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

Let’s go over these problems and discuss what they might cost to correct so you know before you contact an HVAC technician. Some of the most common furnace repair issues involve:

  • 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 go through 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 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 located on or near it. Since this switch resembles a light switch, it’s easy to unintentionally 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 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 depends on what’s wrong.

2. Furnace Won’t Stay Lit

Your furnace uses a specific 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 activates to pull in fresh air for combustion.
  3. The gas valve opens for the burners, which are lit electronically.
  4. The flame sensor signals to your furnace the burners have been ignited.

If something is off during the sequence, your furnace will shut off 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 as time passes. 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 turn off your furnace if it detects 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 correctly, your furnace won’t be able to run.
  • Dirty air filter. A dirty air filter can reduce airflow and cause your furnace to shut down to avoid overheating. Make sure to replace 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. Furnace Won’t Blow Hot Air

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

4. Furnace Won’t Turn Off

If it’s extremely chilly 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 running 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.

Alternatively, there might be an issue with the blower motor or your ductwork may be leaking air, forcing your furnace to run constantly to make up for the lost air.

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

MPC Heating & Cooling Can Solve Your Furnace Issues Quickly and Affordably

Furnace problems can be a costly headache, but not when you call MPC Heating & Cooling. We’ve been providing the quality, affordable furnace repair Chadron homeowners have relied on since {year}. Call us at 308-832-4321 to receive your free estimate today.