It can be frustrating when your furnace stops. Here are three things worth a quick check to see if you can get it working again. First, see if you’ve got your thermostat clicked to on and the heat setting. While you’re there, see if the thermostat battery is working properly. You’ll also want to check the circuit breakers to make sure nothing tripped. Lastly, double-check that your air filter isn’t dirty, and if it is, try replacing it.

Step 1. First step is to look at the thermostat. Is the setting on heat?

Step 2. What about the furnace switch? Make sure it’s set to the “on” position.

Step 3. Check the circuit breakers. Make sure the furnace breaker didn’t get tripped.

Step 4. Check the furnace filter for clogs. Is it dirty? It’s time to put a new filter in place.

Step 5. Is the furnace front panel closed tightly?

Step 6. Did you see if the gas valve is in the “on” position?

Step 7. Are your air ducts blocked? You might want to double-check.

Step 8. Is your furnace still not working? It’s time to call a professional if the above fixes don’t work.

The average lifespan of a natural gas furnace is a bit different than an oil one. For gas, it’s approximately 15-20 years. An oil furnace could last approximately 15-25 years with proper care. With routine maintenance your furnace will last longer.

The age of your system is an important consideration. Consider the cost of repair and frequency that you’re having to repair the unit. Use the $5000 rule. What this does is it multiplies the age by the cost of repair per year. When that figure is less than $5000, you should repair the unit. For example, if your furnace is 12 years old, and the repair will cost $500, multiply 12X500=6000. Because this is greater than 5000, that’s when we say that it’s time to replace it.

When it comes to the cost of furnace repairs, it generally varies based on what is wrong and could range from $100 to $1200. The average repair cost is right around $300. In most cases, people spend between $170 to $500. What you end up paying comes down to a few things: the type of furnace, whether the furnace is under warranty, and things like the replacement parts it needs and labor costs.

Service your furnace at least once a year. We recommend you do this come fall, before the colder weather. Furnace manufacturers all recommend annual inspections and maintenance. One thing to note is that many require proof of ongoing maintenance for warranty claims. Lastly, consider this…a routinely maintained furnace will save you money with both utility costs and in the life of your furnace.