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 problems that are more common than others.

Let’s review these issues 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 involve:

  • 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 few reasons why your furnace won’t turn on, so make sure to go through all of them.

  • Is your thermostat set right? Make sure it’s on “heat,” “auto” and that your desired 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 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 near 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 dusty air filter can cause a lot of issues 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. My Furnace Ignition System Isn’t Working

Your furnace follows a certain sequence when it starts heating your home.

  1. Your thermostat detects the temperature has fallen and tells your furnace to start running.
  2. The draft inducer fan turns on to bring in fresh air for combustion.
  3. The gas valve opens for the burners, which are ignited electronically.
  4. The flame sensor signals to your furnace the burners have been ignited.

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 detect a flame, it will shut off your furnace to keep 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 shut off your furnace if it senses backdrafting. Backdrafting is hazardous, since carbon monoxide and natural gas can leak into your home. These switches can fail 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 limit airflow and cause your furnace to shut down to prevent 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 Blows Cold Air

In many instances, this problem is tied to a wrong 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 extremely cold outside or you like your home to be warm, your furnace may be running for a long time.

If this isn’t the case, make sure 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 seem like your furnace is on all the time.

Otherwise, there might be a problem with the blower motor or your ductwork may be losing air, making your furnace run constantly to make up for the lost air.

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

HCE Systems Can Resolve Your Furnace Issues Quickly and Affordably

Furnace problems can be an expensive headache, but not when you call HCE Systems. We’ve been delivering the quality, affordable furnace repair Norton homeowners have trusted since year. Contact us at 276-302-0076 to receive your free estimate today.