Most common furnace problems: no heat (thermostat/ignitor, $150-400), short cycling (filter/limit switch, $75-400), strange noises (blower motor, $300-600). Average repair time: 1-3 hours.
When furnace runs but produces no warm air, or doesn't turn on at all.
Common Causes
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Thermostat problems: Wrong setting, dead batteries, or faulty wiring
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Failed ignitor: Won't light gas (most common on systems 5+ years old)
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Flame sensor dirty: Safety feature shuts down burner incorrectly
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Gas valve failure: No gas reaches burner even when ignitor works
Repair Costs
| Thermostat replacement |
$150-400 |
| Ignitor replacement |
$150-300 |
| Flame sensor cleaning |
$75-200 |
| Gas valve replacement |
$300-500 |
Furnace turns on for 2-3 minutes then shuts off, repeats constantly.
Common Causes
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Dirty air filter: Blocks airflow causing overheating protection to trigger
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Faulty limit switch: Shuts system down prematurely
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Oversized furnace: Heats space too quickly (requires replacement)
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Thermostat location: Too close to heat source giving false readings
Repair Costs
| Filter replacement |
$20-75 |
| Limit switch replacement |
$150-300 |
| Thermostat relocation |
$200-400 |
Grinding, squealing, or banging sounds from furnace.
Noise Types & Causes
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Grinding: Blower motor bearings worn out
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Squealing: Belt slipping or blower motor issue
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Banging: Delayed ignition causing gas buildup (safety concern)
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Rattling: Loose panels or ductwork
Repair Costs
| Blower motor repair |
$300-600 |
| Belt replacement |
$100-200 |
| Panel/ductwork securing |
$75-150 |
Little to no air coming from vents even when furnace is running.
Common Causes
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Clogged filter: Most common cause, easiest fix
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Blower motor failure: Motor runs but fan doesn't spin properly
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Ductwork leaks: Air escaping before reaching vents
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Blocked registers: Furniture or debris blocking vents
Repair Costs
| Filter replacement |
$20-75 |
| Blower motor replacement |
$300-600 |
| Duct sealing |
$200-500 |
Yellow Pilot Light (Safety Issue)
Pilot light should be blue. Yellow or orange flame indicates incomplete combustion and possible carbon monoxide risk. Turn off furnace and call for immediate service. Cost to fix: $200-500.
Pooler's mild winters mean furnaces cycle less frequently than northern climates. This can cause:
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First-use failures: Systems sit idle for months, dust and corrosion accumulate
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Heat pump preference: Many Pooler homes use heat pumps instead of furnaces
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Humidity concerns: High moisture can cause rust in unused components