Why is my furnace not heating?

A furnace that won't heat is most often a dirty filter choking airflow, a failed igniter, or a thermostat problem — in that order of cheapness. A furnace that starts, runs a minute, then stops is usually a dirty flame sensor. True no-heat in deep cold justifies the after-hours call; a mild-weather failure usually doesn't.

Likely causes

• Clogged filter — Restricted airflow overheats the furnace until the safety switch shuts it down.
• Failed igniter — Modern furnaces light with a hot-surface igniter that cracks every 5–7 years. Clicking with no flame points here.
• Dirty flame sensor — The furnace lights, runs a minute, and quits — the sensor can't prove flame, so it shuts down safely.
• Thermostat or power issue — Dead thermostat batteries, a tripped breaker, or an open furnace door switch — check before you pay for a visit.

What you can check yourself

• Replace the filter, and confirm the thermostat is on 'heat' with fresh batteries if it uses them.
• Check the breaker and the furnace's own power switch (it looks like a light switch, usually near the unit).
• Make sure the furnace access door is fully closed — many units won't run with the door switch open.

Typical cost

Typical repairs in Atlanta, GA: service call $100–$250; igniter $150–$350; flame sensor cleaning/replacement $150–$300; blower motor $400–$800.

When to call a pro

Gas smell, a carbon monoxide alarm, or a furnace that short-cycles with a burning smell — leave and call from outside. Otherwise, no heat below ~40°F with kids or elderly at home counts as urgent.

HVAC pros in Atlanta, GA

• A&K Heating and Air Conditioning · PO Box 162849, Atlanta, GA · 7709616016
• Aerotech Smart Solutions · 201 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA · +14694284079
• A.d. Campbell Hvac Services · 260 Peachtree St Nw Ste 2200, Atlanta, GA · 14048828226
• Apollo Ducts Services · 81 Walton St NW, Atlanta, GA · +19432211840
• Johnson's Heating & Air · Atlanta, GA · +16788732451
• Best Handyman · 41 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA · +14043820686
• Maintenance Unlimited Heating & Cooling · 165 Courtland St NE, Atlanta, GA · +14044542686
• Tom Bunch Inc. · 82 Richardson St SE, Atlanta, GA · 7703168390

Get free quotes from Atlanta, GA pros →

Data by Servik — verified local pros from official license records and public sources. Cost figures are typical ranges, not quotes; a pro's written estimate is the real number.