What to do when your furnace stops working—and how Pacific Heating & Cooling can help
When your furnace stops working, it’s more than just an inconvenience—it disrupts your entire home’s comfort. Whether you have a gas or electric furnace, understanding the most common problems can help you avoid major breakdowns and get heat flowing again—fast.
At Pacific Heating & Cooling, we’ve been serving Tacoma, Puyallup, and the South Sound since 1984. Our licensed technicians deliver fast, reliable furnace repair with flat-rate pricing, expert diagnostics, and clear communication—so you’re never left guessing.
In this guide, we break down the most frequent furnace issues we see, what they mean, and what you can do before calling a pro.
Two Main Types of Furnaces
Electric Furnaces
Use electric heating elements to warm air directly—ideal for homes without a natural gas connection.
Gas Furnaces
Burn natural gas to heat air via a heat exchanger. These are common in the PNW and known for efficient, powerful heating.
While many issues can affect both types, some are more common in one system than the other.
Common Furnace Issues We Fix
Ignition or Startup Failure (Gas Furnaces)
If your furnace won’t start, starts then stops, or struggles to ignite, possible causes include:
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Dirty flame sensor
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Faulty ignitor
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Gas valve failure
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Control board malfunction
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Lack of regular maintenance
These issues typically require a professional diagnosis and repair.
Thermostat Malfunctions
If your furnace isn’t kicking on or the temperature doesn’t match the setting:
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Check that the thermostat is set to “Heat”
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Replace the batteries
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For thermostats over 5 years old or not designed for recalibration, replacement may be the best solution
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Loose or faulty wiring may also be to blame
Blower Motor or Airflow Problems
If your furnace is producing heat but warm air isn’t circulating properly, it could be due to:
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Clogged air filter (restricting airflow)
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Bad capacitor
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Electrical connection issues
Burner or Heat Exchanger Issues (Gas Furnaces)
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Dirty burners can affect ignition and heating performance
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Cracked heat exchangers are serious—they can shut down your system or release dangerous carbon monoxide
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Both require professional inspection and repair
Simple Checks You Can Do Before Calling
Some furnace issues can be resolved quickly with a few simple steps. Even if you end up needing a pro, these checks can help speed up the diagnosis:
Check the Thermostat
Ensure it’s on “Heat” and the temperature is set above room temp. Replace batteries if needed.
Inspect Furnace Power
Make sure the furnace switch is on and check your breaker panel for any tripped circuits.
Check the Air Filter
A dirty filter can cause overheating and airflow issues—and puts strain on other components in your system. If it’s dirty, replace it.
Helpful Clues to Share with Your Technician
Noticing the following can help us pinpoint the issue faster:
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Startup behavior: Does it click but not turn on? Start then shut off?
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Strange sounds: Banging, whirring, or grinding?
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Status light blinking: Note the pattern if your furnace has one
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Recent changes: Cold spots, rising energy bills, or uneven heating
Need Help Getting the Heat Back On?
If your furnace still isn’t working after basic checks, it’s time to call the pros. Pacific Heating & Cooling has been restoring comfort to homes across Tacoma and the South Sound since 1984. Our licensed technicians arrive on time, diagnose issues quickly, and provide upfront, flat-rate pricing—so there are no surprises. Schedule your furnace repair today and get the reliable heat your home deserves.
