Your furnace is a key part of your home. Without one, you wouldn’t be able to stay warm during the winter. Yet furnaces can have some problems that are more typical than others.

Let’s go over 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 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 Won’t Turn 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 desired temperature is greater than the room’s current temperature. If you use a programmable thermostat, make sure it has fresh 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 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 might take your furnace a few minutes to start.
  • Is the air filter clean? A dusty air filter can create a lot of issues for your furnace. Get a new one if you can’t see light through it.

Estimated Repair Cost

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

2. The Furnace Won’t Stay Lit

Your furnace uses a specific sequence when it starts heating your home.

  1. Your thermostat notices the temperature has dropped and tells your furnace to start running.
  2. The draft inducer fan activates to pull in fresh air for combustion.
  3. The gas valve opens for the burners, which are ignited electronically.
  4. The flame sensor signals to 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 sense a flame, it will turn off your furnace to keep natural gas from getting 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 replaced.
  • Bad limit switch. This safety feature will shut off your furnace if it detects backdrafting. Backdrafting is dangerous, because 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 run.
  • Dirty air filter. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and force your furnace to shut off to prevent overheating. Make sure to change yours every 30 to 90 days, or whenever 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. My Furnace Won’t Blow Hot Air

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

4. The Furnace Can’t Stop Running

If it’s very chilly outside or you like your home to be warm, your furnace may be working for a long time.

If this isn’t the case, 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 on all the time.

Alternatively, there might be an issue 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 approximations, 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

Just Komfort Heating & Cooling Will Work Hard to Get to the Bottom of Your Furnace Problems Quickly and Affordably

Furnace problems can be an expensive headache, but not when you work with Just Komfort Heating & Cooling. We’ve been providing the quality, affordable furnace repair Redmond homeowners have relied on since year. Call us at 458-206-0216 to request your free estimate today.