About The Author: Travis Baugh is a Digital Brand Marketing Manager for Bryant, where he creates clear, helpful content to guide homeowners through heating, cooling, and indoor air quality decisions. His goal is to empower readers with the knowledge they need to choose the right comfort solutions for their home—confidently and comfortably.
Your Guide To Furnace Repair
By Travis Baugh
When your furnace stops working, you need a fast and reliable solution to restore warmth and comfort to your home. For expert furnace repair services, trust your local Bryant dealer. Their technicians are trained to diagnose and fix furnace problems quickly and efficiently, ensuring your system runs smoothly all winter.
This guide will walk you through common furnace issues, signs you need professional repair, typical furnace repair costs, and why scheduling service with a Bryant dealer is the right choice for your home.
What Are Common Furnace Problems?
A furnace can stop working for many reasons, from simple issues you can resolve yourself to more complex problems requiring an expert.
Andrew Mackey, owner of Superior Service in Lake St Louis, Missouri, states a wide variety of issues can lead to a furnace not working.
“The furnace in a home could stop working for several reasons,” Mackey said. “The simplest reason would be a dirty flame sensor or an open pressure switch. The reason could also be more involved with a problem involving the main control board or a blower motor.”
Here are a few common furnace problems and some DIY solutions you can try first.
Ignition or Pilot Light Issues
One of the most frequent furnace problems is a failure in the ignition system or pilot light. If your furnace isn't producing heat, first check if the pilot light is out. If it is, you can try relighting it according to the manufacturer's instructions. However, if the pilot light won’t stay lit, it often signals a deeper issue that needs professional diagnosis.
Thermostat Malfunctions
Sometimes the problem isn't the furnace itself, but the thermostat. If your furnace won't turn on or cycles incorrectly, a malfunctioning thermostat could be the cause. Start by checking the thermostat’s batteries and ensuring they are installed correctly. If that doesn't solve the issue, the thermostat may need to be recalibrated or replaced.
Clogged Filters and Airflow Problems
A clogged furnace filters is a primary cause of restricted airflow, forcing your furnace to work harder and reducing its efficiency. This can lead to breakdowns and higher energy bills. Be sure to inspect and replace your furnace filters regularly. Also, check that furniture, rugs, or other items are not blocking your home's air vents or registers.
If you've tried these furnace troubleshooting steps, and your furnace still isn't working, it's time to call a qualified HVAC contractor to diagnose and fix the problem.
What Are the Signs I Need Furnace Repair?
Recognizing the warning signs of a failing furnace can help you prevent a complete breakdown and ensure your home stays warm. Look out for these indicators that your furnace needs professional attention.
- Strange Noises or Odors: Banging, squealing, or rattling sounds can point to a mechanical issue. Likewise, a burning smell or a strong gas odor are serious warning signs that require immediate action to prevent safety hazards.
- Inconsistent Heating Performance: If some rooms are warm while others are cold, or if the furnace struggles to maintain a consistent temperature, you may have a faulty thermostat, clogged filters, or a problem within the furnace itself.
- Increased Heating Bills: A sudden, unexplained spike in your heating bills often indicates your furnace is losing efficiency. A malfunctioning system consumes more energy to produce the same amount of heat, driving up your heating costs.
How Much Does Furnace Repair Cost?
The cost of a furnace repair typically ranges from $150 to $600 for common fixes. However, the final price can vary based on the specific issue, the age of your furnace, and your location.
Simple repairs like replacing a faulty thermostat or cleaning the burners fall on the lower end of this range. More complex jobs, such as replacing a heat exchanger or blower motor, can cost significantly more, sometimes ranging from $1,000 to $3,000.
The age of your furnace is a critical factor. If your unit is over 15 years old and requires frequent repairs, investing in a new, energy-efficient model may be more cost-effective than continuing to pay for repairs. Regular maintenance, including a professional furnace tune-up and DIY furnace cleaning, is the best way to prevent expensive breakdowns and extend how long your furnace lasts.
Why Choose A Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer for Furnace Repair?
Selecting the right provider for your furnace service provider is essential for your home's comfort and your peace of mind. Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer are committed to delivering the highest standard of furnace repair.
- Expert Training: Our dealers are highly trained and experienced in repairing all type of furnaces. They understand the urgency of a broken furnace, especially during cold winter months, and are committed to providing reliable, efficient service.
- Factory Authorized Parts: When repairing a Bryant furnace, our dealers use genuine Factory Authorized Parts designed specifically for your equipment. These furnace parts ensure a perfect fit, restore original performance and efficiency, and preserve your manufacturer's warranty.
- A History of Reliability: Since 1904, Bryant has built a legacy of quality and reliability. Our dealers are part of this history, dedicated to providing customized home comfort solutions you can trust.
How Do I Schedule a Furnace Repair?
When your furnace breaks down, you need prompt and reliable service. Bryant makes it easy to connect with our local dealer network. Our convenient online booking system allows you to select a preferred date and time for your appointment and provide specific details about your furnace issue.
Trust your local Bryant dealer to restore warmth and comfort to your home. Schedule an appointment today for furnace repair or furnace replacement.
Furnace Repair FAQs
If your furnace isn't working, call your local Bryant dealer who specializes in furnace diagnostics and repair.
You can handle basic furnace maintenance like changing filters or checking the thermostat, but most repairs—especially involving gas, electricity, or internal components—should be done by a licensed HVAC professional for safety and warranty protection. Attempting complex repairs yourself may cause further damage or pose a fire or carbon monoxide risk.
The most common furnace failure is a malfunctioning ignition system or pilot light, which prevents the furnace from producing heat.
Usually, homeowners insurance only covers furnace repairs if damage results from a covered event, such as fire, water damage, or a storm. Normal wear and tear or age-related breakdowns are not typically covered.
Major components like the heat exchanger or blower motor tend to be the most expensive to repair or replace due to their complexity and labor costs.
If the repair is minor and the system is under 10–12 years old, repair may make sense. For older furnaces with repeated issues or costly parts, replacement is often the better long-term value.
Most homeowners spend between $150 and $600 on typical furnace repairs, depending on the part and labor required.
Usually not. A 20-year-old furnace is nearing or past its expected lifespan, and replacement can provide better efficiency, reliability, and warranty coverage.
Short cycles every 10 minutes can signal normal operation in extreme weather, but frequent cycling often points to airflow issues, a dirty filter, or thermostat problems.
Learn More About Furnaces
- Explore what is a furnace
- Understand natural gas furnaces
- Discover the value of a high efficiency furnace
- Get help with a furnace leaking water
- Find out how to fix a furnace blowing cold air
- Read about furnace inspections
