaun & Brown Can Solve Your Furnace Problems as Soon as Possible
Furnace problems can be an expensive headache, but not when you work with Kapaun & Brown. We’ve been delivering the quality, affordable furnace repair Marshalltown homeowners have trusted since year. Contact us at 641-812-2028 to request your free estimate today.