A routine maintenance check of the appliances in the house can help you in identifying problems and getting them fixed before it is too late. You can go about tthis task on your own or hire a professional to do it. Make sure you get the genuine parts from an authorized store.
The gas furnace is an essential appliance and is found in almost every household. The main function of the gas furnace is to keep the house warm, especially during the cold winter months. You can purchase this device from any home appliance store, by checking the prices of gas furnace that may fit your budget. A gas furnace uses natural gas or propane, supplied to it from an external source, which ignites the pilot burner. It then provides heat to warm the air or water, as per the person’s requirement. Though effective and economical in usage, at times the gas furnace may malfunction in the absence of proper maintenance. The common problems in a gas furnace can be the pilot ignition failing, failing to generate enough heat, a faulty thermostat etc. These issues can lead to the breakdown of the gas furnace, rendering it useless. In such times, you need to undertake gas furnace repair so that you get it working again without any issues.
Cost of Gas Furnace Repair
In case you are hiring a technician then you should be aware of the cost of repairing each part of the gas furnace. Here is a brief guide regarding the estimated cost of gas furnace repair. The cost (approximate value) is inclusive of the service charges.
| Probable Repair | Estimated Cost (in USD) |
| Circuit board | 350 – 400 |
| Combustion blower | 350 – 375 |
| Flame roll out switches | 100 – 125 |
| Gas furnace transformer | 125 |
| Gas valve | 325 – 425 |
| Heat exchanger | 750 – 1500 |
| Inducer motor | 350 |
| Ignitor | 125 |
| Pressure switches | 125 – 175 |
| Thermostat non programmable | 150 |
| Thermostat programmable | 200 |
Guidelines to Repair Gas Furnace
The gas furnace can encounter certain problems in case the parts of the gas furnace may get clogged due to debris or get worn out sometimes. In such a case, the gas furnace needs to be repaired or the damaged part should be replaced. Some gas furnace parts are interchangeable, thus making maintenance and repair an easy task. Troubleshooting the problem is important so that you can identifying the dysfunction of the furnace and get it repaired. Here is a brief guide on how to repair and replace the gas furnace.
- Before you get to the task of repairing the gas furnace make sure you have switched off the gas connection and unplugged all the wires, as a safety measure. If you are doing it on your own, refer to the instructions manual and follow it accordingly. Working with a gas furnace can be dangerous, so if you are inexperienced it is better to call the technician. Have a checklist of the things that need to be repaired so that you don’t miss out on any part.
- The filter in the gas furnace may get clogged due to debris and dust in the air. To clear it, use a vacuum cleaner or blower, to brush the heat exchanger surface. Wipe off any dust on the blower blade with the help of a wet cloth. In case of any air leaks, use a duct tape to seal the gaps in the blower blades. To get to the furnace filter, which is a spongy mesh screen with a frame, you have to open the service panel. It will be fastened to the furnace with screws. Loosen the screws using a screwdriver and lift the filter off the panel.
- The next step is to check if the pilot burner is lighting. If the flame is not coming out properly, then the pilot must have become dysfunctional. To remove the pilot and thermocouple from the pilot control housing use a wrench to unscrew them. Replace them with new parts and ignite the burner to check if the flame is proper. If the flame burns in a bluish green color with a yellow center, it is working. However, if the flame is not burning properly, then the burner also needs replacement.
- The next place where a problem may occur is in the blower motor of the furnace. At times the motor may produce squeaking or rumbling noise due to insufficient lubrication. For this, unscrew the mounting bolts and pulleys of the blower and lift it out of the access panel. Fill the oil ports with all purpose oil and align the motor back in place. Fasten all the bolts and screws with a wrench. Assemble all the parts together and tighten the bolts, nuts and screws. Restart the furnace to check if everything is working properly.
This was a brief overview regarding gas furnace repair. Purchase a gas furnace for your home, based on the reviews and ratings of the gas furnace. You should follow a regular gas furnace maintenance program so that you are aware if there is any issue with the appliance and you can address it on time.