Your furnace is an integral 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 common than others.

Let’s review these problems and discuss what they might cost to fix 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. The Furnace Won’t Turn 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 right? 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 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 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 create a lot of issues for your furnace. Get a new one if you can’t see light through it.

Estimated Repair Cost

This issue can be complex, so the estimated cost to repair it varies according to what’s wrong.

2. My Furnace Isn’t Staying Lit

Your furnace uses a specific sequence when it starts heating your home.

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

If something is off during the sequence, your furnace will shut off as a safety precaution.

A couple of possible 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 over time. 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 detects backdrafting. Backdrafting is hazardous, because carbon monoxide and natural gas can seep into your home. These switches can malfunction due to age, damage or dust buildup.
  • Old thermostat. If your thermostat isn’t working properly, 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 avoid 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 Is Blowing Cold Air

In many cases, 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. My Furnace Isn’t Shutting Off

If it’s extremely chilly outside or you like your home to be warm, 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 on all the time.

Otherwise, there might be an issue 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 approximations, so it’s necessary to note yours may be different based on your furnace’s brand and model.

  • New blower motor: $250–$800
  • Seal ductwork: varies based on square footage

Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling Can Resolve Your Furnace Issues Quickly and Affordably

Furnace issues can be an expensive headache, but not when you call Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling. We’ve been delivering the quality, affordable furnace repair Circleville homeowners have trusted since {year}. Contact us at 740-474-5940 to receive your free estimate today.