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 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. My Furnace Will Not 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 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 close to it. Since this switch looks like a light switch, it’s easy to accidentally 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. 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 depends on what’s wrong.

2. The Furnace Ignition System Isn’t Working

Your furnace follows a certain sequence when it starts heating your home.

  1. Your thermostat detects 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 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 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 keep natural gas from spilling 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 replaced.
  • 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 leak into your home. These switches can malfunction 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 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. My Furnace Won’t Blow Hot Air

In many instances, this problem is linked to an incorrect thermostat setting or a dusty air filter that’s limiting airflow. Use the steps above to resolve the problem.

4. My Furnace Won’t Turn Off

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

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

Otherwise, 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 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

I-Deal HVAC 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 call I-Deal HVAC. We’ve been delivering the quality, affordable furnace repair Albuquerque homeowners have relied on since year. Contact us at 505-317-9598 to request your free estimate today.