Your furnace is a key part of your home. Without one, you wouldn’t be able to stay warm during the winter. 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 correct 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 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 set to “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 new 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 located on or near it. Because 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 start.
  • Is the air filter clean? A dirty 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 varies according to what’s wrong.

2. The Furnace Ignition System Isn’t Working

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 start running.
  2. The draft inducer fan turns on to pull in fresh air for combustion.
  3. The gas valve unlocks for the burners, which are lit electronically.
  4. The flame sensor tells 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 possible 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 turn 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 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 limit airflow and force your furnace to shut off 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 a wrong thermostat setting or a dirty air filter that’s restricting airflow. Follow the steps above to fix the problem.

4. My Furnace Can’t Stop Running

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, 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 seem like your furnace is running all the time.

Otherwise, there might be a problem with the blower motor or your ductwork may be losing air, forcing your furnace to run continuously to make up for the air loss.

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

Siloam Springs Heating & AC Will Work Hard to Resolve Your Furnace Issues as Soon as Possible

Furnace issues can be a costly headache, but not when you work with Siloam Springs Heating & AC. We’ve been providing the quality, affordable furnace repair Siloam Springs homeowners have relied on since year. Contact us at 479-308-8176 to receive your free estimate today.