Furnace Problems and Repairs in Big Bear
Pick the symptom that matches. Each page explains likely causes, what you can safely check, typical costs, and when to call.
This page lists the furnace problems Big Bear homeowners most often need help with, from no heat and cold air to ignitor failures, noises, propane units, and wall heaters. Each guide explains likely causes, safe checks, typical national cost estimates, and when to call an independent local heating contractor.
Last reviewed October 19, 2026.
Which furnace problem are you dealing with?
Pick the symptom that matches. Each page explains likely causes, what you can safely check, typical costs, and when to call.
Emergency No-Heat Repair
No heat on a freezing night, a cold cabin, or a furnace that quit during a storm.
Furnace Won't Turn On
Thermostat, power, ignition, pressure switch, and lockout problems.
Furnace Blowing Cold Air
The blower runs but the air is cool: ignition, gas supply, or limit issues.
Furnace Short Cycling
A furnace that starts and stops every few minutes.
Ignitor & Flame Sensor Repair
Clicks, tries to light, then shuts off.
Furnace Noises
Banging, squealing, rattling, or a booming start.
Furnace Smells & CO Safety
Gas smell, burning smell, CO alarm, or soot.
Wall & Floor Furnace Repair
Older cabin wall heaters and floor furnaces.
Propane Furnace Repair
Furnaces on a propane tank, common outside the gas mains.
Vacation Cabin & Rental Heating
Absentee owners, rentals, and freeze protection.
Furnace Tune-Up
Pre-winter safety check and cleaning.
Repair or Replace?
When a new furnace makes more sense than another repair.
Furnace Repair Cost
Typical cost ranges by part, with sources.
When should you call an emergency furnace pro in Big Bear?
Call for urgent help, and leave the house first where noted, if any of these apply:
- You smell gas (a rotten-egg odor): leave right away without flipping switches, then call 911 or your gas utility (Southwest Gas in the Big Bear Valley) from outside.
- A carbon monoxide alarm sounds, or people feel headache, dizziness, or nausea that eases outdoors: get everyone into fresh air and call 911.
- There is no heat and indoor temperatures are dropping toward freezing, especially with infants, older adults, someone with a medical condition, or water pipes at risk.
- The furnace trips the breaker repeatedly, smells like burning wiring, or shows scorch marks.
- You see flames outside the burner area, heavy soot, or a lazy yellow flame instead of a steady blue one.
- A vacant cabin's thermostat or smart sensor reports the house is losing heat during a cold spell.
If you smell gas or a carbon monoxide alarm goes off, leave the building first and call 911 or your gas utility from outside. Don't wait for a contractor.
Request furnace repair
One short form. One local heating pro follows up. Free, no obligation.