Here are the components that fail most often. The ignition system powers the furnace. If the ignition system fails, your furnace won't be able to produce heat. There are two types of ignition systems: pilot and electronic.
1. Thermostat Isn't Working. One of the most common furnace problems is a malfunctioning thermostat. A sure sign your thermostat isn't working properly is if your fan is constantly running.
The thermostat is the first part of the sequence that engages, making the furnace work. There's 24-volt power at the R terminal of the stat already. Within the workings of the thermostat, 24 volts closes a switch at the W terminal. That signal is sent to the control board back at the furnace.
Check and Change Your Clogged Filter
This is a simple but essential part of furnace maintenance. One of the most common reasons to have a furnace not working is a clogged filter. It also happens to be the easiest maintenance chore.
A heat exchanger replacement is often one of the most costly repairs in a furnace, and the expense can sometimes rival that of installing a new furnace. Typical replacement costs vary widely but can easily reach several thousand dollars, especially if labor costs are factored in.
While there's no such thing as furnace or boiler replacement insurance, homeowners insurance may cover the cost to replace your furnace or boiler if it's damaged or destroyed by a covered peril.
Furnace repair costs $317 on average. The cost depends on furnace type, which part needs repair, and contractor labor rates in your area, so the final price will range from $132 to $501. A cozy night in can quickly turn sour if your furnace decides to break down.
Common causes of ignition system failure include a faulty thermocouple, a worn-out spark igniter, or a malfunctioning control board. The heat exchanger transfers heat from the combustion chamber to the air circulating through your home. If the heat exchanger fails, your furnace won't be able to produce warm air.
While costs can vary, homeowners can typically expect the following range: Standard Blower Motors: These might cost between $400-700, excluding labor. Advanced Multi-Speed or Variable-Speed Motors: These are generally more expensive, with costs ranging between $650-1250, not including labor.
Unfortunately, the cost of replacing a heat exchanger isn't the most affordable choice. The cost of replacing a heat exchanger ranges from $2,000 to $3,500. Replacing your furnace's heat exchanger would be a good route to take if your furnace is fairly new.
For instance, if you turn on your heater for the first time of the season and smell burning dust, this is completely normal. It just means there's dust in your heating unit, which is harmless and should burn off quickly.
The Average Furnace Lifespan
A well-maintained furnace can last at least 15 to 20 years, but completing annual maintenance and being diligent with repairs can extend its life even longer.
Inspecting the air filter is the first item on our furnace maintenance checklist because it is so critical to performance. Regular air filter replacement is essential, whether your furnace is electric or burns natural gas, propane, or oil.
When you turn the furnace on but no heat comes out, there may be an obstruction. Dirty air filters restrict airflow, which can make it feel like not much heated air is coming out of your vents. Check the furnace filter and replace it if its surface is covered with contaminants.
The average gas furnace lifespan is 15 to 20 years. They can last longer, and they can fail earlier, depending on the quality of the unit to begin with, proper installation, and how well they've been maintained.
Blower motors are designed to last just as long as your furnace itself, anywhere from 10 to 20 years. Just as with any HVAC system, the better maintained and serviced your equipment is by experienced HVAC technicians the longer it will last and the fewer repairs you'll face.
Replacing the blower motor is likely the best decision if your furnace is under warranty or relatively new. It might be better to replace the furnace if it's old or has a lot of issues that require frequent repairs. On average, a new blower motor costs $300 to $900.
Furnace Problem #1: The Thermostat Isn't Set To Heat
It's possible someone accidentally switched it off or made an overly aggressive temperature adjustment. It's also possible that your thermostat batteries died.
If your furnace's problems continue, contact an HVAC expert. Also, if you notice discoloration when you check the pilot light, get professional help. If there are cold spots in your home, even though hot air is coming out of the air vents, the issue could be different from your furnace not working.
You should expect to spend between $3,800 and $12,00 on a new furnace, including both the unit and installation costs. Factors influencing the price include the type of furnace (gas, electric, or oil), the unit's efficiency rating, and the complexity of the installation.
Your base homeowners policy will cover many types of damage to your furnace. An extra endorsement known as Equipment Breakdown Coverage (EBC) will give you additional coverage for certain types of mechanical or electrical failure.