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 issues that are more typical than others.

Let’s review 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 issues 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 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 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 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 located on or near it. Because this switch resembles 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 dirty 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 problem 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 certain sequence when it starts heating your home.

  1. Your thermostat notices the temperature has fallen and tells your furnace to turn on.
  2. The draft inducer fan activates to bring in fresh air for combustion.
  3. The gas valve unlocks 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 problem include:

  • Dirty or malfunctioning flame sensor. If the sensor doesn’t detect a flame, it will shut off your furnace to prevent 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 taken out and changed.
  • 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 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 restrict airflow and cause your furnace to shut off 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 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 instances, this problem is linked to an incorrect thermostat setting or a dusty air filter that’s restricting airflow. Use the steps above to resolve the problem.

4. The Furnace Won’t Turn Off

If it’s extremely cold outside or you like your home to be warm, your furnace may be running for a long time.

If this isn’t what’s happening, ensure 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 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, forcing your furnace to run continuously to make up for the lost air.

Estimated Repair Cost

These costs are estimates, 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

Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating Will Work Hard to Get to the Bottom of Your Furnace Problems as Soon as Possible

Furnace problems can be an expensive headache, but not when you call Van Haaften Plumbing & Heating. We’ve been delivering the quality, affordable furnace repair Pella homeowners have relied on since year. Contact us at 641-628-3621 to receive your free estimate today.