Avilla, IN Heating System Fixes: Top 5 Furnace Issues

Estimated Read Time: 11 minutes

A failing furnace can turn a Fort Wayne cold snap into a real emergency. If you’re searching for furnace repair near me, this guide shows quick, safe fixes you can try now and when to call a pro. We’ll cover the most common issues, simple steps to restore heat, and proven ways to prevent breakdowns. Bonus: check our $69 Furnace Tune-Up with a No Breakdown Guarantee below.

1) Furnace Will Not Turn On

When your furnace will not start, check simple items before assuming a major failure.

Steps to try now:

1. Verify power and settings
2. • Confirm the thermostat is on Heat and set 3–5 degrees above room temperature.
   • Replace thermostat batteries if applicable.
   • Ensure the furnace switch near the unit is On. Check the breaker and reset if tripped.
2. Check the air filter
3. • A clogged filter can trigger safety limits and lockouts. Replace a dirty filter with the same size and airflow direction.
3. Inspect the condensate line (high-efficiency units)
4. • If the drain pan is full or the line is blocked, the safety switch can stop your furnace. Clear the line gently with a wet/dry vac.
4. For gas furnaces, confirm the gas supply
5. • Make sure the gas valve at the furnace is parallel to the pipe. If you smell gas, stop and call a professional immediately.

Call a pro if:

• The breaker trips again after reset.
• You smell gas, hear arcing, or see water around the furnace.
• The control board shows a repeated error code.

Local insight: In Fort Wayne, fast temperature swings can cause condensate lines to freeze in unconditioned spaces. Insulating or heat-taping that line can prevent future no-heat calls.

2) Furnace Blows Cold Air

Cold air from the vents usually points to a fuel, ignition, or airflow problem.

Quick checks:

1. Thermostat fan setting
2. • If Fan is set to On, the blower runs constantly and may blow room-temperature air between heat cycles. Set it to Auto.
2. Pilot and ignition
3. • Older units: a pilot that won’t stay lit often needs cleaning or a new thermocouple.
   • Newer units: hot surface igniters crack with age. If you see a glow but no flame, the gas valve or igniter may be failing.
3. Filter and returns
4. • A severely clogged filter can overheat the furnace and trigger limit switches. Replace the filter and make sure return grilles are open.
4. Heat pump systems in heat mode
5. • If you run a dual‑fuel or heat pump system, verify it is not in emergency heat accidentally. Incorrect modes lead to poor warmth and high bills.

Call a pro if:

• The flame lights and shuts off after a few seconds. This points to a flame sensor or control board issue.
• You get warm air for a minute, then cold. That often means a limit switch is tripping due to airflow or blower problems.

3) Short Cycling or Frequent On/Off

If your furnace starts and stops every few minutes, you are wasting energy and risking a breakdown.

What to do first:

1. Replace the filter
2. • A simple filter change often resolves overheating and limit trips.
2. Check supply and return vents
3. • Keep at least 80 percent of vents open. Closing too many registers increases static pressure and causes cycling.
3. Thermostat location
4. • If the thermostat sits near a heat source or direct sun, it can misread room temperature. Consider relocating or using remote sensors.
4. Verify exhaust and intake
5. • High-efficiency furnaces rely on clear intake and exhaust pipes. Outside terminations can ice over in lake-effect cold snaps. Clear snow and ice gently.

Call a pro if:

• You hear the inducer and igniter, but the flame dies quickly.
• The control board flashes repeated error codes for pressure switch or limit faults.

4) Strange Noises: Banging, Screeching, or Rattling

Unusual sounds are your furnace asking for attention.

Common causes and fast checks:

• Banging at startup
• 1. Delayed ignition can make a small boom. Turn the system off and call a pro. A dirty burner or weak igniter may be the cause.
• Screeching or squealing
• 1. A worn blower belt or dry motor bearings are likely. If safe, kill power at the switch and visually inspect the belt. Do not add oil unless your motor is rated for it.
• Rattling
• 1. Loose panels or ductwork can vibrate. Tighten screws and add a small piece of foil tape on loose duct seams.
• Whistling
• 1. Air leaks at the filter slot or a filter that is too restrictive can whistle. Confirm the correct filter MERV and seal gaps.

Call a pro if:

• You hear grinding from the blower motor.
• Banging grows worse or recurs, which could indicate unsafe combustion.

5) Rising Energy Bills With Weak Heat

If bills climb while comfort drops, the system is working too hard.

Immediate steps:

1. Replace or clean the filter
2. • A clean filter lowers energy use because the furnace does not have to work as hard to push air.
2. Inspect the ductwork
3. • Look for disconnected or crushed ducts in attics, crawl spaces, or basements. Reseal small leaks with foil tape, not cloth duct tape.
3. Check blower speed and vents
4. • Ensure furniture is not blocking supply vents. If rooms are uneven, ask about a blower speed adjustment or zoning.
4. Schedule a tune-up
5. • Annual maintenance before winter helps keep gas pressure, combustion, and safety controls in spec. Our technicians arrive in fully stocked trucks and can perform most tune-ups on the first visit.

When to call a professional immediately:

• You see a flickering or yellow flame on a gas furnace. Proper combustion should be steady and mostly blue.
• You suspect a cracked heat exchanger. That is a safety hazard and requires expert testing.

DIY vs. Pro: Know the Line

Homeowners can safely handle these items:

• Thermostat batteries and settings.
• Filter replacement and clearing around vents.
• Gently clearing snow or ice from outdoor intake and exhaust pipes.
• Cleaning a flame sensor only if you can isolate power and gas confidently.

Hire a professional for:

• Gas pressure checks and fuel-line leak tests.
• Igniter, gas valve, control board, and safety limit repairs.
• Heat exchanger inspections and combustion analysis.

Fact check for safety:

• Combustion systems should be paired with carbon monoxide detectors on each level of the home.
• Our team verifies gas pressure and checks fuel lines for leaks during tune-ups and installations to meet safety best practices.

Prevent Breakdowns: What a Professional Furnace Tune-Up Includes

A thorough tune-up catches small issues before they become emergencies and can extend equipment life.

Our maintenance steps include:

1. Unblock or unclog outages from vents or filters.
2. Ensure the heat exchanger is properly filtering toxins.
3. Assess the blower and lubricate mechanical components when applicable.
4. Repair malfunctioning electrical connections and inspect electrical sensors.
5. Ensure the thermometer is calibrated and system controls cycle safely.
6. Replace and clean filters.
7. Ensure fuel lines do not leak and verify proper gas pressure on combustion units.

Benefits you will notice:

• Lower energy bills with improved airflow and combustion.
• Better indoor air quality from clean filters and blowers.
• Longer equipment life and fewer surprise breakdowns.
• Peace of mind with our No Breakdown Guarantee on qualifying $69 tune-ups.

Repair or Replace: A Quick Decision Guide

Use this simple framework when facing a costly repair.

Consider replacement if:

• Your furnace is 12–15 years old and needs a major part like a heat exchanger, control board, or blower motor.
• Utility bills are rising and comfort is uneven across rooms.
• You want quieter, higher-efficiency heat or plan to add IAQ upgrades like a better filter or humidifier.

Consider repair if:

• The unit is under 10 years old and has a single failing component with strong parts availability.
• Issues are maintenance-related, like a dirty flame sensor, minor wiring fault, or clogged filter.

Budget help:

• We offer $2,500 off full furnace replacement or 0 percent financing on approved credit. Manufacturer warranties back new installs, and we handle registration so you get full coverage.

Service Areas We Reach Fast

We prioritize same‑day heat restoration in:

• Fort Wayne
• New Haven
• Auburn
• Huntertown
• Kendallville
• Garrett
• Leo and Leo‑Cedarville
• Albion
• Avilla

Our technicians are available seven days a week, and emergency crews are on call 24/7 in peak cold.

Special Offers for Fort Wayne Homeowners

• Special Offer: Furnace Tune Up & Inspection $69. Expires in 30 days. Mention this special when you call.
• No Breakdown Guarantee: If your furnace breaks down after our $69 tune-up, we will refund your money. Conditions apply.
• Replacement Savings: Save $2,500 on a full furnace replacement or ask about 0% interest financing on approved credit.
• Repair Savings: $0 service call with any paid repair this month. Mention this special when booking.

Call (260) 222-8183 or schedule at https://www.summersphc.com/fort-wayne/.

What Homeowners Are Saying

"Zack and Brandon installed our new heating system. they did an amazing job and I would definitely have them again... they were polite and professional."
–Christopher B., Heating System Installation

"Shaun Thompson was awesome!!! My furnace went out with freezing temps outside and my temperature started dropping very quickly inside my house!! They were the first person I called and they were out within a few hours!!!!"
–Tori G., Emergency Furnace Repair

"Grant came out today to service my furnace and humidification system. He was very personable, knowledgeable, and was very thorough... showed me a few things that I wasn't aware of that would make my system function more efficiently."
–Christine O., Furnace Maintenance

"The people that installed my new furnace were very professional, on time, and did a very good job. Thank you Greg, Gage, Aaron ,Josh, and Zach."
–Nichole C., Furnace Installation

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my furnace running but not heating?

Check the thermostat mode, filter, and gas supply. If the flame lights then shuts off, the flame sensor or control board may be at fault. Call a pro for diagnostics and gas safety checks.

How often should I schedule furnace maintenance?

Once a year, ideally before cold weather. Annual service keeps gas pressure, electrical connections, and safety controls in spec. It also helps lower energy bills and extends equipment life.

Is it safe to relight my pilot light myself?

If your manual shows a standing pilot, you can follow it carefully. If you smell gas, stop and call a professional. Many modern furnaces use electronic ignition and do not have a pilot.

What filter should I use for best performance?

Use the size listed on your furnace and select a MERV that balances filtration with airflow. Overly restrictive filters can cause limit trips and higher energy use.

When should I replace instead of repair?

Consider replacement if the unit is 12–15 years old and needs a major part, or if comfort is uneven and bills are rising. New systems offer higher efficiency, quieter operation, and strong warranties.

In Summary

Most furnace issues start with airflow, ignition, or safety shutdowns. Start with filters, settings, and clear vents, then call for professional testing if problems persist. For fast help with furnace repair near me in Fort Wayne and nearby cities, our team is ready with fully stocked trucks and 24/7 emergency support.

Ready to Restore Heat Now?

Call Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling at (260) 222-8183 or book at https://www.summersphc.com/fort-wayne/.

Mention our $69 Furnace Tune-Up with No Breakdown Guarantee or ask about $2,500 off a full furnace replacement. Get same‑day service, transparent pricing, and results backed by 50+ years of local experience.

About Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling For over 50 years, Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling has helped Fort Wayne homes stay safe and comfortable. Our licensed, background-checked technicians service gas and electric furnaces, heat pumps, and geothermal systems. We offer value pricing, a price‑match guarantee, 24/7 emergency service, and fully stocked trucks to finish most jobs the same day. We stand behind our work with manufacturer warranties and our No Breakdown Guarantee on tune-ups. Local, dependable, and committed to your comfort.