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 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 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 go through all of them.

  • Is your thermostat set correctly? Make sure it’s set to “heat,” “auto” and that your preferred temperature is greater 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 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 near it. Since this switch looks like a light switch, it’s easy to accidentally turn it off. If it was off, it might take your furnace a few minutes to start.
  • Is the air filter clean? A dirty air filter can cause a lot of problems for your furnace. Replace yours if you can’t see light through it.

Estimated Repair Cost

This issue can be complex, so the estimated cost to repair it varies according to what’s wrong.

2. The Furnace Isn’t Staying Lit

Your furnace follows a specific 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 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 off as a safety precaution.

A couple of possible causes for this problem 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 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 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 avoid 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 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 Is Blowing Cold Air

In many cases, this problem is tied to an incorrect thermostat setting or a dirty air filter that’s limiting airflow. Follow the steps above to fix the issue.

4. My Furnace Can’t Shut Down

If it’s extremely 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 running even when the furnace isn’t, so it’ll sound 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 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 house size

Parker County Cooling & Heating Can Get to the Bottom of Your Furnace Problems as Soon as Possible

Furnace issues can be an expensive headache, but not when you work with Parker County Cooling & Heating. We’ve been delivering the quality, affordable furnace repair Weatherford homeowners have relied on since year. Contact us at 817-380-5213 to request your free estimate today.