It is January in Pittsburgh, it is 15 degrees outside, and your furnace just stopped working. Before you panic, there are some things you can check yourself and some problems that are cheaper to fix than you might think.
Check These First (Before Calling Anyone)
Thermostat. Sounds obvious, but check that it is set to HEAT mode, the temperature is set higher than the current room temp, and the fan is set to AUTO (not ON). If you have a battery-powered thermostat, replace the batteries.
Air filter. A severely clogged filter can cause your furnace to overheat and shut down as a safety measure. Pull the filter out and hold it up to a light. If you cannot see through it, replace it. This alone fixes the problem more often than you would think.
Circuit breaker. Check your electrical panel for a tripped breaker. Flip it off, then back on. Also check the power switch on or near the furnace itself - it looks like a regular light switch and sometimes gets bumped off accidentally.
Gas supply. Make sure other gas appliances are working (stove, water heater). If nothing gas-powered is working, the issue might be your gas supply, not the furnace.
Vents and registers. Walk through the house and make sure supply and return vents are open and not blocked by furniture, rugs, or curtains.
Common Furnace Problems and Repair Costs
If the basics above did not fix it, here are the most likely culprits:
Ignitor failure: $150-$250. Modern furnaces use a hot surface ignitor instead of a pilot light. These wear out every 5-7 years and are one of the most common repairs. You will notice the furnace tries to start but never actually fires up.
Flame sensor dirty or failed: $100-$200. The flame sensor tells the furnace that the burner is actually lit. If it is dirty, the furnace lights briefly then shuts off within seconds. A tech can clean or replace it quickly.
Blower motor failure: $300-$600. If the furnace fires up but no air comes out of the vents, the blower motor may have failed. You might hear humming but no airflow.
Draft inducer motor: $200-$500. This motor pulls exhaust gases out of the furnace. If it fails, the furnace will not start as a safety precaution.
Heat exchanger crack: $500-$1,500+ (or full replacement). This is the most serious furnace problem. A cracked heat exchanger can leak carbon monoxide and is a safety hazard. If your CO detector goes off, leave the house immediately and call 911. If a tech diagnoses a cracked heat exchanger on an older furnace, replacement of the entire unit usually makes more sense financially.
Pittsburgh-Specific Furnace Issues
Pittsburgh homes deal with some unique heating challenges:
Old homes, old ductwork. Many Pittsburgh homes - especially in the city proper, Lawrenceville, Dormont, and Brookline - have original ductwork that leaks heat into walls and crawl spaces. Even a perfectly working furnace loses efficiency through leaky ducts.
Humidity and corrosion. Pittsburgh humidity can accelerate corrosion on furnace components, especially in damp basements.
Carbon monoxide awareness. Older Pittsburgh homes with aging furnaces need working CO detectors on every level. Pittsburgh fire departments respond to CO calls regularly during winter.
When to Replace Instead of Repair
Consider replacement if:
- The furnace is over 20 years old
- You have had two or more repairs in the past two years
- The heat exchanger is cracked
- Your energy bills keep climbing despite maintenance
- The system uses a pilot light (very old technology)
A new furnace in Pittsburgh typically costs $2,500-$6,000 installed for a standard efficiency unit, or $4,000-$8,000 for a high-efficiency model.
DIY Maintenance Between Pro Visits
- Furnace air filters (multi-pack) - change every 1-3 months during heating season
- Carbon monoxide detector - essential for any home with a gas furnace
- Thermostat upgrade - programmable or smart thermostats improve comfort and efficiency
- Furnace humidifier - Pittsburgh winters are dry indoors, and adding humidity makes heated air feel warmer
Need Help?
If your furnace is acting up and the DIY checks did not fix it, get connected with a local HVAC pro through KeepYinzCool. We will find yinz someone who can diagnose and fix it fast.