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 issues and discuss what they might cost to fix so you know before you contact 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. The Furnace Isn’t Turning On

There are a few reasons why your furnace won’t turn on, so make sure to go through 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 have a programmable thermostat, make sure it has new batteries.
  • Is the circuit breaker tripped? Your furnace can’t operate 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 close to it. Since 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 turn on.
  • Is the air filter clean? A dirty air filter can create a lot of issues for your furnace. Replace yours if you can’t see light through it.

Estimated Repair Cost

This problem 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 detects the temperature has dropped and tells your furnace to start running.
  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 lit.

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

A couple of possible causes for this problem include:

  • Dirty or malfunctioning flame sensor. If the sensor doesn’t sense a flame, it will shut 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 taken out and changed.
  • Bad limit switch. This safety feature will turn off your furnace if it detects backdrafting. Backdrafting is dangerous, since carbon monoxide and natural gas can leak into your home. These switches can fail due to age, damage or dust buildup.
  • 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 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 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 linked to a wrong thermostat setting or a dirty air filter that’s limiting airflow. Follow the steps above to resolve the issue.

4. The Furnace Can’t Shut Down

If it’s extremely cold outside or you like your home to be warm, your furnace may be working 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 going even when the furnace isn’t, so it’ll sound like your furnace is running all the time.

Alternatively, there might be an issue with the blower motor or your ductwork may be losing 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

North Mechanical Heating and Cooling Will Work Hard to Get to the Bottom of Your Furnace Problems as Soon as Possible

Furnace issues can be an expensive headache, but not when you call North Mechanical Heating and Cooling. We’ve been providing the quality, affordable furnace repair Payson homeowners have trusted since year. Contact us at 928-263-8570 to receive your free estimate today.