If you own a Lennox furnace in Calgary, you know how important it is to keep it running well through our brutal winters. Even premium brands like Lennox can hit snags, from worn ignitors to failing blowers. In this post, we’ll walk you through common Lennox furnace problems, safe checks you can do, realistic repair costs for Calgary homeowners, and when it’s time to call in the pros.
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How Lennox Furnaces Work: A Calgary Homeowner’s Overview
A Lennox furnace has several key parts: the ignitor, heat exchanger, flame sensor, blower motor, control board, and safety switches. Given Calgary’s long, cold heating seasons, these components often run hard, meaning more wear and tear than in milder climates. Understanding what these parts do helps you identify when something’s off, and whether it’s a quick fix or a job for a professional.
Common Lennox Furnace Problems in Calgary
Lennox is a great brand, but as a responsible furnace owner, you also have to be aware of what problems you can encounter. Let’s run through them.
Ignition / Ignitor Failure
Often caused by a worn or faulty ignitor, this problem prevents your furnace from starting up. It can also be due to thermostat or power issues. If your Lennox unit repeatedly fails to light, it’s likely more than just a thermostat mis‑setting.
Flame Sensor Malfunction
A dirty or failing flame sensor can shut the furnace down unexpectedly. Because the sensor is delicate, cleaning or replacing it usually requires a trained technician to avoid damage.
Blower Motor or Fan Issues
Your blower might not start, could run non-stop, or make odd noises. These symptoms often point to motor failure, worn bearings, or control board issues — especially in systems that run a lot during Calgary’s cold months.
Overheating & Short Cycling
If your limits or safety cutoffs trip, the furnace could overheat due to poor airflow or dirty burners. That can cause short cycles, which stress other parts and hurt efficiency.
Heat Exchanger Damage
This is one of the most serious issues. Cracks or corrosion on the heat exchanger can pose safety risks like carbon monoxide leaks. Older Lennox units or those that overheat repeatedly are more likely to face this problem.
Control Board & Pressure Switch Failures
Electronic components and pressure switches control many furnace operations. When they fail, you can experience erratic behaviour, safety lockouts, or failure to start — which often needs professional diagnosis and repair.
DIY Troubleshooting for Calgary Homeowners
Here are some safe, simple checks you can try before calling a technician:
- Confirm your thermostat settings and ensure the unit has power.
- Replace or clean the furnace air filter, a clogged filter affects airflow and performance.
- Verify that the gas supply is on and stable.
- Observe any error lights or unusual furnace behaviour, but avoid tampering with delicate parts like the ignitor or flame sensor unless you’re confident in what you’re doing.
If things still don’t look right after these checks, it’s time to call in a pro.
When to Call Comfort Union for Lennox Repair
You should call a technician if ignition problems continue even after checking basic settings, if the blower motor is noisy, runs constantly, or fails to spin, or if overheating and frequent cycling persist. It is also important to contact a professional if you suspect a cracked heat exchanger or your system is older. Comfort Union’s team has extensive experience with Lennox systems and provides reliable, local service in Calgary. Our technicians are trained, certified, and carry the parts commonly needed for efficient and safe Lennox furnace repairs.
Preventive Maintenance for Lennox Furnaces in Calgary
Preventative care is your best bet to avoid emergency repairs. Here’s what regular maintenance should look like:
- Annual tune-ups covering burners, safety switches, control boards, and blower motors.
- Filter checks and replacements every 1–3 months, especially during heating season.
- Duct inspections and cleaning to make sure airflow isn’t impeded.
- Periodic monitoring of system performance or using a smart thermostat to catch inefficiencies early.
These practices can greatly extend the life of your Lennox furnace and help avoid expensive breakdowns.
Lennox Furnace Repair Cost in Calgary
Here’s a realistic breakdown of what Lennox furnace repairs typically cost for Calgary homeowners:
- Minor repairs, such as replacing a flame sensor or ignitor, typically range from $150–$500.
- Major repairs, like a blower motor replacement or heat exchanger repair, can exceed $1,000 depending on the complexity and model.
Comfort Union provides transparent pricing and skilled Lennox technicians to ensure repairs are efficient, safe, and cost-effective for Calgary homes.
Repair vs Replacement
There comes a point when repairing may not be the best financial decision. Lennox itself recommends considering replacement if your furnace is over ~15 years old, or if repeated repairs add up.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to repair a Lennox furnace in Calgary?
Repairs typically range between $150 and $500 for minor issues, but major components like heat exchangers can cost $1,500–$2,500+.
What are signs of a failing Lennox flame sensor?
Frequent shutdowns after ignition or flickering flames are common symptoms, and a technician can clean or replace it safely.
Is a cracked heat exchanger dangerous?
Yes — a damaged heat exchanger may leak carbon monoxide, so expert diagnosis and repair are critical.
Can I do Lennox furnace maintenance myself?
You can safely change filters or check basic settings, but internal parts like ignitors and safety switches should be handled by a qualified technician.
Should I repair or replace my Lennox furnace?
If your Lennox is older than 15 years or needs repeated costly fixes, replacement could be more cost-effective long term — Lennox’s own guide supports this. (lennox.com)
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