Your furnace is a key part of your home. Without one, you wouldn’t be able to stay warm during cold weather. Yet furnaces can have some issues that are more typical 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 issues 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 Isn’t Turning 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 correctly? Make sure it’s on “heat,” “auto” and that your preferred temperature is higher than the room’s current temperature. If you have 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 close to it. Because 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 start.
  • Is the air filter clean? A dusty air filter can cause 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 Ignition System Isn’t Working

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 start running.
  2. The draft inducer fan turns on to pull 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 lit.

If something is off 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 ultimately need to be replaced.
  • Bad limit switch. This safety feature will turn off your furnace if it senses backdrafting. Backdrafting is hazardous, since carbon monoxide and natural gas can seep into your home. These switches can fail due to age, damage or dust buildup.
  • Old thermostat. If your thermostat isn’t working correctly, your furnace won’t be able to operate.
  • Dirty air filter. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and cause your furnace to shut down 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 important 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. My Furnace Blows Cold Air

In many cases, this problem is linked to a wrong thermostat setting or a dirty air filter that’s limiting airflow. Follow the steps above to resolve the problem.

4. The Furnace Isn’t Shutting Off

If it’s very chilly 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 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, 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 vary based on your furnace’s brand and model.

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

Central Air LLC Will Work Hard to Resolve Your Furnace Issues Quickly and Affordably

Furnace issues can be an expensive headache, but not when you work with Central Air LLC. We’ve been delivering the quality, affordable furnace repair Brookfield homeowners have relied on since year. Contact us at 203-357-5913 to receive your free estimate today.