A broken furnace typically shows signs like blowing cold air, making loud banging/screeching noises, short-cycling (turning on/off rapidly), or a complete failure to turn on. Other indicators include yellow/flickering flames, a rotten egg smell (gas leak), or significantly higher energy bills.
If your furnace is not turning on, the most common causes are incorrect thermostat settings, a tripped circuit breaker, or a clogged air filter. These issues either interrupt power supply or trigger built-in safety switches that shut the system down to prevent overheating.
Average Cost to Replace a Furnace
However, the cost of furnaces can range widely depending on their size, type, and efficiency, and homeowners can generally expect a new furnace to cost anywhere between $3,800 and $10,000. If efficiency is important to you, high-efficiency models can reach up to $12,000.
Subtle Signs Your Furnace Is Starting to Break Down
Here's what to watch for: Increased Utility Bill: A sudden spike in your utility bill can signal inefficiency in your furnace, often a sign it's working harder than usual. Strange Noises: Unusual sounds, like banging or whistling, might indicate internal issues.
To get your furnace to kick on, first verify your thermostat is set to "Heat" and raised at least 5 degrees above room temperature. Next, check that the furnace power switch (usually resembling a standard light switch on or near the unit) is toggled "ON".
Your furnace’s reset button is typically a small, bright red or yellow button located either inside the blower compartment, near the burner assembly, or directly on the motor housing.
Although comfort is personal and can vary, a generally comfortable temperature for a house is often set between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. This range is considered ideal for most people to feel comfortable indoors.
Short cycling
This is one of the most common furnace problems, and it can stress important furnace components such as the blower motor, limit switch, or flame sensor. There are several potential causes of short cycling, including some that are related to your furnace's built-in safety systems.
The heat exchanger is often considered the most costly part of a furnace to repair or replace. It is a critical component that transfers heat from the combustion process to the air that circulates throughout your home. Over time, heat exchangers can crack due to the constant heating and cooling cycles they undergo.
Furnaces typically last between 15 and 20 years. However, this lifespan heavily depends on the type of unit and how well it is maintained.
Yes, you should strongly consider replacing a 25-year-old furnace. While it has outlived the typical 15 to 20-year lifespan, at this age, parts fail frequently, efficiency drops dramatically, and there is an increased risk of carbon monoxide leaks.
Furnace replacement may be covered by homeowners insurance if it was damaged by a covered peril. For example, fire, storm damage, or water from a burst pipe could qualify as sudden and accidental events that trigger coverage up to your policy's limits.
Below are some of the best furnace brands for different homeowner priorities:
What fails first on a furnace? The most common early failures are the furnace ignitor or flame sensor, as they experience regular wear and tear and are critical to starting the heating cycle.
If you smell something like burning plastic or a strong and unpleasant smell like formaldehyde, your furnace has serious issues. Turn off the power and call for immediate furnace repair. If you smell rotten eggs, that is the smell the gas company adds to natural gas to warn you of a gas leak.
A frozen pipes furnace failure can cause major problems inside your home. Ice builds up fast in unheated spaces, and when frozen water expands, it can burst pipes wide open. That kind of mess is the last thing anyone wants during a winter heating outage.
Try the Salvation Army, a local church, or a community action agency. Their rules may be different. Ask About Payment Plans: Many local HVAC contractors, including Smart Climate Solutions, offer payment plans for urgent repairs because we believe everyone deserves a warm home.
No heat is considered an emergency, even on a mild day, because the loss of heat could indicate severe HVAC problems that could threaten the safety of your home. Gas leak – A gas, propane, or fuel-oil furnace leak is a life-threatening emergency.
First of all, your furnace typically shouldn't need repairs if it's under 10 years old. But as your furnace nears the end of its life expectancy, it may not be cost-effective to repair it. In other words, if your furnace is approaching 20 years old, you'll likely need to replace it in the near future.
When troubleshooting a furnace, start with the easiest, most common fixes: replace a clogged air filter, check that the emergency switch is on, reset the circuit breaker, and ensure your thermostat is set to "Heat" and demanding a higher temperature.
The most common part to fail on a furnace is the ignitor. Over time, it can wear out or become dirty, preventing the furnace from lighting properly. Other common issues include the flame sensor, blower motor, and heat exchanger. Regular furnace maintenance helps prevent these failures.
Frequent furnace issues and how to solve them
Here's a simple guide for September and October: Daytime: Set your thermostat between 68°F and 70°F for a cozy, energy-efficient home during the day. Nighttime: Lower the temperature to 60°F or 65°F while you sleep to save on heating costs without sacrificing comfort.
Extreme heat is the leading weather-related killer, causing more fatalities each year globally and in the United States than all other extreme weather events—such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods—combined.
It takes time for your home to warm up and cool down. If you're not sure how long it takes, try turning the heating on about 30 minutes before you need it. You should turn it off 30 minutes before you'll stop needing it.