Your furnace is an integral part of your home. Without one, you wouldn’t be able to stay warm during the winter. Yet furnaces can have some problems that are more typical than others.
Let’s go over these issues and about what they might cost to correct so you know before you call an HVAC technician. Some of the most common furnace repair problems involve:
- Furnace won’t turn on
- Furnace doesn’t stay lit
- Furnace won’t blow hot air
- Furnace won’t turn off
1. Furnace Won’t 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 new batteries.
- Is the circuit breaker tripped? Your furnace can’t operate 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 located on or near it. Since this switch resembles a light switch, it’s easy to accidentally turn it off. If it was off, it might take your furnace a few minutes to start.
- Is the air filter clean? A dusty air filter can create a lot of issues 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 varies according to what’s wrong.
2. Furnace Won’t Stay Lit
Your furnace follows 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 turns on to pull 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 ignited.
If something is off during the sequence, your furnace will shut down as a preventive measure.
A couple of possible causes for this issue 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 spilling into your home. The ignition process corrodes flame sensors as time passes. While cleaning during annual furnace maintenance can help, yours may eventually need to be taken out and changed.
- Bad limit switch. This safety feature will turn off your furnace if it senses backdrafting. Backdrafting is hazardous, since carbon monoxide and natural gas can seep into your home. These switches can fail 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 cause your furnace to shut off to prevent 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 necessary 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. Furnace Won’t Blow Hot Air
In many instances, this problem is linked to an incorrect thermostat setting or a dirty air filter that’s limiting airflow. Follow the steps above to fix the problem.
4. Furnace Won’t Turn Off
If it’s extremely cold outside or you like your home to be toasty, your furnace may be working 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 running even when the furnace isn’t, so it’ll seem like your furnace is running all the time.
Alternatively, there might be a problem with the blower motor or your ductwork may be losing air, making your furnace run continuously to make up for the air loss.
Estimated Repair Cost
These costs are estimates, 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 house size
Titan Heating & Air Conditioning Can Solve Your Furnace Issues Quickly and Affordably
Furnace issues can be a costly headache, but not when you call Titan Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve been providing the quality, affordable furnace repair Central Point homeowners have relied on since 2007. Call us at 541-286-6617 to request your free estimate today.