Your furnace is an integral 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 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 Will Not Turn 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 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. Because 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 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 certain sequence when it starts 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 tells 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 issue 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 as time passes. While cleaning during annual furnace maintenance can help, yours may ultimately need to be replaced.
- Bad limit switch. This safety feature will turn off your furnace if it senses backdrafting. Backdrafting is dangerous, since 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 correctly, your furnace won’t be able to run.
- Dirty air filter. A dirty air filter can limit airflow and cause 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. The Furnace Is Blowing Cold Air
In many instances, this problem is linked to a wrong thermostat setting or a dirty air filter that’s limiting airflow. Follow the steps above to fix the problem.
4. The Furnace Can’t Shut Down
If it’s extremely chilly outside or you like your home to be toasty, your furnace may be running for a long time.
If this isn’t the case, make sure your thermostat is set correctly and running properly. If your fan setting is at “on,” the blower motor will be running even when the furnace isn’t, so it’ll sound like your furnace is running 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 continuously 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
Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating Can Get to the Bottom of Your Furnace Issues as Soon as Possible
Furnace problems can be an expensive headache, but not when you work with Enertek Air Conditioning & Heating. We’ve been delivering the quality, affordable furnace repair Northridge homeowners have trusted since year. Contact us at (818) 727-9993 to request your free estimate today.
