Furnace Questions, Answered Straight

Most common furnace repairs land between $150 and $600, a flame sensor, igniter or capacitor on the low end; a blower motor or control board higher up. Bigger jobs like a heat exchanger run $1,200–$2,500+. We diagnose first, quote a flat rate before any work, and waive the diagnostic fee when you approve the repair. Our cost guide breaks it down part by part.

Most full furnace installations land between $4,500 and $9,500 depending on size, efficiency tier, fuel type and any duct or venting work. High-efficiency condensing models cost more upfront but cut your gas bill. We give a written, flat quote, and note any current utility rebates that apply.

Yes, a flat diagnostic fee covers a full system check, not just a glance at the obvious part, and it's waived when you go ahead with the repair. You'll always know the number before we come out.

Most often it's a dirty flame sensor: the furnace can't confirm the flame, so it shuts the gas off for safety and the blower pushes cool air. A thermostat set to "on" instead of "auto" does the same thing. Other causes include a failed igniter or a tripped high-limit from a clogged filter. Our troubleshooting guide has the full checklist.

That's called short cycling, and the #1 cause is a clogged air filter restricting airflow, which overheats the furnace and trips its safety limit. Other causes include a dirty flame sensor, a failing limit switch, or an oversized furnace. Try a fresh filter first; if it continues, call us.

A faint "hot dust" smell in the first hour of the season is normal, dust burning off the heat exchanger. A rotten-egg / gas smell or a persistent burning-plastic smell is not, shut the furnace off and call. If you smell gas strongly or a CO alarm sounds, leave the house and call from outside. See our emergency page.

No. One reset after a power blip is fine, but if it trips again, stop. A repeatedly tripping breaker is a real electrical fault, and resetting it over and over risks damage or worse. Leave it off and give us a call.

Typically 15–20 years here. Our mild, damp climate is relatively easy on furnaces, but maintenance is what decides whether you land at 15 or 20. We cover the wear signs in our furnace lifespan guide.

Under about 12 years, almost always yes. Past 15 it depends on the repair, a $250 igniter is worth it at any age, but a $2,000 heat exchanger on an 18-year-old furnace usually isn't. We'll show you the honest math against a replacement and let you choose.

If your home has natural gas, a gas furnace is usually cheaper to run here and is the most common choice. Electric furnaces cost less to install and need less maintenance, but more to run. Where it fits, a heat pump paired with a furnace (dual-fuel) can be the most efficient of all. See our furnace types guide.

Once a year, ideally in early fall before the heating season. An annual tune-up lowers your bills, prevents most winter breakdowns, keeps your warranty valid, and includes a safety check of the heat exchanger. Between visits, change your filter every 1–3 months.

Yes. We hold same-day slots across Bellevue and the Eastside and run an after-hours emergency line for evening, weekend and no-heat situations. Call early in the day for the best chance at a same-day visit.

Bellevue and the surrounding Eastside, including Redmond, Kirkland, Issaquah, Sammamish, Newcastle, Mercer Island, Renton, Bothell, Woodinville, Medina and Clyde Hill. See our service areas page, and if you're nearby but not listed, just ask.

Yes, we're a licensed and insured Washington heating contractor, and our technicians are background-checked. Working with a licensed contractor protects your home, your warranty and you.