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 common 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. The 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 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 new 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 resembles a light switch, it’s easy to accidentally turn it off. If it was off, it may 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 complicated, so the estimated cost to repair it depends on what’s wrong.

2. The 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 turns on to pull in fresh air for combustion.
  3. The gas valve opens for the burners, which are lit electronically.
  4. The flame sensor signals to your furnace the burners have been ignited.

If something is wrong during the sequence, your furnace will shut down as a preventive measure.

A couple of potential causes for this issue 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 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 seep into your home. These switches can malfunction 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 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. My Furnace Is Blowing Cold Air

In many cases, this problem is tied to a wrong thermostat setting or a dusty air filter that’s restricting airflow. Use the steps above to fix the problem.

4. The Furnace Isn’t Shutting Off

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 going even when the furnace isn’t, so it’ll seem like your furnace is running all the time.

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

Estimated Repair Cost

These costs are approximations, so it’s important 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

Air Masters Heating & Cooling Will Work Hard to Solve Your Furnace Problems as Soon as Possible

Furnace issues can be a costly headache, but not when you call Air Masters Heating & Cooling. We’ve been providing the quality, affordable furnace repair Port Orchard homeowners have trusted since year. Contact us at 360-205-7115 to receive your free estimate today.