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 issues that are more common than others.

Let’s go over these problems 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. The Furnace Isn’t Turning 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 preferred 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 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 close to it. Since this switch looks like 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 dirty air filter can create a lot of problems 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. My Furnace Won’t Stay Lit

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

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

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 keep 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 taken out and changed.
  • Bad limit switch. This safety feature will shut off your furnace if it senses backdrafting. Backdrafting is dangerous, since carbon monoxide and natural gas can seep into your home. These switches can malfunction 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 restrict 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. The Furnace Won’t Blow Hot Air

In many instances, this problem is tied to a wrong thermostat setting or a dirty air filter that’s restricting airflow. Follow the steps above to resolve the issue.

4. My Furnace Won’t Turn 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 running properly. If your fan setting is at “on,” the blower motor will be running even when the furnace isn’t, so it’ll sound 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 important to note yours may vary based on your furnace’s brand and model.

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

Classic Air Will Work Hard to Get to the Bottom of Your Furnace Problems Quickly and Affordably

Furnace problems can be a costly headache, but not when you call Classic Air. We’ve been providing the quality, affordable furnace repair Columbus homeowners have relied on since year. Contact us at 614-210-3041 to request your free estimate today.