Furnaces can stop working for varied reasons, but here are three things you can quickly check for yourself. See if the filter is dirty and needs to be replaced. Check the thermostat settings, along with the battery. Also, double-check that the circuit breakers didn’t trip.

Step 1. Yes, first check the thermostat. Is the setting correct? Make sure it’s on and set to heat.

Step 2. You’ll also want to check the furnace’s switch. Is it set to the “on” position?

Step 3. Don’t forget about the furnace’s circuit breaker. Has it tripped?

Step 4. What about the furnace filter? A dirty filter might be the problem. Change it out if it’s dirty.

Step 5. Check the furnace panel near the front. Is it closed tightly?

Step 6. The gas valve could be an issue. Is it set at the “on” position?

Step 7. Lastly, you want to look at air ducts to make sure they aren’t blocked.

Step 8. If these steps didn’t help, it’s time to call a professional.

We can give you averages, but each instance is different. When we’re talking about a natural gas furnace, you’ll see about 15-20 years out of it if it is maintained on a regular basis. Now, when it comes to an oil furnace you might see 15-25 years with regular maintenance. A regularly maintained furnace has a much longer lifespan.

The age of your system needs to be part of the consideration. Consider the cost of repairs over time, along with how often you need repairs. Use the $5000 rule for an easy decision. Multiply the age by the cost of repair per year and if that is less than $5000, repair it. For example, if your furnace is 12 years old, and the repair will cost $500, multiply 12X500=6000. This is larger in cost, so we’d say it’s time to replace the unit. Hope this helps!

When it comes down to it, the cost to repair a furnace varies. It can range from $100 to $1200. The average repair cost is right around $300. In most cases, homeowners spend between $170 to $500. What you pay largely depends on a couple of different things. Are there parts needed? How much labor is involved? Do you have a warranty? And what type of furnace do you have?

Yes, there is. We recommend you have your system serviced at least once a year. Consider doing this in the fall, before the cold weather settles in. Furnace manufacturers all recommend annual inspections and maintenance. Another thing worth mentioning is that most will require proof of prior maintenance, especially when it comes to warranty claims. A clean, well-maintained unit helps you in two ways, with utility costs and it prolongs the life of your furnace.