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

Let’s review 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. My Furnace Isn’t Turning 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 correctly? Make sure it’s on “heat,” “auto” and that your preferred 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 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. Because this switch resembles a light switch, it’s easy to accidentally turn it off. If it was off, it may take your furnace a few minutes to start.
  • 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 problem can be complex, so the estimated cost to repair it depends on what’s wrong.

2. The Furnace Won’t Stay Lit

Your furnace follows a certain sequence when it begins 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 pull 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 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 shut 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 turn off your furnace if it detects backdrafting. Backdrafting is hazardous, 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 down to prevent overheating. Make sure to replace 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. The Furnace Blows Cold Air

In many cases, this problem is linked to a wrong thermostat setting or a dusty air filter that’s limiting airflow. Use 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 working 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 going 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, making your furnace run continuously to make up for the lost air.

Estimated Repair Cost

These costs are approximations, 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 square footage

West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services Will Work Hard to Resolve Your Furnace Problems as Soon as Possible

Furnace issues can be a costly headache, but not when you work with West Michigan Heating & Air Conditioning Services. We’ve been delivering the quality, affordable furnace repair Hudsonville homeowners have relied on since {year}. Call us at (616) 319-1436 to request your free estimate today.