You Are About To Leave This Site

Clicking Continue below will take you to our partner site, Northern Benjamin Franklin.

You Are About To Leave This Site

Clicking Continue below will take you to our partner site, Northern Mister Sparky.

Furnace Repair

  • 24/7 emergency furnace repair across Minneapolis–St. Paul
  • Certified technicians with full diagnostics & upfront pricing
  • All brands serviced; stocked trucks for same-day fixes

Need help with a broken furnace? We’re on our way!

When your furnace goes down in the middle of winter, you need help now—not in a few days. We offer 24/7 emergency service and same-day appointments, and our techs arrive in fully stocked trucks ready to repair all makes and models. We start with a full diagnostic and give you an upfront, no-surprises estimate before any work begins.

Call (763) 319-0872 to schedule fast furnace repairs anywhere in Minneapolis – St. Paul, MN.

Signs Your Furnace Needs Repair

Most homeowners call us because of symptoms they notice—not the technical problem behind it. Our technicians are trained to connect those symptoms to the underlying issue, fix it properly, and make sure it doesn’t come back. If you’re noticing any of the following, it’s time to schedule a furnace repair:

Blowing Cold Air
If your furnace is running but only pushing out cool air, the cause could range from a dirty flame sensor or failed ignitor to a clogged filter or faulty thermostat. A technician will pinpoint the exact reason.

Furnace Won’t Turn On
A furnace that won’t start at all might be dealing with electrical issues, a bad ignitor, or even something simple like a tripped breaker. We test every component so you’re not left guessing.

Short Cycling (Turning On and Off Repeatedly)
This is often a sign of overheating caused by restricted airflow, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a safety sensor problem. Short cycling wastes energy and puts strain on your system.

Unusual Noises (Banging, Rattling, Squealing)
Loud sounds can point to loose parts, worn bearings, or ignition delays. They’re your furnace’s way of telling you something isn’t right—and catching them early can prevent a major breakdown.

Uneven Heating Across the Home
Cold spots in certain rooms may signal blower issues, ductwork leaks, or a furnace that’s no longer sized properly for your home.

Rising Energy Bills
If your furnace suddenly costs more to run, it may be working harder because of dirty burners, clogged filters, or worn parts. Efficiency drops are often the first sign of bigger issues.

Every symptom points to a possible cause—but the only way to know for sure is to have it inspected. Our technicians combine years of experience with full diagnostic testing to get to the root of the problem fast.

60-Second Checks Before You Call (If It’s Safe)

These quick steps can solve simple issues and help our techs help you faster:

  • Thermostat: Set to Heat, fan Auto, temp above room temp; replace batteries if applicable.
  • Filter: Make sure it isn’t clogged; replace if it’s dirty.
  • Power/Gas: Check the furnace switch, breaker, and that your gas supply is on.
  • Vents/Registers: Confirm supply/return vents aren’t blocked.

If you smell gas, your CO alarm sounds, or you see scorch marks—shut off the system and call us immediately.

If you notice any of these signs, call (763) 319-0872 today. One call is all it takes to get your furnace running again.

We Repair All Furnace Types

Not all furnaces are built the same—and in Minnesota, choosing the right system makes all the difference. From classic gas furnaces that power most Twin Cities homes to modern high-efficiency models designed to cut energy bills, our team has the training and tools to service them all. We repair every common furnace type so your home stays safe, warm, and efficient no matter how cold it gets outside.

Gas Furnaces

The go-to heating choice in Minnesota, known for efficiency and strong performance in extreme cold. Common issues include ignition problems, gas valve failures, and flame sensor malfunctions.

Electric Furnaces

Found in homes without natural gas lines, especially in multi-family housing. Breakdowns often involve heating elements, thermostats, or wiring issues.

High-Efficiency Furnaces

Modern 90%+ AFUE models designed to lower utility bills. Require careful maintenance to prevent condensate line clogs and component failures.

Variable-Speed Furnaces

Newer systems that adjust output for consistent comfort and energy savings—especially valuable for Minnesota’s temperature swings.

What We Do On Arrival

We run a comprehensive diagnostic: electrical and control checks, combustion/ignition tests, airflow and static pressure readings, safety/CO testing, and system performance verification. Then we walk you through repair options, timelines, and prices—and complete most repairs in one visit.

Common Causes of Furnace Breakdowns

Furnaces are built to last, but years of heavy use during Minnesota’s long winters can take their toll. Some of the most frequent causes of breakdowns include:

Dirty or Clogged Filters – When filters aren’t changed regularly, they block airflow, causing the system to overheat and shut down. Homeowners may notice weak airflow, uneven heating, or rising utility bills before the furnace fails completely.

Ignition and Pilot Light Failures – Gas furnaces depend on reliable ignition. A faulty ignitor, worn thermocouple, or dirty flame sensor can keep your furnace from starting or cause it to shut down unexpectedly.

Blower Motor Malfunctions – The blower motor circulates warm air through your home. If bearings wear out or electrical components fail, your furnace may run but never deliver heat evenly to every room.

Cracked Heat Exchangers – Over time, metal stress can cause the heat exchanger to crack. This not only shuts the furnace down but also risks carbon monoxide entering your home. It’s one of the most serious—and dangerous—furnace issues.

Thermostat & Electrical Problems – Sometimes the furnace itself isn’t to blame. Faulty thermostats, tripped breakers, or bad wiring can interrupt communication and leave you without heat.

Lack of Regular Maintenance – The most preventable cause of furnace breakdowns is neglect. Skipping annual service means dirty burners, worn parts, and unnoticed safety issues can compound over time. Eventually, this leads to sudden mid-winter failures that could have been avoided.

By understanding these issues, you can recognize early warning signs—like strange noises, short cycling, or inconsistent temperatures—and call for service before a complete breakdown happens.

Homeowner Quick Checks vs.

Professional-Only Repairs

Quick Checks You Can Do Now

  • Replace filters
  • Verify thermostat settings/batteries
  • Check breakers
  • Keep vents clear

Checks That Require a Technician

  • Gas/ignition work
  • Blower or heat exchanger repairs
  • Control board/wiring
  • CO diagnostics
  • Venting and combustion tuning

Handling these without proper tools and testing can be dangerous and may void warranties.

Need heat restored fast? Call (763) 319-0872 for 24/7 furnace repair in Minneapolis–St. Paul. We’ll get you warm again—safely and quickly.

Repair or Replace? Clear Signs It’s Time to Replace the Furnace

Most furnace problems can be repaired. But in Minneapolis–St. Paul—where systems run hard for months—some findings mean the unit shouldn’t keep operating or the repair dollars won’t make sense. When we inspect a furnace, we document what we find with photos and test readings, explain the safety or cost implications in plain English, and only recommend replacement when it’s the safer or smarter long-term choice.

You’ll see side-by-side repair vs. replace pricing, available Xcel/CenterPoint rebates, and financing options. If replacement is needed, we prioritize your install (and can assist with safe temporary heat if appropriate). We don’t pressure—if a safe repair is viable, you’ll see it.

Below are the clear signs that typically point to replacement rather than repair.

Cracked Heat Exchanger (primary or secondary)
A crack can let carbon monoxide (CO) and flue gases mix with the air you breathe. Patching/welding isn’t allowed—it voids the equipment’s safety listing and violates code/manufacturer rules. Result: the furnace must be shut down and replaced.

Flame Rollout or Burn Damage in the Cabinet
Sooting, scorch marks, melted wires, or a tripped rollout switch mean combustion is happening where it shouldn’t. The cabinet and safety controls are compromised. Because you can’t “re-certify” a burned cabinet, the safe fix is replacement.

Persistent CO/Combustion Failures or Backdrafting
If the furnace repeatedly fails CO/draft tests under normal operation—and the issue isn’t a simple flue blockage or vent tweak—continuing to run it is unsafe. Older atmospheric models that won’t draft properly in tight winter homes typically require replacement with sealed-combustion equipment.

Structural Corrosion or Condensate Damage
Rust-through on the heat exchanger, burner box, or cabinet—or chronic condensate leaks into controls—means the metal has lost integrity. These aren’t reliable to restore. The safe, durable solution is replacement (and fixing vent/condensate routing).

Critical Safety Parts Unavailable/Obsolete
If listed, manufacturer-approved replacements (e.g., specific control boards, gas valves, or safeties) no longer exist, installing “whatever fits” isn’t safe or code-compliant. With no supported parts path, replacement is required.

System Size/Design That Can’t Be Corrected by Parts
Chronic short cycling, high static pressure, and uneven rooms often trace to the wrong size furnace or incompatible ductwork. You can’t “repair” capacity with a part. The durable fix is a right-sized replacement (often variable-speed) and any targeted duct adjustments.

If any of the above is found, we’ll show you photos, meter readings, and test results, shut the system down if it’s unsafe, and walk you through replacement options, rebates, and scheduling the install.

Your Safety Comes First—Affordable Replacement Options & Next Steps

We know a furnace replacement isn’t just a line item. It’s unexpected, it’s expensive, and it can feel scary—especially when safety is on the line. If we say a unit shouldn’t run, it’s because we truly worry about your family’s wellbeing (carbon monoxide, fire risk, or a mid-winter failure). We live through the same Twin Cities winters you do, and we will not leave you in the cold.

Here’s our promise: we’ll slow down, show you exactly what we found (photos, readings, explanations), and talk through good / better / best options that fit your budget. We’ll help with utility rebates and financing (on approval), prioritize your install date, and—if you’re without heat—help with safe, immediate next steps so your home stays comfortable. No pressure. No scare tactics. Just clear choices and a team that treats you like a neighbor.

Need a safe path forward? We’ll walk you through options and get your heat back fast. Call (763) 319-0872 or schedule online now.

Need a safe path forward? We’ll walk you through options and get your heat back fast. Call (763) 319-0872 or schedule online.

Common Furnace Repair Questions From minneapolis Homeowners


How fast can you get here if my furnace goes out?
We offer 24/7 emergency service across the Twin Cities and can typically arrive the same day—often within hours during peak season.

What should I check before calling for a repair?
Confirm the thermostat is on Heat, the setpoint is above room temp, the fan is on Auto, the filter isn’t clogged, breakers aren’t tripped, and the gas valve is on. If you smell gas or your CO alarm sounds, shut the system off and call immediately.

Why is my furnace blowing cold air?
Likely culprits include a dirty filter, failed ignitor, faulty flame sensor, or thermostat/control issues. Less commonly, burner or heat-exchanger problems are to blame. We diagnose the exact cause and restore heat.

My furnace turns on and off repeatedly (short cycling). What does that mean?
Short cycling usually points to overheating from restricted airflow, a failing safety sensor, or thermostat miscalibration. It wastes energy and accelerates wear, so it should be corrected promptly.

The furnace won’t start at all. What’s going on?
Common reasons include a tripped breaker, failed ignitor, limit switch issues, or control board/wiring problems. We test each component to pinpoint the failure.

Why is my furnace making banging, rattling, or squealing noises?
Noises often indicate loose parts, worn bearings, blower/duct issues, or delayed ignition. Early service prevents larger failures and safety risks.

Is it safe to run the furnace if I smell gas or my CO alarm is beeping?
No. Turn the system off, ventilate if possible, evacuate if you suspect a leak, and call for emergency service. Safety checks and CO testing are part of our diagnostic.

What does a professional diagnostic include?
We check electrical and controls, ignition/combustion, airflow and static pressure, safety/CO, and overall performance. Then we review repair options, timelines, and upfront pricing.

How much do furnace repairs cost in Minneapolis–St. Paul?
Costs vary by part and labor. Minor fixes (e.g., flame sensors) are less expensive; major items (motors, heat exchangers) cost more. After diagnosis, we provide a clear estimate—no surprises.

Should I repair or replace?
As a rule of thumb in our climate, furnaces around 10 years old with frequent breakdowns, high bills, or major failures (e.g., cracked heat exchanger) are replacement candidates. Newer systems with isolated issues are usually worth repairing.

Do you service all brands and fuel types?
Yes—gas and electric furnaces, all major brands (Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Goodman, Bryant, Rheem, and more).

How can I prevent future furnace breakdowns?
Schedule an annual fall tune-up, change filters every 1–3 months, keep vents/returns clear, and address odd noises or short cycling early before they cascade into bigger repairs.

Other Heating Services

Heating System Replacements

We provide expert heating system replacements for homes across Minneapolis and St. Paul, installing high-efficiency furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps built to handle Minnesota winters. From sizing to final install, we make the upgrade seamless, backed by honest pricing and trusted local service.

Learn more

Heating Repair

We provide fast, reliable heating repair for furnaces, heat pumps, and boilers across Minneapolis and St. Paul. If your system isn’t keeping up, we’ll get it fixed—quickly, professionally, and with no surprises.

Learn more

Heating Maintenance

Keep your system running at its best with routine maintenance from Northern. Our seasonal tune-ups catch problems early, improve efficiency, and help prevent costly breakdowns—especially during harsh Minnesota winters.

Learn more

Financing

Investing in a new heating system is easier with Northern. We offer flexible financing plans that fit your budget—so you can get the comfort you need now and pay over time. Quick approvals, honest terms, and no surprises.

Learn more