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 problems that are more common than others.

Let’s review these problems and about what they might cost to fix so you know before you call an HVAC technician. Some of the most common furnace repair problems include:

• Furnace won’t turn on
• Furnace doesn’t stay lit
• Furnace won’t blow hot air
• Furnace won’t turn off

1. Furnace Won’t Turn On

There are a few 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 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 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 turn on.
• Is the air filter clean? A dirty air filter can cause a lot of problems 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. Furnace Won’t Stay 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 turns on to bring 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 wrong during the sequence, your furnace will shut down as a preventive measure.

A couple of potential causes for this problem 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 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 replaced.
• 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 fail 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 avoid 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. Furnace Won’t Blow Hot Air

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

4. Furnace Won’t Turn Off

If it’s extremely 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, ensure your thermostat is set correctly and running 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 a problem with the blower motor or your ductwork may be losing air, making your furnace run continuously to make up for the air loss.

Estimated Repair Cost

These costs are estimates, so it’s important 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

Air Quality Solutions Can Solve Your Furnace Issues Quickly and Affordably

Furnace problems can be a costly headache, but not when you call Air Quality Solutions. We’ve been providing the quality, affordable furnace repair Grove City homeowners have trusted since 1983. Contact us at 614-871-4144 to receive your free estimate today.