Your furnace is a key part of your home. Without one, you wouldn’t be able to stay warm during the winter. Yet furnaces can have some issues that are more common than others.
Let’s review these issues 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. My Furnace Can’t Start
There are a few 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 on “heat,” “auto” and that your desired temperature is higher 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 found on or close to it. Since this switch looks like a light switch, it’s easy to unintentionally turn it off. If it was off, it may 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 issue can be complicated, so the estimated cost to repair it depends on what’s wrong.
2. The Furnace Won’t Stay Lit
Your furnace uses a specific sequence when it begins heating your home.
- Your thermostat detects the temperature has dropped and tells your furnace to start running.
- The draft inducer fan turns on 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 wrong during the sequence, your furnace will shut down as a safety precaution.
A couple of potential 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 getting 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 replaced.
- Bad limit switch. This safety feature will turn off your furnace if it detects backdrafting. Backdrafting is dangerous, 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 properly, your furnace won’t be able to operate.
- Dirty air filter. A dirty air filter can reduce airflow and force your furnace to shut down to prevent overheating. Make sure to change 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 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 Blows Cold Air
In many cases, this problem is tied to an incorrect thermostat setting or a dusty air filter that’s restricting airflow. Use the steps above to resolve the issue.
4. My Furnace Isn’t Shutting Off
If it’s very cold outside or you like your home to be toasty, your furnace may be running for a long time.
If this isn’t what’s happening, 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 sound like your furnace is on all the time.
Alternatively, 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 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 house size
Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning Will Work Hard to Resolve Your Furnace Issues Quickly and Affordably
Furnace issues can be a costly headache, but not when you work with Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve been providing the quality, affordable furnace repair Omaha homeowners have trusted since year. Contact us at 402-509-5940 to request your free estimate today.