Common furnace problems and how a technician fixes them
| The problem | Usual cause | What the technician does |
|---|---|---|
| Furnace won't light | Dirty flame sensor, failed hot surface igniter or a gas supply problem | Cleans the sensor, replaces the igniter or checks the gas valve |
| Blowing cold air | Pilot or burner not lighting, or a tripped limit switch from overheating | Finds why the burner shut down and fixes the cause |
| Short cycling | Clogged filter, dirty flame sensor or a thermostat problem | Restores airflow and checks the controls |
| Loud banging or squealing | Delayed ignition, or a worn blower motor or belt | Cleans the burners or repairs the blower |
| Carbon monoxide alarm sounds | Possible cracked heat exchanger or blocked venting | Leave the home first, then a technician inspects the heat exchanger and flue |
Heating or cooling problem right now?
Tell us what's happening and where you are. Calls are answered 24/7, and it's free to call.
What to check before you call
- The thermostat is set to heat, set above room temperature, and has working batteries
- The furnace switch (it looks like a light switch near the unit) is on, and the breaker hasn't tripped
- The filter isn't clogged; a blocked filter can make the furnace overheat and shut itself off
- The furnace door panel is closed properly, because a safety switch stops the furnace if it isn't
If the furnace still won't heat, call 317-314-8486. Don't keep resetting it.
Common furnace repairs and what they cost
| Repair | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Typical furnace repair | $130 to $500 |
| Thermostat | $150 to $350 |
| Hot surface igniter | $150 to $300 |
| Blower motor | $200 to $700 |
Source: national figures from Angi, HVAC repair cost (national). Many no heat calls turn out to be a dirty flame sensor, which is one of the quickest fixes.
Cracked heat exchangers and carbon monoxide
A cracked heat exchanger can let carbon monoxide into the air you breathe. Signs include a carbon monoxide alarm, soot around the furnace, a burner flame that flickers or lifts, and headaches or nausea that ease when you leave the house. If your alarm sounds, get everyone outside first, then call 911 or your gas utility. Make sure you have working carbon monoxide alarms near bedrooms.
Furnace replacement in Indianapolis
Angi puts the average new furnace in Indianapolis at $4,626, with typical prices between about $2,818 and $6,462 (Angi, new furnace cost in Indianapolis). Furnaces usually last 15 to 20 years. If yours is in that range and needs a major repair, ask for a replacement quote too. See the furnace and AC replacement cost guide.
No heat in a cold snap
When the furnace is out in freezing weather, pipes in exterior walls, crawlspaces and garages can freeze within hours. Open cabinet doors under sinks on outside walls, let a faucet drip, and read our frozen pipes guide while you wait for the technician.
If you smell gas or your carbon monoxide alarm sounds
Don't try to fix it yourself. Leave the building, don't switch lights or appliances on or off, and call your gas utility or 911 from outside. Citizens Energy Group supplies natural gas in Indianapolis; suburbs may have a different gas utility. Once the utility says it's safe, call us to be connected with a licensed technician for the repair.
Where can I get furnace repair near me?
We take furnace repair calls from across Indianapolis and Marion County and from these central Indiana towns. Call 317-314-8486 with your ZIP code and we'll connect you with a licensed technician who works near you.
- Indianapolis, IN
- Carmel, IN
- Fishers, IN
- Westfield, IN
- Noblesville, IN
- Zionsville, IN
- Lebanon, IN
- Greenwood, IN
- Franklin, IN
- Avon, IN
- Brownsburg, IN
- Mooresville, IN
- Greenfield, IN
- Shelbyville, IN
How this works: Plumbers in Indianapolis Today is a referral service. When you call 317-314-8486, we connect you with an independent, licensed heating and cooling contractor who serves your area. The contractor quotes, performs and stands behind the work, not us.
Related heating and cooling help
- Heating and cooling in Indianapolis
- AC and heat pump repair
- Furnace repair
- Furnace and AC replacement cost
Why is my furnace blowing cold air?
Usually the burners aren't lighting or have shut off for safety. Common causes are a dirty flame sensor, a failed igniter, a clogged filter that makes the furnace overheat, or a gas supply problem. A technician can find which one.
Is no heat an emergency?
It can be in freezing weather, especially with young children, older adults or pipes at risk of freezing. Call 317-314-8486; calls are answered 24/7.
How long does a furnace last?
Most gas furnaces last around 15 to 20 years with annual maintenance. Past that age, frequent repairs are a sign to price a replacement.