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 typical than others.

Let’s review these problems and discuss what they might cost to fix so you know before you call 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 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 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 found on or near 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. 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 Ignition System Isn’t Working

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

  1. Your thermostat notices the temperature has dropped and tells your furnace to turn on.
  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 preventive measure.

A couple of potential causes for this problem include:

  • Dirty or malfunctioning flame sensor. If the sensor doesn’t detect a flame, it will shut 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 ultimately need to be replaced.
  • Bad limit switch. This safety feature will shut off your furnace if it senses backdrafting. Backdrafting is dangerous, 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 reduce airflow and cause 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 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. The Furnace Is Blowing Cold Air

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

4. My Furnace Can’t Shut Down

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, ensure 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 losing 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 be different based on your furnace’s brand and model.

  • New blower motor: $250–$800
  • Seal ductwork: varies based on house size

Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning Will Work Hard to Resolve Your Furnace Problems Quickly and Affordably

Furnace issues can be an expensive headache, but not when you call Redhawk Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve been providing the quality, affordable furnace repair Odessa homeowners have trusted since {year}. Call us at 432-237-0168 to request your free estimate today.