Furnace & Heating Repair
Most heating calls in this area arrive in the first genuinely cold week of the season, on systems that sat untouched since spring. Flat $85 diagnostic, price quoted before work starts.
What we get called for
- Furnace will not ignite or lights and immediately shuts off
- Blower runs but the air coming out is cold
- System short-cycles — on and off every few minutes
- Burning smell on the first startup of the season
- Loud bang or boom at ignition
- Thermostat calls for heat and nothing happens
- Carbon monoxide alarm has sounded
The safety check is not optional
Every heating call includes a heat exchanger inspection and a combustion check. A cracked heat exchanger can put carbon monoxide into the air the blower distributes through the house, and it is not something that can be repaired — a cracked exchanger means the furnace is condemned.
If we find one, we will tell you plainly, red-tag the unit, and walk you through options. If your CO alarm has already gone off, leave the house and call the fire department first, then call us.
What usually fails
Short-cycling and no-ignition faults are most often a dirty flame sensor, a failed igniter, a blocked condensate drain on a high-efficiency unit, or a pressure switch reading a restricted flue. These are inexpensive parts and same-visit repairs.
A bang at ignition is different — that is usually delayed ignition from dirty burners, and it should be looked at rather than lived with. All repairs carry a 90-day warranty.
Want it looked at?
Flat $85 diagnostic across Contra Costa, Alameda, Solano & Napa Counties. Mon–Sat, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Mon–Sat, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Flat $85 diagnostic · CSLB #1107541
Common Questions
Why is my furnace blowing cold air?
Usually the burners are not staying lit — commonly a dirty flame sensor — so the blower keeps running while the heat exchanger cools. It can also mean the thermostat fan is set to ON instead of AUTO, which runs the blower continuously between heating cycles.
Why does my furnace turn on and off repeatedly?
Short-cycling is typically a dirty flame sensor, a restricted filter causing the limit switch to trip, a blocked condensate drain, or a flue obstruction. It can also mean the furnace is oversized for the house. It is worth diagnosing rather than ignoring, because the cycling itself accelerates wear.
Is a burning smell from my furnace dangerous?
Dust burning off the heat exchanger on the first run of the season is normal and clears within an hour. A smell that is acrid, electrical, or persistent is not — shut the system off and call us. Any smell of gas means leave the building and call your gas utility first.
How long do furnaces last?
Fifteen to twenty years is typical, longer with regular maintenance. Past that, the calculation shifts: parts availability drops and efficiency has usually fallen well behind what current equipment delivers.
Request Service
Tell us what's going on and we'll get back to you. Diagnostic visits are a flat $85. Prefer to talk? Call (925) 433-6400.