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 common than others.
Let’s go over these problems and discuss what they might cost to correct 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 Isn’t Turning On
There are a couple of reasons why your furnace won’t turn on, so make sure to check all of them.
- Is your thermostat set correctly? Make sure it’s on “heat,” “auto” and that your preferred 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. Because this switch looks like a light switch, it’s easy to unintentionally 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 create a lot of problems 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 depends on what’s wrong.
2. The Furnace Isn’t Staying Lit
Your furnace uses a certain sequence when it starts heating your home.
- Your thermostat detects 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 lit electronically.
- 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 preventive measure.
A couple of potential 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 eventually need to be replaced.
- Bad limit switch. This safety feature will turn off your furnace if it senses backdrafting. Backdrafting is hazardous, because carbon monoxide and natural gas can leak into your home. These switches can malfunction due to age, damage or dust accumulation.
- Old thermostat. If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, 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 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 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 Is Blowing Cold Air
In many instances, this problem is linked to a wrong thermostat setting or a dusty air filter that’s limiting airflow. Follow the steps above to resolve the issue.
4. My Furnace Can’t Stop Running
If it’s very chilly outside or you like your home to be warm, your furnace may be working 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 sound 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 air loss.
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 square footage
Air Alliance Team Will Work Hard to Resolve Your Furnace Problems Quickly and Affordably
Furnace problems can be a costly headache, but not when you call Air Alliance Team. We’ve been delivering the quality, affordable furnace repair Ballwin and St. Charles homeowners have trusted since year. Call us at 636-206-4584 to request your free estimate today.