Heating System Repair Etobicoke: Fast Furnace Fixes When Winter Bites
Three winters ago, a polar vortex pushed temperatures to -25°C for a week straight. Our phone rang non-stop starting at 6 AM. Furnaces across Etobicoke were giving up under the strain. Families in Kingsway, Alderwood, and Humber Summit needed heat immediately. We brought in every available technician and worked around the clock fixing frozen homes.
That's when heating system repair becomes life or death. When your furnace quits in the middle of a Canadian winter, you can't wait until Monday. You need help now. We stock common repair parts on every truck so most fixes happen the same day. No waiting in the cold while parts get shipped.
Common Furnace Problems We Fix
Furnaces fail in predictable patterns. Igniters crack and won't light the gas. Blower motors wear out and stop pushing air. Flame sensors get coated with soot and shut the system down for safety. Limit switches fail and prevent the furnace from starting.
We also see cracked heat exchangers leaking combustion gases, gas valves that stick or fail to open, thermostat malfunctions sending wrong signals, and circuit boards that control everything but can fail from power surges or age.
Each problem shows different symptoms. A furnace that won't start at all usually means igniter, flame sensor, or electrical issues. One that starts but shuts off quickly often has a failing limit switch or thermostat problem. A system running constantly without heating properly might have a bad blower motor or blocked venting.
Our technicians diagnose the actual cause, not just the symptoms. We test each component systematically until we find what's broken. Then we explain the problem in plain language and give you repair options with clear pricing.
What Happens During a Repair Call
When you call for heating system repair, we ask specific questions. Is your furnace completely dead or cycling on and off? Do you hear any sounds when it tries to start? Is the pilot light or igniter working? This information helps us bring the right parts and tools.
Our technician arrives in a marked truck with diagnostic equipment and common replacement parts for all major furnace brands. We test your system, identify the failed component, and provide a written estimate before starting any work.
Most repairs finish within 1-2 hours. Simple fixes like replacing an igniter or flame sensor take 30 minutes. More complex repairs like replacing a blower motor or circuit board might take longer, but your heat will be back on today unless parts need special ordering.
After repairs, we test your entire heating system to confirm safe operation. We check combustion, measure airflow, verify proper cycling, and make sure carbon monoxide levels are safe. You get a written invoice and warranty information for the work we performed.
Emergency Heating Repair Service
Furnace breakdowns don't follow schedules. Systems quit at night, on weekends, during holidays. When you have no heat in winter, you need emergency heating system repair immediately.
We answer calls 24/7 and dispatch technicians for true heating emergencies. Emergency service costs more than regular appointments because we're pulling techs from their time off to help you right away. But when your house is 10°C at midnight, the extra cost beats freezing.
We prioritize emergencies by safety risk. Families with infants, elderly residents, medical conditions requiring warm temperatures, or homes where pipes might freeze get bumped to the front of the line. Everyone else gets helped in the order calls arrive.
READY TO UPGRADE YOUR HEATING SYSTEM?
Repair or Replace? Making Smart Decisions
Sometimes repair doesn't make financial sense. If your furnace is 18 years old and needs a $1,500 heat exchanger replacement, you're better off spending $4,000 on a new furnace that will last another 15-20 years.
We use a simple rule: if the repair costs more than 40% of a new furnace's price and your system is past its expected lifespan, replacement usually wins. You get better efficiency, modern safety features, lower operating costs, and years of reliable heating.
But if your furnace is 8 years old and needs a $400 blower motor, repair is the obvious choice. We give you both options with honest pricing so you can make an informed decision.
We never pressure anyone to replace a repairable furnace. Our reputation depends on treating customers fairly and giving trustworthy advice. Sometimes repair is right. Sometimes replacement is smarter. We help you figure out which applies to your situation.
Why Furnaces Fail in Etobicoke
Long, cold winters work your furnace harder than milder climates. Your system runs more hours per season, putting more wear on components like igniters, motors, and heat exchangers. More runtime means more repairs over the furnace's lifespan.
Older homes in neighborhoods like Islington Village and Princess Gardens often have undersized ductwork or poor insulation. Your furnace works overtime compensating for heat loss. This extra strain shortens component life and increases repair frequency.
Power fluctuations from winter storms can damage electronic controls and circuit boards. Ice storms and heavy snow cause temporary outages followed by power surges when electricity returns. These surges fry sensitive electronics inside modern furnaces.
Lake Ontario's moisture also contributes to corrosion in furnace cabinets and heat exchangers, especially in basements that get damp. Rust weakens metal over time, eventually causing cracks or holes that require repair or replacement.
Preventing Future Furnace Repairs
Annual maintenance catches most problems before they cause breakdowns. A technician inspecting your furnace in October will spot a cracked igniter or failing blower motor before it quits in January. Replacing parts during maintenance is cheaper and more convenient than emergency repairs at 2 AM.
We also recommend changing filters monthly during heating season, keeping vents and registers clear, and not setting your thermostat above 22°C. Extreme temperature settings work your furnace harder and cause premature wear.
Listen to your furnace. New sounds like squealing, grinding, or banging mean something's wrong. Ignoring these warnings turns small problems into expensive repairs. Call for service when you first notice issues, not after the system fails completely.
Gas Furnace Safety Concerns
Gas furnaces burn natural gas to create heat. When working properly, they're safe and reliable. When something goes wrong, they can be dangerous. Cracked heat exchangers or blocked vents allow carbon monoxide to enter your home. Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and deadly.
We take safety seriously during every heating system repair. We test for gas leaks, measure carbon monoxide levels, inspect venting, and verify all safety controls work properly. If we find any safety issues, we explain them clearly and recommend immediate repairs.
Never ignore gas smells, yellow pilot flames, soot buildup around your furnace, or family members experiencing headaches and nausea. These are warning signs of combustion problems. Shut off your furnace and call us immediately.
FAQs
How much does furnace repair cost?
Simple repairs like igniters or flame sensors run $200-400. Blower motors cost $400-700. Heat exchangers run $1,200-2,000. Circuit boards range from $300-600. We provide exact pricing before starting work.
Can you fix any brand of furnace?
Yes. We repair all major brands including Lennox, Carrier, Trane, Goodman, Rheem, York, Bryant, and others. We stock parts for common brands and can order specialty parts quickly.
How fast can you get here for an emergency?
Usually 2-4 hours depending on your location in Etobicoke and how many emergency calls are ahead of you. We dispatch the closest available technician immediately.
Do repairs come with warranties?
Yes. All our repair work includes a one-year labor warranty. Parts carry manufacturer warranties from 90 days to 10 years depending on the component.
What if my furnace breaks again after repair?
Call us. If it's the same problem within our warranty period, we fix it at no charge. If it's a different component failing, normal service rates apply.
Should I repair my 15-year-old furnace?
Depends on the repair cost and what's broken. Minor repairs on a 15-year-old furnace make sense. Major repairs over $1,000 usually point toward replacement being smarter financially.