Furnace repair professionals near you

Good questions to ask before hiring a furnace repair service include:

• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?

• Can you provide a detailed, written estimate that breaks down the costs for parts and labor?

• How much experience do you have with my specific type of furnace?

• Do you offer a warranty or guarantee on your repair work and any new parts?

• What is the estimated timeline for completing the repair?

• Will you explain the problem and the necessary repairs before you start working?

• What are your payment terms and which payment methods do you accept?

During your pro’s visit, you may expect them to start by asking a few questions about the furnace problems you’re experiencing. They’ll then conduct a diagnostic inspection to identify the specific issue, which could involve checking the thermostat, electrical connections, and internal components. Once they find the cause, they'll usually explain the necessary repairs and give you an upfront cost estimate before starting any work.

The total cost of furnace repair varies depending on a wide range of factors, including:

• Type of repair: A simple fix, like replacing a thermostat or flame sensor, will typically cost less than replacing a major component, such as a new motor or control board.

• Furnace age and model: Parts for older or discontinued models can be harder to find and more expensive. The overall condition of the unit may also affect the repair's complexity.

• Labor and timing: The cost can change based on how long the repair takes. Emergency service calls, especially on nights, weekends, or holidays, usually have higher rates.

• Warranty coverage: If your furnace is still under a manufacturer's or home warranty, it may cover the cost of certain parts or even the labor involved in the repair.

• System accessibility: If your furnace is in a tight space, like a small closet or crawl space, it can make the repair more difficult and time-consuming, potentially increasing labor costs.

When your furnace isn’t regularly serviced it can operate less efficiently. This increases your energy bills and also prevents your furnace from keeping your home as warm as you like. Keep your furnace properly maintained with regular service. The national average furnace service cost is between $60 and $80. Companies may offer tuneup specials that cover all the necessary testing, tightening, measuring and cleaning to keep your equipment running at top efficiency. If you have a newer system, furnace service costs may be covered by your warranty. Outside of warranty, a basic tuneup might start at $58 and a more advanced maintenance cleaning could be over $120. Here are some signs your furnace may need service:

• The furnace has stopped functioning entirely.

• The temperature cannot be regulated.

• Rooms in the home are either too hot or too cold.

• The heated air coming from the furnace smells like gas.

• The thermostat isn’t working.

• Strange noises are coming from the furnace.

If your furnace needs to be repaired, you’ll want to find a qualified heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) repair technician. Each state has its own licensing requirements; some require all HVAC technicians to have an HVAC license, while others only require someone operating an HVAC service and installation company with employees to hold a contractor’s license. For example, in Alabama, the Alabama Board of Heating Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors regulates licensing, while in Kansas there is no state regulatory body and HVAC licensing can vary by region. For simple furnace repairs like changing out a filter, a trusted handyman can probably handle the job, but a trained professional should be hired for tasks like replacing a gas valve, installing a new inducer fan motor or other critical furnace repair jobs that involve dealing with gas leaks or other dangerous conditions. For more, check out our tips for smart hiring on Thumbtack.

A dirty or clogged air filter is the most frequent problem with home furnaces. This restricts airflow, which can make your furnace work harder and even cause it to overheat. You can prevent this by replacing your filter every one to three months, depending on your system and household needs.