Emergency Heater Repair in [CITY]

How much does heater repair typically cost?

Most heater repairs in the [CITY] area cost between $200 and $800, depending on what's wrong. Simple fixes like replacing an ignitor or flame sensor run $250-450. More complex repairs like blower motor replacement cost $450-900. Heat exchanger work is the most expensive at $800-1,800. We charge a $89 diagnostic fee to identify the problem, and that fee is waived if you proceed with the repair. You'll always know the exact price before we start any work.

Why is my furnace blowing cold air?

A furnace blowing cold air usually indicates one of these issues:

• Pilot light is out – On older furnaces, the pilot light may have blown out. You can try relighting it following the instructions on your unit, but if it won't stay lit, the thermocouple may need replacement.
• Dirty flame sensor – The flame sensor detects whether there's actually a flame present. When it gets coated with residue, it can't sense the flame and shuts down the gas valve as a safety precaution. This is a common fix.
• Gas supply issue – Check that your gas valve is in the "on" position (parallel to the gas line). If it's perpendicular, it's closed. Also verify your gas account is active if you recently moved in.
• Thermostat set to "fan only" – Check that your thermostat is set to "heat" and not just "fan." When set to fan only, the blower runs continuously without activating the heating cycle.
• Ignitor failure – Modern furnaces use electronic ignition instead of pilot lights. If the ignitor fails, the furnace can't light the gas burners. This is one of the most common repairs we do.

If checking the thermostat and gas valve doesn't solve it, you'll need a technician to diagnose which component has failed.

Why does my furnace smell like burning?

A burning smell from your furnace can have several causes, some normal and some concerning:

• Dust burn-off (normal) – When you turn on your furnace for the first time each season, dust that's accumulated on the heat exchanger burns off. This creates a brief burning smell that should dissipate within 30 minutes to an hour. This is normal and not dangerous.
• Dirty air filter – A clogged filter restricts airflow, which can cause the system to overheat. The overheating creates a burning smell. Replace your filter and see if the smell goes away.
• Overheating motor – If the blower motor is working too hard due to restricted airflow or worn bearings, it can overheat and produce a burning smell. You might also hear squealing or grinding noises. This requires professional repair.
• Electrical issue – A burning plastic or rubber smell indicates an electrical problem—possibly a wire with damaged insulation or an overheating component. Turn off your furnace immediately and call for service.
• Object in the ducts – Sometimes toys, debris, or even small animals end up in ductwork. When the heat kicks on, these objects can burn and create an odor.

If the burning smell persists beyond the first hour of seasonal use, turn off your system and have it inspected. Electrical burning smells in particular warrant immediate attention.

Why does my furnace keep turning on and off?

When a furnace cycles on and off frequently—called "short cycling"—it typically indicates one of these problems:

• Dirty air filter – This is the most common cause. A clogged filter restricts airflow, causing the furnace to overheat. The high-limit safety switch then shuts it down to prevent damage. Once it cools, it restarts, and the cycle repeats. Replace your filter first—this simple fix solves short cycling in many cases.
• Thermostat malfunction – A faulty thermostat may incorrectly read the temperature or have loose wiring, causing it to signal the furnace to turn on and off erratically. Try replacing the batteries if it's battery-powered.
• Dirty flame sensor – The flame sensor confirms that the burner has ignited. When it's coated with residue, it fails to detect the flame and shuts down the gas valve. The system then restarts and repeats the cycle.
• Blocked exhaust vent – The flue pipe vents combustion gases outside. If it's blocked by debris, ice, or an animal nest, the pressure switch will shut down the furnace as a safety measure.
• Oversized furnace – If your furnace is too large for your home, it heats the space quickly and shuts off, but the heat dissipates fast, triggering another cycle. This is a sizing issue that may require system replacement for proper resolution.

Short cycling wastes energy and puts extra stress on furnace components, leading to premature wear. Start with a filter replacement, and if that doesn't help, schedule a diagnostic visit.

Why is my furnace making a loud noise?

Different furnace noises indicate different problems:

• Banging or popping – Usually caused by delayed ignition (gas builds up before igniting, creating a small explosion) or by metal ductwork expanding and contracting as it heats and cools. Delayed ignition should be addressed as it can damage the heat exchanger over time.
• Squealing or screeching – Indicates a problem with the blower motor or belt. Could be a worn belt that needs replacement, dry motor bearings that need lubrication, or a failing blower motor.
• Grinding – Usually means the blower motor bearings have worn out. The motor will likely need replacement soon. Continuing to run the furnace can cause further damage.
• Rattling – Often caused by loose screws, panels, or components. Could also indicate a cracked heat exchanger, which is a serious safety issue requiring immediate attention.
• Humming – A low hum is normal during operation. A loud hum may indicate an electrical issue or a failing blower motor capacitor.
• Clicking – Some clicking during startup and shutdown is normal. Continuous clicking may indicate a failing ignitor trying repeatedly to light the burners.

Any new or unusual noise warrants investigation. While some causes are minor, others—like a cracked heat exchanger—pose safety risks and require immediate professional attention.

Should I repair or replace my old furnace?

Use these guidelines to help decide:

Repair usually makes sense when:

• Your furnace is under 12 years old
• This is the first major repair needed
• The repair cost is less than 50% of replacement cost
• Only one component has failed

Replacement usually makes sense when:

• Your furnace is 15+ years old (average lifespan is 15-20 years)
• You've spent more than $500 on repairs in the past year
• Your energy bills keep increasing despite maintenance
• The heat exchanger is cracked (this is a safety issue and often costs more to repair than replace)
• Repair would cost more than 50% of a new system

A 12-15 year old furnace is in the gray zone—the right choice depends on the specific repair needed and the overall condition of your system. A trustworthy technician will walk you through the math and help you make the best decision for your situation, not push you toward the more expensive option.

How quickly can you get here for an emergency?

For no-heat emergencies in the [CITY] area, we typically arrive within 2-4 hours during business hours. We dispatch the closest available technician and call ahead with an ETA. True emergencies—no heat, gas smell, or safety concerns—are prioritized for same-day service. After-hours emergencies are handled by our on-call technicians.

Do you charge extra for nights and weekends?

We charge standard rates for all service during regular hours (7am-7pm), including weekends. After 8pm, a $[XX] emergency fee applies. We believe heating emergencies shouldn't come with penalty pricing—when your heat goes out, you need help, and we don't think you should be punished for that.

How often should I replace my furnace filter?

Filter replacement frequency depends on the filter type and your household:

• 1" fiberglass filters: Replace every 30 days
• 1" pleated filters: Replace every 60-90 days
• 4" pleated filters: Replace every 6-12 months

Replace more frequently if you have pets, allergies, live in a dusty area, or run your system constantly. A dirty filter is the #1 cause of furnace problems—it restricts airflow, causes overheating, and makes your system work harder. Check your filter monthly and replace it when it looks gray or clogged. This simple maintenance step prevents many common repairs.

What should I do while waiting for a technician?

If you smell gas: Turn off the system at the thermostat, open windows and doors for ventilation, leave the house, and call us or 911 from outside. Don't flip light switches or use anything that could create a spark.

If it's just not heating:

• Check your thermostat is set to "heat" and the temperature is set higher than the current room temperature
• Check the furnace power switch (usually looks like a light switch near the unit)
• Check your circuit breaker for a tripped breaker
• Replace your air filter if it looks dirty
• If you have a gas furnace, verify the gas valve is in the "on" position

To stay warm while waiting:

• Use space heaters safely (keep away from flammables, don't leave unattended)
• Close off unused rooms to concentrate heat
• Open curtains during the day for solar heat, close them at night for insulation
• If temperatures will drop below freezing, open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to prevent pipe freezing