Furnace Repair When the Heat Quits
No heat is a safety issue. HVACZILLA connects homeowners with local furnace repair pros for ignition failures, pilot and flame-sensor issues, limit switches, blower problems, and the uglier stuff like cracked heat exchangers.
What Furnace Repair Actually Covers
No heat is a safety issue. HVACZILLA connects homeowners with local furnace repair pros for ignition failures, pilot and flame-sensor issues, limit switches, blower problems, and the uglier stuff like cracked heat exchangers.
Safe Diagnosis First
Combustion, flame sensors, limit switches, and heat exchanger checks — in that order. No-heat calls get triaged for safety.
Common Failures
Ignitors, flame rods, pressure switches, blower motors, inducer fans, and thermostat/control issues.
Repair vs Replace
If the unit is 15+ years old with a cracked exchanger, replace. Otherwise, targeted repair is usually the cheaper answer.
Why Furnace Repair Isn’t the Place to Cut Corners
Combustion appliances produce carbon monoxide as a byproduct of heating. A properly sealed, vented, and adjusted furnace is safe. A poorly serviced one can kill people. This is why furnace repair in every U.S. city should be handled by a licensed HVAC pro with a current combustion analyzer — not a handyman.
Combustion analysis
A calibrated analyzer measures flue-gas CO and O2. Spec numbers exist for every furnace type. A tech without one is guessing at whether the unit is safe to run.
Heat exchanger inspection
Visual + camera inspection on every repair visit. Cracks leak combustion gas into the air you breathe. Replacement is the only safe answer.
Venting verification
Proper draft, no backdrafting, sealed joints, correct pitch, and no ice or nest blockages on high-efficiency terminations.
Gas leak test
Every fitting disturbed gets soap-tested before the unit is left. Gas leaks don’t always smell.
Working CO alarms
A licensed tech should verify you have working CO alarms before leaving. $25 per alarm is not negotiable on a combustion appliance.
Shut-down condition
If combustion readings are out of spec or any safety device fails, the tech shuts the furnace off until the fix is done. Anything else is negligent.
The Furnace Repairs Called In Most Often
Most furnace calls resolve to a short list of predictable failures. Recognizing the symptom speeds up the diagnosis and keeps costs fair.
Dirty flame sensor
Unit lights then shuts off within seconds. Cleaning restores function. $150–$250 typical fix.
Failed hot-surface igniter
Unit cycles but never lights. Igniter replacement, $200–$400.
Pressure switch stuck
Condensate blocks the drain hose and the pressure switch opens, preventing light-off. Clear + verify.
Inducer motor failure
Buzzing or silent at call-for-heat. Venting stops, no light. $400–$800 typical.
Limit switch tripping
High air temp trips the limit. Usually an airflow issue, not the switch itself. Fix the cause, not the symptom.
Gas valve failure
No gas flow on call-for-heat. Diagnose by pressure, not replacement-first. $400–$700 typical.
Control board failure
Random behavior, missing flash codes, unresponsive. Usually diagnosed last after ruling out everything cheaper. $400–$900.
Blower motor / ECM
Heat but no airflow, or weak airflow. Motor or module. $400–$1,000.
Cracked heat exchanger
CO leaks into the airstream. Replacement is the correct answer. Old furnace? Replace the furnace.
Find Furnace Repair in Your City
We cover 7,296 cities across 44 states. Pick your state to see local pages.
Arizona 36 cities
Arkansas 25 cities
California 577 cities
Colorado 73 cities
Connecticut 265 cities
District of Columbia 4 cities
Florida 343 cities
Georgia 239 cities
Idaho 17 cities
Illinois 692 cities
Indiana 102 cities
Iowa 119 cities
Kansas 44 cities
Kentucky 106 cities
Louisiana 1 cities
Maine 58 cities
Maryland 188 cities
Massachusetts 341 cities
Michigan 237 cities
Minnesota 64 cities
Missouri 98 cities
Nebraska 56 cities
Nevada 12 cities
New Hampshire 67 cities
New Jersey 410 cities
New Mexico 6 cities
New York 428 cities
North Carolina 58 cities
Ohio 566 cities
Oregon 61 cities
Pennsylvania 372 cities
Rhode Island 46 cities
South Carolina 113 cities
Tennessee 110 cities
Texas 274 cities
Utah 41 cities
Vermont 1 cities
Virginia 243 cities
Washington 291 cities
West Virginia 45 cities
Wisconsin 453 cities
Other HVACZILLA Services
HVAC Contractors
Find licensed HVAC contractors in your city. HVACZILLA covers all 50 U.S. states with local heating, cooling,
Explore HVAC Pros →AC Repair
Local AC repair in your city, 24/7. HVACZILLA connects homeowners with licensed air conditioning repair pros a
Explore AC Repair →AC Installation
AC installation and replacement in your city. HVACZILLA connects homeowners with licensed installers for centr
Explore AC Install →Ductwork Services
Ductwork repair, sealing, and airflow correction in your city. HVACZILLA connects homeowners with licensed duc
Explore Ductwork →Furnace Repair Questions
My furnace won't turn on — what should I check?
Thermostat set to HEAT, fresh batteries, furnace switch on (looks like a light switch near the unit), breaker not tripped, and a clean filter. If those are good, call for service.
Is it safe to keep running a furnace that's making a noise?
Depends on the noise. Rattles are usually benign. Booming at startup, loud bangs, or a burning smell — shut it off and call. Possible cracked heat exchanger, CO risk.
How much does furnace repair cost?
Common repairs (ignitor, flame sensor, pressure switch) run $150-$450. Blower motor or control board replacements run $400-$900. Heat exchanger replacement usually means replacing the unit.
When is it time to replace a furnace?
15-20+ years old, frequent repairs, efficiency under 80% AFUE, or any cracked heat exchanger. Replacement gas furnaces typically run $4,500-$8,500 installed.
What's a flame sensor and why does it matter?
It confirms the burner actually ignited. When dirty, the furnace lights then shuts off within seconds (short cycling). A cleaning or replacement is a cheap, common fix.
Can I get emergency furnace repair at night?
Many shops offer 24/7 emergency service for no-heat calls. Fees are usually higher after-hours. If the indoor temp is dropping fast and you have pipes or kids, call now.
Need Furnace Repair Today?
Call HVACZILLA to describe your situation and get connected with a local pro in your city. No forms, no games — just a phone call.