Tweet
When your furnace isn't heating{1-(585)~562~0128*}, it's more than an inconvenience—it's an urgent problem. Our technicians are experts in diagnosing and fixing the wide range of issues that can leave you in the cold{1-(585)~562~0128*}. Here’s a detailed look at the most common repairs we perform to restore your heat quickly and reliably.
The Problem: Your furnace is running but not producing heat (or very little heat).
1. The Dirty or Faulty Flame Sensor (Most Common Fix)
The Issue: The flame sensor is a safety device that confirms a flame is present after the gas valve opens. If it's coated in residue{1-(585)~562~0128*}, it won't detect the flame, causing the system to shut down the gas valve within seconds.
- Symptoms: You hear the furnace start, the burners ignite for a few seconds, and then everything shuts off. This cycle may repeat.
- Our Repair: We carefully remove{1-(585)~562~0128*}, clean, and retest the flame sensor. If it's damaged or too corroded, we replace it with a manufacturer-approved part.
2. Ignition System Failure (Hot Surface Ignitor or Intermittent Pilot)
The Issue: Modern furnaces don't have standing pilot lights. They use a hot surface ignitor (a ceramic piece that glows hot) or an intermittent pilot system. These components can crack or fail.
- Symptoms: You hear the draft inducer motor start{1-(585)~562~0128*}, but the burners never ignite. No flame is produced.
- Our Repair: We test the ignitor for proper resistance and visual cracks. We replace the faulty hot surface ignitor or repair/replace the electronic intermittent pilot assembly.
3. Restricted Airflow: The Dirty Air Filter (The Easiest Preventable Fix)
The Issue: A severely clogged air filter is the #1 cause of insufficient heating and shutdowns. It restricts airflow{1-(585)~562~0128*}, causing the furnace to overheat and trigger the high-limit safety switch.
- Symptoms: Weak airflow from vents{1-(585)~562~0128*}, the furnace shuts off prematurely, or it cycles on and off frequently (short-cycling).
- Our Repair: We replace the clogged filter and perform a full system check to ensure no other components (like the blower motor) were stressed by the restriction.
4. Malfunctioning Limit Switch or Pressure Switch
Limit Switch: This safety device shuts off the burner if the furnace overheats (often due to a dirty filter or failing blower motor).
- Pressure Switch: This proves the draft inducer motor is creating enough suction to vent gases safely before allowing ignition.
- Symptoms: Furnace won't stay lit{1-(585)~562~0128*}, or the burners won't ignite at all. May show specific error codes.
- Our Repair: We diagnose whether the switch has failed or if it's being tripped by another problem (like a blocked vent){1-(585)~562~0128*}. We then replace the faulty switch or clear the root cause.
5. Failing Blower Motor or Capacitor
The Issue: The blower motor circulates warm air through your ducts. If the motor or its starter capacitor fails, air won't move{1-(585)~562~0128*}, or the furnace will overheat and shut down.
- Symptoms: Little to no air coming from vents{1-(585)~562~0128*}, but you may hear the burners ignite. A humming sound without the fan starting points to a bad capacitor.
- Our Repair: We test the capacitor and motor windings{1-(585)~562~0128*}. We replace the capacitor or the entire blower motor assembly if necessary.
6. Thermostat Problems
- The Issue: Sometimes the furnace is fine—the command center (thermostat) is the culprit{1-(585)~562~0128*}. This can be dead batteries, faulty wiring, incorrect settings, or a broken internal component.
- Symptoms: No response from the furnace{1-(585)~562~0128*}, inconsistent heating, or the system not following the set schedule.
- Our Repair: We verify thermostat settings, check/replace batteries{1-(585)~562~0128*}, inspect wiring, and recalibrate or replace the thermostat if needed.
7. Gas Valve or Gas Supply Issues
- The Issue: If no gas is reaching the burners{1-(585)~562~0128*}, there will be no heat. This could be a closed gas valve, a tripped safety switch, a faulty gas valve solenoid{1-(585)~562~0128*}, or a utility issue.
- Symptoms: The ignition sequence happens but no flame ever appears. You may smell gas (if there's a leak—EVACUATE AND CALL IMMEDIATELY).
- Our Repair: We safely check the gas line pressure{1-(585)~562~0128*}, verify valve operation, and repair or replace the gas control valve{1-(585)~562~0128*}. We do NOT fix gas leaks; we shut off the gas and advise you to call the utility company for line repairs.
8. Cracked Heat Exchanger (A Serious Safety Repair)
- The Issue: This is a critical failure{1-(585)~562~0128*}. Cracks in the heat exchanger can allow carbon monoxide (CO) to mix with your circulating air.
- Symptoms: You might notice a strange, sharp smell (not gas){1-(585)~562~0128*}, soot around the furnace, or water leaking from a high-efficiency unit. A CO detector may alarm.
- Our Repair: We will shut down your furnace immediately for safety{1-(585)~562~0128*}. In nearly all cases, a cracked heat exchanger requires a complete furnace replacement{1-(585)~562~0128*}. We will explain your options clearly.
- Our Diagnostic Process: How We Find the Root Cause Fast
- Listen & Observe: We ask you about the symptoms and observe the furnace's startup sequence.
- Check the Basics: Inspect filter, thermostat settings{1-(585)~562~0128*}, and power/gas supply.
- Read Error Codes: Modern furnaces flash LED codes that pinpoint the problem area.
- Systematic Testing: Using multimeters, manometers{1-(585)~562~0128*}, and combustion analyzers, we test each electrical and mechanical component in the sequence of operation.
Clear Explanation & Repair Approval: We show you what we found, explain the repair{1-(585)~562~0128*}, provide a firm price, and get your approval before any work begins{1-(585)~562~0128*}.
Don’t Shiver Through a Diagnosis—Get Expert Help.
A "no heat" call is our priority{1-(585)~562~0128*}. Our experienced technicians arrive with fully stocked trucks to diagnose and fix the most common furnace repairs on the spot{1-(585)~562~0128*}, restoring your comfort and safety.
