Homeowner's Guide to Furnace Repair

By Anne Fonda with expert review by Kimberly Sexton, Senior Systems Engineer 

Key takeaways:  

  • Only a trained HVAC professional should attempt furnace repairs. 
  • Gas furnace repair and oil furnace repair are similar, and any HVAC company should be able to help you. 
  • Emergency furnace repair is available, but it will cost you extra if repairs are after regular business hours, on the weekend, or on a holiday. 

If you live in Chicago, Philadelphia, Minneapolis, Maine, or any other northern location, you likely depend on a gas furnace to keep your home warm in the winter. If you’re in the Mid-Atlantic or Northeast, it might be an oil furnace. And if you live in a southern state, you may depend on a furnace as well, even if only as a backup heating system. 

But at some point, you may need furnace repair.  

What are some common furnace problems? 

Some signs that you need furnace repair are more obvious than others, but here’s a list to start. 

If your furnace shows any of these signs, there’s a problem. Fixing it sooner rather than later will restore your comfort. Letting the problem go can result in a more expensive repair. 

What are the most common furnace repairs? 

The most common repairs involve replacing parts that have worn out or cleaning components.  

  • Furnace ignitor repair/replacement 
  • Furnace pilot light repair/replacement 
  • Flame sensor cleaning/replacement 
  • Furnace limit switch repair/replacement 
  • Furnace pressure switch repair/replacement 
  • Furnace blower motor/blower fan repair/replacement 

One furnace problem that usually leads to furnace replacement rather than furnace repair is a cracked furnace heat exchanger. This is because the part itself is expensive, but replacing it is very labor-intensive, because it essentially means taking the furnace apart, replacing the heat exchanger, and putting the furnace back together again. 

Can I fix the furnace myself? 

Maybe. It depends on the problem. Some quick fixes include: 

A clogged or dirty filter restricts airflow, which can cause the furnace to work harder, overheat, and shut down. Get in the habit of changing it every 30-90 days. If these simple fixes don’t get your furnace running right again, call a furnace repair professional.  

Do I need to repair or replace my furnace?

“Homeowners should consider furnace replacement when the system is no longer operating reliably, requires frequent or costly repairs, or is struggling to maintain comfort and efficiency. Age is also an important factor, especially if the furnace is approaching the later years of its expected service life.  

In many cases, replacing an older furnace can provide benefits beyond reliability, including improved energy efficiency, more consistent comfort, and greater peace of mind.” 

- Kimberly Sexton, Senior Systems Engineer 

Kimberly Sexton Headshot

Check out these resources for more information. 

If the cost of a repair is quoted as over $500, we would recommend getting a second opinion. And if you opt for furnace replacement, we recommend getting three quotes. 

How can regular furnace maintenance prevent costly repairs? 

“Regular maintenance is one of the simplest ways to keep your furnace running safely and efficiently.  If you are set up on a regular maintenance program with your local HVAC dealer, they can spot early warning signs and prevent more expensive repairs later. A well-maintained system lasts longer, performs better, and delivers more reliable comfort.” 

- Kimberly Sexton, Senior Systems Engineer 

Just like you prepare your vehicle for winter, you need to prepare your furnace for winter. This goes for homeowners in the South as well. While you may not run your furnace as much, you need to be sure that it will operate safely and efficiently when you need it once heating season starts.  

Schedule a regular furnace tune-up each fall. For convenience and some perks, consider signing up for an HVAC maintenance plan with your local Trane HVAC pro. You might get a discount on parts and labor, and go to the front of the line for service during a heat wave or deep freeze. 

Schedule furnace repair now 

If your furnace isn’t heating your home as it should, contact your local Trane furnace repair specialist to schedule a repair call. They can diagnose and repair issues with any band of furnace. Many dealers offer 24-hour furnace repair services, because we know your HVAC system runs in the evenings as well as on weekends and holidays. 

Use our dealer locator to find furnace repair near you. 

What steps should you take when scheduling heat pump repair?

STEP 1

Choose a trusted HVAC repair company

New to the area? Read our blog for some tips on finding the right HVAC repair service near you.

STEP 2

Prep the area for the repair call

Clear any dog doo out of your yard and keep your pets confined. Be prepared to be home during the service call.

STEP 3

Ask questions, but don't hover

Leave a review if the HVAC technician did a good job, the company was responsive, and you would recommend them to others.

Anne Fonda, Content Writer

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A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.

She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.

When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.