Why Would a Gas Furnace Stop Working?

What are the most common furnace repairs?

Whether you wake up in the middle of the night, early in the morning, or come home after work, you don’t want to walk into a cold house on a winter day. Even here in Orange, California, winter can have a chilly nip to the air! That’s why having your furnace repaired well before the winter months settle in is a good idea. 

Some of the most common gas furnace repairs that HVAC technicians do are:

1. The Air Filter

This would rank number one and is something a homeowner could do themselves! Changing or cleaning the air filter is a must year-round, no matter the weather! When the filter is clogged and dirty, it stops the air from flowing through the vents throughout the house. It isn’t uncommon for a gas furnace to shut down completely when the filter is too clogged. You can avoid a gas furnace repair service call by changing the filter every 30 days.

2. The Thermostat

Technicians often find the gas furnace repair needed is the thermostat. This device communicates to the furnace when to turn on and off and how warm it is to heat the house. A malfunctioning thermostat can keep the heat off and the house cold. Or it may work sporadically, referred to as short cycling, and your home can’t get warm or stay warm. 

3. The Ignition 

The ignition is an essential component as it works the pilot light. This gets its signal from the thermostat, telling it when to cut on or off. Without a pilot light, a gas furnace can’t operate. If you have checked that the pilot light is on and still don’t get any heat, you’ll need to schedule a gas furnace repair service.

4. Wear And Tear

Nothing will last forever, including a gas furnace. A furnace goes through many cycles over the years, taking a toll on the components. When gas furnace repairs cost more than 25% of a new furnace, it is time to replace it. 

5. Poor Maintenance and Upkeep

Just like a car, a gas furnace requires a certain level of maintenance and upkeep. Where your car gets oil changes, tire rotations, and inspections, a gas furnace needs the filter changed or cleaned regularly, the components cleaned, adjusted, and sometimes upgraded. A regular inspection by an HVAC professional that includes cleaning, lubricating, and calibrating the furnace will minimize the need for frequent gas furnace repairs. 

What component fails the most on gas furnaces?

The ignitor and pilot light cause most gas furnace repair calls, but fortunately, depending on the age and brand of the furnace, the parts are typically readily available at a nominal cost. 

What is the most expensive part to fix on a furnace?

Speaking of costs, when it comes to gas furnace repairs, the most expensive part that needs repairing or replacing is one of the following: 

• The blower motor at an average cost of $2,000 or more
• The heat exchange at an average cost of $1,500 or more
• The draft inducer motor at an average cost of $1,500 or more

These are only average guesses for the costs of these components. The actual price can vary based on the age and brand of the gas furnace and the upcharge by the HVAC technician. These prices do not include the labor that somebody will add to your gas furnace repair bill. 

What are the most common reasons a gas furnace may stop working?

The most common problem that gas furnace repair technicians encounter is a dirty or clogged air filter. Other issues they may see include debris, dirt, furniture, rugs, and other objects blocking the furnace’s airflow. This can cause the furnace to overheat and shut down. It would help if you kept a 6-foot distance between furniture, other objects, and the furnace and vents. 

What is the life expectancy of a gas furnace?

Several factors can determine a gas furnace’s lifespan. The brand and installation are vital factors, followed by maintenance and upkeep. Maintenance and upkeep also include getting gas furnace repairs done when needed. The longer you delay, the more damage could happen. The average lifespan is between 15 and 30 years; on rare occasions, some have lasted 40 years. 

For Keeping Warm

Here are five reasons why you should call for a gas furnace repair service: 

• Your furnace doesn’t turn on
• Odd sounds are coming from the furnace 
• The thermostat isn’t responding
• The furnace is overheating
• Odd odors are coming from the furnace

If you’re ready to repair your furnace, our team can help. We offer furnace repair in Orange, CA so call us at (714) 464-6622 to schedule your service.