Furnace Not Heating in Texas?
Fast Solutions for Heating System Problems
When your furnace stops working during cold Texas nights, you need immediate help. Our expert technicians quickly diagnose and fix heating problems to restore warmth to your home.
If you smell gas, leave your home immediately and call your gas company from outside. Never attempt to repair gas heating systems yourself.
Don't spend the night in the cold. Call us immediately at (817) 704-0706 for emergency heating system repair throughout central Texas.
Why Your Furnace Isn't Heating in Central Texas
Texas winters may be milder than northern states, but when temperatures drop below freezing and your furnace fails, it becomes a serious comfort and safety concern. Heating system failures can range from simple thermostat issues to dangerous gas leaks or carbon monoxide risks that require immediate professional attention.
Our certified HVAC technicians specialize in diagnosing and repairing all types of heating system problems throughout central Texas. We understand that Texas homes often have unique heating challenges, including dual-fuel systems, heat pumps that struggle in cold weather, and furnaces that sit unused for months before winter demands.
Most heating failures occur during the first cold snap of the season when systems that have been dormant suddenly need to operate efficiently. Common issues include pilot lights that won't stay lit after months of disuse, dirty components that prevent proper operation, and electrical connections that have loosened during the hot summer months.
Gas furnaces require particular attention to safety, as faulty heat exchangers or improper combustion can create carbon monoxide hazards. Our technicians are trained in gas safety protocols and use specialized equipment to detect potentially dangerous conditions before they threaten your family's health and safety.
Check thermostat settings and batteries, replace dirty air filter, ensure gas supply is on, and verify circuit breakers haven't tripped. If these don't help, call for professional service.
Top 15 Causes of Furnace Not Heating in Texas
- Thermostat Issues: Dead batteries, incorrect settings, or internal component failure
- Dirty Air Filter: Severely clogged filter blocking airflow and causing safety shutdowns
- Pilot Light Problems: Won't ignite, won't stay lit, or burning improperly
- Electronic Ignition Failure: Faulty ignitor preventing gas from lighting
- Gas Supply Issues: Closed valves, low pressure, or utility service interruption
- Electrical Problems: Tripped breakers, blown fuses, or loose connections
- Heat Exchanger Damage: Cracks or corrosion creating safety hazards
- Blower Motor Failure: Fan not circulating heated air through ductwork
- Flame Sensor Issues: Dirty or faulty sensor preventing proper operation
- Ductwork Problems: Disconnected, crushed, or blocked air distribution
- Limit Switch Failure: Safety device preventing furnace from operating
- Gas Valve Problems: Faulty valve preventing proper gas flow
- Control Board Issues: Electronic controls malfunctioning
- Venting Problems: Blocked flue or improper venting causing shutdowns
- Capacitor Failure: Electrical component preventing motor operation
Texas-Specific Heating Challenges
Central Texas heating systems face unique operational challenges that require specialized knowledge:
- Infrequent Use: Systems sitting idle for 6-8 months develop component issues
- Dual-Fuel Systems: Heat pumps with gas backup require complex troubleshooting
- Extreme Temperature Swings: Daily variations from 30°F to 70°F stress system components
- High Humidity: Moisture infiltration causes electrical and mechanical problems
- Dust and Debris: Texas winds carry contaminants that clog filters and components
- Power Grid Issues: Voltage fluctuations during winter storms damage controls
- Older Ductwork: Many homes have undersized or poorly insulated duct systems
- Mixed Heating Methods: Homes often combine central heat, space heaters, and fireplaces
Emergency Troubleshooting for Texas Homeowners
Before calling for professional service, try these safe troubleshooting steps:
- Check Thermostat: Verify it's set to "heat" and temperature is above current room temperature
- Replace Batteries: Install fresh batteries in programmable thermostats
- Inspect Air Filter: Replace if dirty or clogged (check monthly during heating season)
- Check Circuit Breakers: Reset any tripped breakers for furnace and thermostat
- Verify Gas Supply: Ensure gas meter valve is open and other gas appliances work
- Inspect Vents: Ensure all supply and return vents are open and unobstructed
- Check Outdoor Unit: For heat pumps, remove debris and check for ice formation
- Listen for Operation: Note if system attempts to start or makes unusual noises
- NEVER attempt gas repairs: Leave all gas-related work to licensed professionals
Critical Warning Signs Requiring Immediate Professional Service
- No Warm Air: System runs but produces no heat or only cold air
- Complete System Failure: Furnace won't start or respond to thermostat
- Gas Odors: ANY gas smell requires immediate evacuation and professional service
- Burning Smells: Electrical burning or overheating odors during operation
- Unusual Noises: Grinding, banging, squealing, or rattling sounds
- Pilot Light Issues: Won't light, won't stay lit, or burns yellow instead of blue
- Frequent Cycling: System turns on and off repeatedly without heating
- Carbon Monoxide Alarm: IMMEDIATE evacuation required - call 911
- Rust or Corrosion: Visible damage on heat exchanger or venting components
- Water Leaks: Moisture around furnace indicating condensation or structural problems
- Soot or Discoloration: Black marks around furnace or vents
- High Energy Bills: Dramatic increase in heating costs
- Uneven Heating: Some rooms warm while others remain cold
- Physical Symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, or flu-like symptoms (possible CO exposure)
Heat Pump vs. Furnace Problems in Texas
Many Texas homes use heat pumps or dual-fuel systems that present unique troubleshooting challenges:
- Heat Pump Ice Formation: Outdoor unit freezing in humid conditions
- Auxiliary Heat Issues: Electric backup strips or gas furnace not engaging
- Refrigerant Leaks: Reduced heating capacity and ice formation
- Defrost Cycle Problems: System stuck in defrost or not defrosting properly
- Switchover Issues: Automatic changeover between heat pump and furnace failing
- Outdoor Temperature Lockout: System switching to backup heat prematurely
- Thermostat Compatibility: Controls not properly managing dual-fuel operation
- Balance Point Problems: Inefficient operation during temperature transitions
Comprehensive Heating System Repair Solutions
Our certified technicians provide complete repair services for all heating system problems:
- Gas Safety Inspection: Complete leak detection and combustion analysis
- Ignition System Repair: Pilot light, electronic ignition, and flame sensor service
- Heat Exchanger Service: Inspection, cleaning, and replacement when necessary
- Blower Motor Repair: Motor replacement, bearing lubrication, and belt adjustment
- Electrical Repairs: Control board, capacitor, and wiring replacement
- Thermostat Service: Calibration, replacement, and programming assistance
- Ductwork Repair: Sealing leaks and repairing damaged distribution systems
- Gas Valve Replacement: Complete valve changeout and pressure testing
- Venting Repairs: Flue cleaning and proper venting restoration
- System Performance Tuning: Efficiency optimization and safety testing
Preventive Maintenance for Texas Heating Systems
Protect your heating investment and prevent mid-winter failures with these maintenance practices:
- Annual Professional Service: Complete inspection and tune-up before heating season
- Monthly Filter Changes: Replace filters regularly during heating months
- Thermostat Battery Replacement: Change batteries annually or when display dims
- Venting Inspection: Check flue pipes and outdoor vents for obstructions
- Gas Appliance Testing: Professional inspection of all gas connections
- Carbon Monoxide Detection: Install and maintain CO detectors throughout home
- Ductwork Cleaning: Remove debris that accumulates during off-season
- Heat Pump Maintenance: Outdoor unit cleaning and refrigerant level checks
- Emergency Preparedness: Keep backup heating plans for extreme weather
Heating System Repair Service Areas
We provide emergency heating system repair throughout central Texas:
Comprehensive Furnace Not Heating FAQ - Central Texas
When your furnace runs continuously without producing heat, the most common causes include ignition system problems (pilot light out or electronic ignition failure), gas supply issues (closed valves or low pressure), dirty air filters restricting airflow, or heat exchanger problems preventing proper heat transfer. In Texas, this often occurs after months of non-use when components have accumulated dust or developed mechanical issues. Professional diagnosis with gas detection equipment and combustion analysis is essential for safe and accurate problem identification.
Yes, heating system problems can create serious safety hazards including gas leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning, and fire risks. If you smell gas (rotten egg odor), experience headaches or dizziness, hear your carbon monoxide detector, or see yellow flames instead of blue, evacuate immediately and call professionals. Even seemingly minor issues like dirty filters or faulty limit switches can lead to dangerous conditions if ignored. Never attempt DIY repairs on gas heating systems.
We understand that heating emergencies during Texas winter weather require immediate response. Most heating problems can be diagnosed and repaired within 2-4 hours, depending on the complexity and parts availability. We stock common repair components including ignitors, flame sensors, capacitors, and thermostats on our service vehicles. For major repairs requiring specialized parts, we provide temporary heating solutions and expedited parts delivery. Emergency calls receive priority scheduling, often same-day service during cold weather events.
Heat pumps struggle when outdoor temperatures drop below 35°F, which is common during Texas winter storms. First, check if your auxiliary heat (backup heating) is engaging - you should feel warmer air and higher energy usage. If the outdoor unit is covered in ice, this may be normal defrost cycling, but thick ice buildup indicates problems. Check your thermostat settings and ensure it's set to "heat" not "auto." If the system isn't producing adequate heat, your backup heating system (electric strips or gas furnace) may have failed and requires immediate professional service.
Intermittent heating problems often indicate components that are beginning to fail but haven't completely broken yet. Common causes include a thermostat with loose wiring connections, a flame sensor that works when clean but fails when slightly dirty, an aging ignitor that sometimes doesn't get hot enough to light gas, or a heat exchanger with cracks that expand and contract with temperature changes. Texas weather temperature swings from 30°F to 70°F in the same day can stress these marginal components, causing unpredictable operation that requires professional diagnosis.
Absolutely! A severely clogged air filter is one of the most common causes of heating system failure, especially in Texas where dust levels are high and filters accumulate debris quickly. Restricted airflow causes the heat exchanger to overheat, triggering safety shutoffs that prevent the furnace from operating. Additionally, poor airflow can cause the limit switch to activate, completely shutting down the system until the filter is replaced and the system resets. During heating season, check filters monthly and replace when visibly dirty or airflow seems reduced.
Repair is typically recommended when specific components fail (ignitors, flame sensors, capacitors, thermostats) and the heat exchanger is sound - usually costing $200-$600. Replacement becomes more cost-effective when the heat exchanger is cracked (safety hazard), multiple major components fail simultaneously, or the system is over 15-18 years old with recurring problems. In Texas, older systems become increasingly unreliable and inefficient. We provide honest assessments comparing repair costs versus replacement benefits, considering system age, safety, efficiency, and long-term reliability for your specific situation.
Start by checking if the thermostat display is working and set correctly to "heat" with temperature above room temperature. Try replacing batteries if it's programmable. If the thermostat appears to be calling for heat (display shows "heating" or similar), but you don't hear the furnace attempting to start, the problem is likely in the heating system itself. If the furnace starts but produces no heat, this typically indicates ignition, gas supply, or heat exchanger problems. However, wiring issues between thermostat and furnace can cause confusing symptoms requiring professional electrical testing.
Pilot lights that won't stay lit typically indicate problems with the thermocouple (safety device that senses pilot flame), drafts affecting the pilot flame, or gas pressure issues. In Texas, this often occurs after extended periods of non-use when dust accumulates on components or when temperature and humidity changes affect gas pressure. A dirty pilot orifice can also cause weak flames that don't properly heat the thermocouple. Additionally, older thermocouples become less sensitive over time. This is a safety issue that requires professional attention, as improperly functioning pilot lights can create gas leaks or carbon monoxide hazards.
First, ensure everyone's safety - if you smell gas, evacuate immediately and call your gas company from outside. For other heating failures, check basic items: thermostat settings and batteries, air filter condition, and circuit breakers. Close off unused rooms and use ceiling fans on low to circulate warm air from other sources. Dress in layers and use safe supplemental heating like electric space heaters (never use ovens, grills, or unvented combustion heaters indoors). Open cabinet doors under sinks to prevent pipe freezing. Call for emergency heating repair immediately - we prioritize heating failures during freezing weather and provide same-day service.