Question 1

What are the most common causes of furnace failure?

Accepted Answer

The most common issues we see are dirty or failed ignitors, faulty flame sensors, clogged filters restricting airflow, blower motor failures, and thermostat issues.

Question 2

How much does furnace repair cost?

Accepted Answer

Common repairs like ignitor replacement typically run $150–$350. More complex repairs involving the heat exchanger or motor can cost more. We always provide a written estimate before beginning work.

Question 3

Is my furnace safe to run if it's making strange noises?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Banging, rattling, or squealing noises can indicate serious mechanical issues. Turn off the furnace and call us for a diagnosis — running a damaged furnace can cause further damage or safety hazards.

Question 4

Why is my furnace blowing cold air?

Accepted Answer

The most common causes are a dirty air filter restricting airflow, a malfunctioning flame sensor that shuts down the burner after ignition, or a thermostat set to 'ON' instead of 'AUTO' so the blower runs even when the burners aren't firing. If you've checked the filter and thermostat setting and still get cold air, the issue is likely a failed ignitor, gas valve problem, or cracked heat exchanger — all of which need professional diagnosis.

Question 5

My furnace runs but doesn't produce heat — what's wrong?

Accepted Answer

When the blower runs but there's no heat, the burners aren't igniting or the gas supply is interrupted. Check that your gas valve is open and your thermostat is set to heat mode. If everything looks right, the ignitor or flame sensor has likely failed — the control board fires the ignitor, doesn't detect flame, and locks out the burners while leaving the blower running for safety.

Question 6

Why does my furnace blow warm air for a few minutes then switch to cold?

Accepted Answer

This usually points to a dirty flame sensor — the burners light initially but the sensor can't detect the flame, so the control board shuts them off as a safety measure while the blower continues running. A technician can clean or replace the flame sensor in about 15 minutes. Less commonly, a cracked heat exchanger can cause the high-limit switch to trip, which also shuts down the burners mid-cycle.

Question 7

Why won't my furnace turn on at all?

Accepted Answer

Start with the basics: check that the thermostat is set to heat and the temperature is set above room temperature, then verify the furnace power switch (usually a light switch on or near the unit) is in the ON position. Also check your breaker panel for a tripped breaker. If all of those check out, the issue is typically a failed control board, blown fuse on the board, or a bad transformer — you'll need a technician at that point.

Question 8

My thermostat is on but the furnace won't start — what should I check?

Accepted Answer

First, make sure the thermostat display is lit and the batteries aren't dead — a blank screen means no signal is reaching the furnace. Next, check that the furnace door panel is fully seated, because most furnaces have a safety switch that kills power if the panel is even slightly ajar. If neither of those is the issue, the problem is usually in the control board, wiring, or a failed component like the inducer motor or pressure switch.

Question 9

What does it mean when my furnace clicks but doesn't start?

Accepted Answer

Clicking usually means the control board is sending the signal to ignite, but the ignition sequence is failing. The inducer motor should start first, then the pressure switch closes, then the ignitor glows, and finally the gas valve opens. If you hear clicking but no whoosh of ignition, the hot surface ignitor is likely cracked or worn out — it's one of the most common furnace repairs we do and takes about 30 minutes.

Question 10

Can a tripped breaker cause my furnace not to turn on?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and it's more common than people think. Furnaces draw power for the control board, inducer motor, ignitor, and blower motor. A power surge, short in the wiring, or a failing blower motor can trip the breaker. Reset it once — if it trips again immediately, do not keep resetting it. That indicates an electrical fault that needs professional diagnosis to prevent a fire hazard.

Furnace Repair

Professional Furnace Repair in Asheville & Western NC

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Frequently Asked Questions About Furnace Repair

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Furnace Repair? We Can Help.

Furnace Repair

Professional Furnace Repair in Asheville & Western NC

Why Choose Us

Frequently Asked Questions About Furnace Repair

What are the most common causes of furnace failure?

How much does furnace repair cost?

Is my furnace safe to run if it's making strange noises?

Why is my furnace blowing cold air?

My furnace runs but doesn't produce heat — what's wrong?

Why does my furnace blow warm air for a few minutes then switch to cold?

Why won't my furnace turn on at all?

My thermostat is on but the furnace won't start — what should I check?

What does it mean when my furnace clicks but doesn't start?

Can a tripped breaker cause my furnace not to turn on?

Why does my furnace keep turning on and off every few minutes?

Is furnace short cycling dangerous?

Why won't my furnace shut off?

My furnace runs all day but the house never gets warm enough — why?

Why is my furnace making a loud banging noise when it starts?

What does a squealing noise from my furnace mean?

Why is my furnace making a rattling noise?

What causes a grinding noise in my furnace?

Why does my furnace make a popping noise?

Is a clicking noise from my furnace normal?

Why is my furnace humming loudly?

What causes a whistling sound from my furnace?

Why does my furnace smell like gas?

Why does my furnace smell like something is burning?

Why does my furnace smell musty?

What does a rotten egg smell near my furnace mean?

Why does my furnace give off a chemical smell?

Why does my furnace pilot light keep going out?

How do I relight my furnace pilot light?

How do I know if my furnace ignitor is bad?