Common Heating Problems
When your heating fails in the middle of a Brooklyn winter, you need answers fast. Here are the most common heating problems we diagnose and repair every day:
No Heat at All
The most urgent call we get. Causes include a tripped breaker, faulty thermostat, failed igniter or pilot light, blown fuse, or a malfunctioning control board. We diagnose and fix same-day.
Uneven Heating
Some rooms hot, others freezing? This often points to ductwork leaks, blocked vents, a failing blower motor, zone valve issues, or an improperly sized system.
Strange Noises
Banging, rattling, screeching, or clicking sounds can indicate loose components, a failing blower bearing, expanding ductwork, delayed ignition, or water hammer in radiator systems.
Pilot Light & Ignition Issues
Frequent pilot light outages or failed electronic ignition can be caused by a dirty flame sensor, faulty thermocouple, draft issues, or gas valve problems.
High Energy Bills
A sudden spike in heating costs usually means your system is working harder than it should. Dirty filters, failing components, duct leaks, or low refrigerant (in heat pumps) are common culprits.
Radiator Problems
Cold radiators, leaking valves, air-locked systems, and uneven steam distribution are common in NYC's older buildings. We service steam and hot water radiator systems throughout Brooklyn and Manhattan.
If you are experiencing any of these issues, do not wait. Heating problems tend to get worse (and more expensive) the longer you delay. Call (929) 351-5179 for fast diagnosis and repair.
RTU Heating Repair
Rooftop units take a beating from NYC weather — rain, snow, ice, wind, and temperature extremes year-round. When your commercial RTU stops heating, your business and your employees suffer. We provide same-day RTU repair service across all five boroughs.
Common RTU Repairs
- Gas valve and igniter replacement
- Heat exchanger inspection and repair
- Blower motor and belt replacement
- Control board diagnostics and replacement
- Economizer repair and calibration
- Thermostat and sensor troubleshooting
We service RTUs from all major manufacturers including Carrier, Trane, York, Lennox, and Rheem. Learn more about our commercial RTU services →
Split System Heating Repair
Split systems are the most common heating setup in NYC homes. When something goes wrong, it could be the outdoor unit, the indoor air handler, the refrigerant lines connecting them, or the controls. Our technicians troubleshoot the entire system to find the root cause.
Common Split System Repairs
- Compressor and fan motor replacement
- Refrigerant leak detection and recharge
- Defrost control board repair (heat pump systems)
- Reversing valve replacement
- Air handler blower motor and capacitor replacement
- Thermostat wiring and calibration
Whether you have a conventional gas split system or a heat pump, we carry common parts on our service trucks for faster repairs.
VRF Heating Repair
VRF systems are sophisticated and require technicians with specialized training. Fixar's team is factory-trained on Daikin, Mitsubishi, and other leading VRF platforms. We diagnose issues using manufacturer diagnostic tools and error code analysis.
Common VRF Repairs
- Inverter compressor diagnostics and replacement
- Refrigerant leak detection across complex piping networks
- Branch selector box (BS box) repair
- Communication errors between indoor and outdoor units
- Individual zone/cassette fan motor and sensor replacement
- Control wiring and central controller troubleshooting
VRF repairs require specialized knowledge. Do not trust your system to a general HVAC company. Learn more about our VRF services →
ERV Heating Repair
When your Energy Recovery Ventilator fails, you lose both ventilation and the energy savings it provides. A malfunctioning ERV can also cause indoor air quality problems and put extra strain on your primary heating system.
Common ERV Repairs
- Enthalpy wheel or plate core cleaning and replacement
- Fan motor and bearing replacement
- Damper actuator repair
- Control board and sensor diagnostics
- Frost protection system repair
- Ductwork connection and seal repairs
We service ERV units from Daikin, Carrier, Mitsubishi, Renewaire, Fantech, and other manufacturers. Learn more about our ERV services →
Furnace Repair
Furnace acting up? Whether it is a gas furnace that will not ignite, an electric furnace blowing cold air, or a furnace making strange noises, we diagnose and repair all furnace types across NYC. From flame sensor cleaning to heat exchanger replacement, our technicians handle it all.
For detailed information on furnace diagnostics and repair, visit our dedicated page: Furnace Services →
Our Repair Process
We follow a structured 5-step process to get your heating back on as quickly as possible:
Call & Schedule
Call us at (929) 351-5179 or book online. Describe the problem and we will dispatch a technician — often the same day for urgent issues.
Diagnosis
Our technician inspects your system, runs diagnostic tests, checks error codes, and identifies the root cause of the problem. We explain the issue clearly before any work begins.
Upfront Quote
You receive a clear, written quote for the repair before we start. No surprises, no hidden fees. You approve the price and timeline before we pick up a tool.
Expert Repair
Our licensed technicians complete the repair using manufacturer-approved parts. Most repairs are finished in a single visit. We carry common parts on our trucks to minimize delays.
Test & Verify
We run your system through a full heating cycle, verify proper operation, check safety controls, and confirm the problem is fully resolved before we leave.
Heating Repair Cost Guide
Repair costs depend on the type of system, the specific component that failed, and the complexity of the job. Here are typical ranges for common heating repairs in NYC:
| Repair Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic / service call | $89 – $150 |
| Thermostat replacement | $150 – $400 |
| Igniter / flame sensor | $150 – $350 |
| Blower motor replacement | $400 – $900 |
| Control board replacement | $300 – $700 |
| Compressor replacement (heat pump) | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| Heat exchanger replacement | $1,000 – $3,500 |
These ranges include parts and labor. Exact pricing depends on your system and the specific failure. We always provide an upfront quote before starting any work.
Repair vs. Replace
Not every breakdown means you need a new system. But sometimes replacement makes more financial sense than repeated repairs. Use these guidelines:
Repair Makes Sense When:
- Your system is under 10 years old
- The repair cost is less than 50% of a new system
- This is the first major repair
- The system has been well-maintained
- Your energy bills are still reasonable
Replace Makes Sense When:
- Your system is 15+ years old
- You have had 3 or more repairs in 2 years
- The repair exceeds 50% of replacement cost
- Your energy bills keep climbing
- The system uses R-22 refrigerant (discontinued)
- The heat exchanger is cracked (safety hazard)
We will always give you an honest assessment. If repair is the better option, we will tell you. If replacement makes more sense, we will explain why and provide a free installation estimate. View our heating installation options →
Emergency Heating Repair — 24/7 Service
A heating failure in a NYC winter is not just uncomfortable — it can be dangerous. Frozen pipes can burst, causing thousands of dollars in water damage. Elderly residents and young children are at risk of hypothermia. NYC law requires landlords to maintain minimum indoor temperatures of 68°F during the day and 62°F at night during heating season (October 1 – May 31).
When to call for emergency heating repair:
- Complete loss of heat during freezing temperatures
- Gas smell near your heating equipment
- Carbon monoxide detector alarm
- Water leaking from your boiler or heating system
- Electrical burning smell from your system
Do not wait until morning. Call us now at (929) 351-5179 for immediate emergency heating repair. For more details, see our Emergency HVAC page.
Brands We Service
Our technicians are trained and experienced with all major heating brands. No matter what is installed in your building, we can diagnose and repair it:
We also service Amana, Bosch, Navien, Weil-McLain, Burnham, Bryant, Ruud, American Standard, and more. If it heats a building in NYC, we can fix it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can you come for a heating repair?
We offer same-day service for most heating repairs in NYC. For emergencies (no heat during freezing weather, gas leaks, CO alarms), we typically respond within 2 hours, 24/7.
How much does a heating repair cost?
Most heating repairs range from $150 to $900 depending on the component and system type. We charge a diagnostic fee of $89–$150, which is applied toward the repair if you proceed. You always receive an upfront quote before work begins.
My heating is blowing cold air. What is wrong?
Common causes include a failed igniter or pilot light, a tripped high-limit switch, a malfunctioning thermostat, low refrigerant (heat pump systems), or a clogged air filter restricting airflow. Our technicians will diagnose the exact cause during a service call.
Is it worth repairing a 20-year-old heating system?
It depends on the repair cost and overall system condition. If the repair is minor (under $500) and the system has been well-maintained, it can be worth it. For major repairs like compressor or heat exchanger replacement on a 20-year-old system, replacement is usually the smarter investment.
Do you repair boilers and radiators?
Yes. We service steam boilers, hot water boilers, radiator valves, zone valves, circulator pumps, and expansion tanks. NYC has thousands of buildings with boiler-based heating, and we have extensive experience with these systems. Visit our Boiler Services page for details.
Can I do any heating repairs myself?
You can safely check and replace air filters, reset tripped breakers, and make sure vents are not blocked. However, anything involving gas lines, electrical components, refrigerant, or internal system parts should be handled by a licensed professional for safety and code compliance.
Do you offer warranties on repairs?
Yes. All our repairs come with a warranty on both parts and labor. Warranty duration varies by component, but most repairs are covered for 1 year. We use OEM or manufacturer-approved replacement parts to ensure reliability.
Heating Not Working? We Can Help.
Same-day service available. Call now or book online for fast heating repair in NYC & Brooklyn.
Call (929) 351-5179