For your safety, only a licensed professional is qualified to fix this furnace problem, so contact you local HVAC technician for your furnace repair.
Losing your home's heating is considered an emergency when it's 40 degrees or colder outside. Within just a few hours, a lack of heat can cause indoor temperatures to become uncomfortable and ultimately unhealthy, especially for the young and elderly or those with underlying health conditions.
The furnace repair costs in the Southern California area vary according to the repair needed. It can range anywhere from $100 to $200 to as high as $2,000-$3,000.
There are several reasons why your furnace may not turn on. The most common include a broken thermostat, gas line issues, clogged air filters, blocked ductwork, a tripped circuit breaker, and issues with the furnace itself.
Checking your thermostat is the best place to start. Make sure it's set to “heat” and that you've set the temperature higher than the current room temperature. If that doesn't resolve the problem, try switching your fan to “on” to force the furnace to start working.
For your safety, only a licensed professional is qualified to fix this furnace problem, so contact you local HVAC technician for your furnace repair.
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 plumbers focus on pipes and fixtures, HVAC technicians focus on all heating and cooling systems in the home.
If the flame sensor fails, your furnace may not be able to start or may shut down shortly after starting. Common causes of flame sensor failure include corrosion, dirt buildup, or a broken wire. The gas valve controls the flow of gas to the furnace. If the gas valve fails, your furnace won't be able to produce heat.
“No heating and hot water is considered as an emergency and thus should be resolved within 24 hours as an acceptable 'reasonable time'.” If repairs take more than the reasonable time, your landlord should temporarily provide you with replacement equipment to heat your home.
Apply for a grant
The Federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income Americans with heating and cooling expenses. Apart from small grants, LIHEAP offices also help consumers find resources to help pay for the cost of replacing furnaces and air conditioners.
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. This will cause your thermostat battery to run, and cause your furnace to work inefficiently.
If your HVAC system suddenly stops functioning altogether and doesn't respond to user input, it could be due to a blown fuse supplying power to it. If your HVAC system's temperature, fan speed or modes are unresponsive to any adjustments, this could indicate that its fuse has blown.
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.
Can I Fix My Furnace Myself? Yes, simple tasks like changing the air filter or resetting the circuit breaker are safe DIY options. For complex issues, consult a licensed HVAC professional.
Repair: If your furnace system is less than 15 years old and the cost of repair is less than half the cost of replacement. Replace: If your furnace system is more than 15 years old and requires a costly repair to maintain efficiency.
If your heating or cooling system suddenly stops working, especially during extreme weather conditions, it qualifies as an emergency. Without prompt attention, your home's temperature can become unbearable, posing risks to your health and the well-being of your pets.
A licensed HVAC technician can tell you if it's a power supply or safety issue related to your heater, or if it's a larger electrical issue that an electrician will need to address.
For people taking a proactive approach, doing a furnace replacement during the “shoulder seasons” of spring and autumn may offer lower prices, shorter lead times, and a better selection of products and service appointment availability.
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.
With a furnace blowing cold air, the first question you should ask is if the furnace has been turned ON. Two thermostat issues that could cause your furnace to blow cold air include (1) your thermostat is still set to COOL, not HEAT and (2) your thermostat fan is set to ON, not AUTO.