Furnace Repair in Elmhurst, IL

Common Furnace Problems We Repair

Furnace problems do not always begin with a complete loss of heat. Changes in sound, airflow, temperature, or operating cycles may indicate that something is starting to fail.

Call us if you notice:

• The furnace will not turn on
• The furnace runs but produces little or no heat
• The system starts and stops repeatedly
• The furnace shuts down before reaching the thermostat setting
• The blower runs continuously
• Airflow from the vents is weak
• Some rooms remain much colder than others
• The furnace makes banging, rattling, squealing, or grinding noises
• The furnace or thermostat displays an error code
• The pilot light or ignition system is not working
• The furnace repeatedly requires a reset
• You notice unusual odors during operation
• Your heating bills have increased unexpectedly
• A carbon monoxide detector has activated

Some symptoms may have a relatively simple cause. Others can indicate an electrical, airflow, venting, ignition, combustion, or mechanical problem.

We inspect the system to determine the actual cause rather than replacing parts based only on a symptom.

What to Check Before Calling for Furnace Repair

A few basic checks may resolve a simple problem without requiring a service visit.

Before calling, you can safely check:

• That the thermostat is set to Heat
• That the thermostat temperature is set above the room temperature
• Whether the thermostat display is blank or needs new batteries
• That the furnace power switch has not been turned off
• Whether the furnace circuit breaker has tripped
• That the filter is not completely blocked with dirt
• That supply and return-air vents are open and unobstructed
• Whether the furnace access panel is fully closed

A circuit breaker can be reset once if it has tripped. If it trips again, leave it off and call for service.

Do not remove furnace components, bypass safety controls, attempt gas-piping repairs, or repeatedly reset a furnace that will not remain operating.

If you smell gas, leave the building and contact your gas utility or emergency services from a safe location.

How We Diagnose a Furnace Problem

A good repair begins with an accurate diagnosis.

Depending on the furnace and the reported problem, our technician may inspect or test:

• Thermostat operation
• Furnace electrical power
• Safety switches and controls
• Ignition components
• Flame sensors
• Burners and flame operation
• Gas valve operation
• Blower motors and capacitors
• Circuit boards and relays
• Airflow and filter conditions
• Limit controls
• Pressure switches
• Inducer motors
• Condensate drains and traps
• Accessible furnace venting
• The heat exchanger
• Overall heating-system operation

After identifying the problem, we explain what we found and discuss the recommended repair.

Upfront Furnace Repair Pricing

You should understand the recommended work and its cost before the repair is completed.

After diagnosing the furnace, we will explain:

• What is causing the problem
• Which component or condition needs attention
• The repair we recommend
• The price of the proposed work
• Any relevant concerns about the furnace’s age or overall condition

Additional repair work is not completed without your approval.

We believe clear communication is especially important when you are already dealing with the inconvenience of a furnace breakdown.

Furnace Repair or Furnace Replacement?

Not every older furnace needs to be replaced, and not every repair is the best long-term investment.

When a furnace can be repaired safely and reasonably, we will explain that option. When the equipment has serious deterioration, repeated failures, unavailable parts, or a repair that may not make financial sense, we will discuss replacement as well.

Factors to consider include:

• The furnace’s age
• The cost of the current repair
• Previous repair history
• Overall equipment condition
• Heat-exchanger condition
• Availability of replacement parts
• Current comfort and airflow problems
• Energy use
• Whether you plan to remain in the home
• The likelihood of additional near-term repairs

We will explain the advantages and disadvantages of each option so you can make an informed decision.

The choice remains yours.

Furnace Ignition and Flame-Sensor Problems

Modern furnaces use an electronic ignition system rather than a continuously burning pilot light.

If the furnace attempts to start but shuts down shortly afterward, the problem may involve the ignition system, flame sensor, gas supply, safety controls, venting, or another component.

A dirty flame sensor can sometimes cause furnace shutdowns, but similar symptoms can have several different causes. The system should be properly tested before a component is cleaned or replaced.

Furnace Blower and Airflow Problems

The blower moves heated air from the furnace through your home’s ductwork.

Blower and airflow problems may cause:

• Weak airflow from the vents
• Furnace overheating
• Frequent cycling
• Unusual motor noises
• A blower that will not start
• A blower that will not shut off
• Uneven temperatures
• Premature wear on furnace components

Possible causes include a dirty or incorrect filter, blower-wheel buildup, motor failure, electrical problems, control issues, blocked ductwork, or an improperly designed return-air system.

We evaluate both the furnace and the airflow conditions affecting its operation.

High-Efficiency Furnace Repair

High-efficiency furnaces have additional components and operating requirements compared with many older furnaces.

Problems may involve:

• Condensate drains
• Drain traps
• Pressure switches
• Inducer assemblies
• Intake or exhaust piping
• Ignition controls
• Secondary heat exchangers
• Circuit boards
• Venting obstructions

Because several of these components work together during startup, the displayed error code does not always identify the underlying cause by itself.

Proper testing is necessary before replacing parts.

Furnace Safety Concerns

Stop operating the furnace and call for professional help if you notice:

• A gas odor
• Soot or scorch marks
• Smoke
• Melted wiring
• Repeated electrical problems
• Flames or rollout outside the burner area
• Severe banging, grinding, or vibrating
• Water leaking into electrical components
• A carbon monoxide alarm

Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless. Every home with fuel-burning equipment should have working carbon monoxide detectors installed in appropriate locations according to the detector manufacturer’s instructions and applicable local requirements.

Never ignore a carbon monoxide alarm or disable a furnace safety control to keep the equipment running.

We Repair Many Furnace Makes and Models

Our technicians service many brands of residential and light-commercial furnaces, including equipment installed by other HVAC companies.

The ability to complete a repair may depend on the furnace’s condition, the availability of the correct replacement part, and whether the equipment can be operated safely.

When an older or unusual part is not immediately available, we will explain the situation and discuss the practical options.

Commercial Furnace and Heating Repair

Unlimited Heating & Cooling also provides heating repair for many light-commercial properties.

We service equipment in locations such as:

• Offices
• Retail spaces
• Small commercial buildings
• Rental properties
• Professional offices
• Light-industrial spaces
• Rooftop and packaged-unit applications

We understand that heating-system downtime can affect employees, tenants, customers, and business operations. We work to diagnose the problem efficiently and communicate clearly with the responsible owner, tenant, or property manager.

Prevent Future Furnace Problems

Routine furnace maintenance can help identify worn or deteriorating components before they cause an unexpected shutdown.

During maintenance, we inspect important safety and operating components, evaluate the condition of the equipment, and bring developing concerns to your attention.

Maintenance cannot prevent every mechanical failure, but it can reduce avoidable problems and give you a better understanding of your furnace’s condition.

Why Choose Unlimited Heating & Cooling?

Unlimited Heating & Cooling has served Elmhurst and the surrounding western suburbs since 1984.

Homeowners and businesses choose us for:

• More than 40 years of local HVAC experience
• Family-owned and operated service
• Prompt attention to heating problems
• Thorough furnace diagnostics
• Straightforward explanations
• Upfront pricing
• Repair options discussed before work begins
• Service for many furnace makes and models
• Residential and light-commercial experience
• Licensed and insured HVAC service
• Work that we stand behind

Our objective is not simply to get the furnace running temporarily. We want to identify the cause, make an appropriate repair, and help you understand the condition of your heating system.

Furnace Repair Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my furnace running but not producing heat?

Possible causes include an incorrect thermostat setting, ignition failure, burner problems, a dirty flame sensor, restricted airflow, a control problem, or another system malfunction. A technician can test the furnace and identify the specific cause.

Why does my furnace keep turning on and off?

Frequent starting and stopping is often called short cycling. It may be caused by restricted airflow, an overheating furnace, thermostat problems, an improperly sized system, a dirty flame sensor, or a failing component.

Should I turn my furnace off if it is making noise?

A minor sound does not always indicate an emergency, but loud banging, grinding, scraping, severe vibration, or a sudden new noise should not be ignored. Shut the system off if the noise appears serious or if you notice a burning odor, smoke, or another safety concern.

Can a dirty filter cause furnace problems?

Yes. A severely restricted filter can reduce airflow, cause the furnace to overheat, increase operating strain, and contribute to repeated shutdowns. Always use the correct filter size and an appropriate filter type for the system.

Do you repair furnaces installed by other companies?

Yes. We repair many furnace makes and models, including equipment installed by other HVAC contractors.

How will I know whether to repair or replace my furnace?

We consider the furnace’s age, condition, repair cost, service history, parts availability, safety, and expected future reliability. We will explain both options when replacement deserves consideration, but the final decision is yours.

Do you provide furnace repair for businesses?

Yes. We provide furnace and heating-system repair for many light-commercial properties in Elmhurst and nearby western suburbs.

What should I do if my carbon monoxide detector goes off?

Move everyone—including pets—to fresh air and contact emergency services or your gas utility from a safe location. Do not assume that the alarm is defective, and do not resume furnace operation until the situation has been evaluated.

Schedule Furnace Repair

Whether your furnace has stopped completely or is showing signs of a developing problem, Unlimited Heating & Cooling is ready to help.

We provide furnace repair in Elmhurst, Villa Park, Lombard, Downers Grove, and surrounding communities throughout DuPage County and western Cook County.

Call today to schedule furnace service.