Common furnace failures we repair
| Part | What happens when it fails |
|---|---|
| Hot surface igniter | The furnace clicks and tries to start but never lights; igniters crack with age. |
| Flame sensor | Burners light for a few seconds, then shut off; a dirty sensor is a common no-heat cause. |
| Inducer motor | Humming, squealing or rattling at start-up, then a lockout because the furnace cannot prove its venting. |
| Pressure and limit switches | Burners cycle off early; often a symptom of a blocked vent, dirty filter or weak blower. |
| Blower motor and capacitor | Burners run but no air moves, or the fan runs weakly; the same blower moves your AC air in summer. |
| Control board | Erratic behavior and error codes; replaced only after the parts it controls test good. |
Furnace not working? First checks
- Thermostat on "heat" and set a few degrees above room temperature.
- Furnace power switch on, breaker not tripped, furnace door fully closed.
- Filter clean; a clogged one makes the furnace overheat and shut down.
- Look through the sight glass for a blinking light; count the blinks, which helps us diagnose faster.
If none of these fixes it, call us; do not keep resetting a furnace that locks out.

Furnace safety and carbon monoxide
A gas furnace burns fuel next to the air your family breathes, so a furnace repair should include a look at the burners, venting and heat exchanger. A cracked heat exchanger or a blocked flue can let carbon monoxide into the house. California law requires a carbon monoxide alarm in homes with gas appliances (Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act, SB 183); if yours sounds, get everyone outside and call 911.

What affects furnace repair cost?
We quote after the diagnosis, with no hidden fees. The price depends on the part (a flame sensor cleaning is small; an inducer motor or control board is larger), the furnace's location (attic installs take longer) and whether the call is an after-hours emergency.

Repair or replace your furnace?
Replace when the heat exchanger is cracked, when the furnace is old and needs a major part, or when you are also replacing the air conditioner, because the furnace blower and the AC coil work as one system. See furnace installation, or consider a heat pump, which replaces both. For other heating systems, see heating repair.

What customers say
"What really set the exceptional service apart was the fact that they both explained the issue with my furnace in an easy to understand and informative manner."
"He came out within a few hours to fit a new inducer motor on my unit. He completed the work in no time."
"Just fixed a simple issue with our thermostat and furnace. What a life saver, highly recommend!"
Furnace repair questions
How long should a gas furnace last?
It varies with use, maintenance and where the furnace sits; age alone is not a reason to replace one that works safely.
Why does my furnace smell like gas?
A faint smell at ignition can be normal; a steady gas smell is not. Leave the house and call the gas company, then call us for the repair.
Do you offer same-day furnace repair?
Same-day service is available, and 24/7 emergency furnace repairs for no-heat calls.
