Expert Furnace Repair Services in Ann Arbor & Washtenaw County
Michigan winters are brutal, and a broken furnace is more than an inconvenience—it's an emergency. Ann Arbor HVAC Pros connects you with experienced, licensed heating contractors who serve Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, and throughout Washtenaw County.
Our network of trusted furnace repair professionals services all types of heating systems, including natural gas furnaces, propane furnaces, electric furnaces, oil furnaces, and high-efficiency condensing units.
What Does Furnace Repair Include?
Professional furnace repair service typically involves:
- Complete System Diagnostics: Identifying the exact problem using specialized testing equipment
- Ignition System Repairs: Fixing pilot lights, electronic igniters, and flame sensors
- Blower Motor Service: Repairing or replacing faulty motors, belts, and bearings
- Heat Exchanger Inspection: Checking for cracks that could cause dangerous carbon monoxide leaks
- Thermostat Troubleshooting: Diagnosing communication issues between your thermostat and furnace
- Gas Valve & Pressure Testing: Ensuring proper gas flow and pressure for safe, efficient operation
- Control Board Repairs: Fixing electrical components that control furnace operations
- Air Filter Replacement: Installing new filters to improve airflow and efficiency
- Safety Testing: Verifying carbon monoxide levels and all safety controls function properly
Signs Your Furnace Needs Repair
Don't wait until you're without heat. Watch for these warning signs that indicate your furnace needs professional attention:
- No Heat or Insufficient Heat: Furnace runs but doesn't produce enough warmth
- Frequent Cycling: System turns on and off repeatedly without reaching target temperature
- Strange Noises: Banging, screeching, rattling, or grinding sounds during operation
- Yellow Pilot Light: Should be blue; yellow indicates incomplete combustion and potential CO risk
- High Energy Bills: Sudden spikes in heating costs without increased usage
- Thermostat Issues: Furnace doesn't respond to temperature adjustments
- Cold Air Blowing: System runs but blows cold or room-temperature air
- Bad Smells: Burning, musty, or rotten egg odors (rotten egg smell = gas leak, evacuate immediately)
- Visible Rust or Corrosion: Signs of aging that may indicate serious issues
- Excessive Dust: More dust than normal circulating through your home
🚨 24/7 Emergency Furnace Repair
When your furnace fails in the middle of a Michigan winter, you need immediate help. Many Ann Arbor heating contractors offer 24/7 emergency furnace repair service. Emergency technicians prioritize calls based on temperature—when it's below freezing, you get faster response. Most emergency services arrive within 2-4 hours.
Average Furnace Repair Costs in Ann Arbor
Furnace repair costs in the Ann Arbor area depend on the specific problem, furnace type, age, and parts availability. Here's what you can typically expect:
Typical Furnace Repair Pricing
- Service Call/Diagnostic Fee: $75 - $150 (often waived if you proceed with repairs)
- Thermostat Repair: $100 - $300 (calibration, wiring, or replacement)
- Igniter Replacement: $150 - $400 (most common repair for modern furnaces)
- Flame Sensor Cleaning/Replacement: $80 - $250
- Blower Motor Repair: $400 - $800 (motor replacement, capacitor, or belt)
- Gas Valve Replacement: $300 - $750
- Control Board Replacement: $400 - $1,000
- Heat Exchanger Replacement: $1,200 - $2,500 (often makes more sense to replace entire furnace)
- Limit Switch Replacement: $150 - $350
- Emergency Service Premium: Add $100 - $300 for after-hours, weekend, or holiday calls
Replacement vs. Repair: If your furnace is over 15 years old and repair costs exceed $1,000, replacement often makes more financial sense. New furnaces are significantly more efficient and reliable.
Common Furnace Problems in Michigan
Ann Arbor's cold winters put extra strain on heating systems. Here are the most common furnace issues local contractors encounter:
- Cracked Heat Exchanger: Caused by thermal expansion/contraction over many heating cycles
- Failed Igniter: Modern furnaces use electronic igniters that eventually wear out
- Dirty Flame Sensor: Prevents furnace from staying lit; simple cleaning often fixes it
- Blower Motor Failure: Heavy usage during long winters wears out motors
- Clogged Air Filters: Restricts airflow, causing overheating and system shutdowns
- Thermostat Malfunction: Wiring issues, dead batteries, or calibration problems
Why Choose Local Ann Arbor Furnace Contractors?
Working with local heating professionals offers critical advantages:
- Emergency Response: Local contractors can reach you within hours, not days
- Parts Availability: Established relationships with local suppliers mean faster repairs
- Michigan Experience: Understand the demands of severe Michigan winters
- Code Knowledge: Familiar with Washtenaw County building and safety codes
- Community Reputation: Local businesses depend on referrals and maintain high standards
- Follow-Up Service: Easy to reach for warranty work or ongoing maintenance
Preventive Maintenance Prevents Breakdowns
Most furnace breakdowns happen on the coldest days of the year when systems are running constantly. Annual furnace maintenance ($100-$200) catches problems before they become emergencies. Maintenance includes cleaning, safety testing, and efficiency optimization. Many contractors offer fall tune-up specials before heating season begins.
What to Do When Your Furnace Stops Working
Before calling for emergency service, try these quick checks:
- Check your thermostat—make sure it's set to "heat" and temperature is above current room temp
- Replace your air filter if it's dirty or clogged
- Check your circuit breaker—furnaces have a dedicated breaker that may have tripped
- Look for the furnace power switch (looks like a light switch near the unit)—make sure it's on
- If you smell gas, evacuate immediately and call 911, then your gas company
If none of these fixes work, it's time to call a professional. Never attempt to repair gas furnace components yourself—improper repairs can cause carbon monoxide leaks or gas explosions.