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

Let’s review these issues and discuss what they might cost to correct so you know before you contact 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 higher 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 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. 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 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 issue can be complicated, so the estimated cost to repair it varies according to what’s wrong.

2. My Furnace Isn’t Staying Lit

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

  1. Your thermostat detects the temperature has fallen and tells your furnace to start running.
  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 tells your furnace the burners have been lit.

If something is off during the sequence, your furnace will shut off 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 shut off your furnace to prevent 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 eventually need to be replaced.
  • Bad limit switch. This safety feature will turn off your furnace if it detects backdrafting. Backdrafting is dangerous, because carbon monoxide and natural gas can leak into your home. These switches can fail due to age, damage or dust accumulation.
  • 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 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 instances, this problem is tied to an incorrect thermostat setting or a dirty air filter that’s restricting airflow. Follow the steps above to resolve the problem.

4. My Furnace Can’t Stop Running

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, 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 an issue with the blower motor or your ductwork may be leaking air, making your furnace run continuously to make up for the lost air.

Estimated Repair Cost

These costs are approximations, so it’s necessary to note yours may be different based on your furnace’s brand and model.

  • New blower motor: $250–$800
  • Seal ductwork: varies based on square footage

Appalachian Heating Can Get to the Bottom of Your Furnace Issues as Soon as Possible

Furnace problems can be an expensive headache, but not when you call Appalachian Heating. We’ve been providing the quality, affordable furnace repair Beckley homeowners have trusted since year. Contact us at 304-707-0600 to receive your free estimate today.