When the first Blue Norther of the season rolls through Central Texas, a mild Austin afternoon can turn into a cold night fast. For many Travis County families, that first real chill is the stress test for a furnace or heat pump that has been sitting mostly idle since spring.

If your heat is not keeping up, you should not have to guess whether you are being sold a full replacement when a straightforward repair would do the job. At Bunten Air and Heat, we have spent more than 50 years helping our neighbors stay comfortable with honest service and clear options. If you need furnace repair in Austin homeowners can trust, we are here to help.

Why heating systems fail right when you need them

In our area, heating problems often show up during the first cold snap because small issues stay hidden until the system runs longer cycles again. We call it “startup shock.”

Common causes we see during early winter calls include:

• Ignition and flame sensing issues (the furnace tries to light, then shuts down)
• Dirty or restrictive filters that reduce airflow and can lead to furnace short cycling
• Blower or motor wear that shows up as new noises or weak airflow
• Thermostat problems like low batteries or incorrect settings
• Heat pump issues like defrost cycles, low refrigerant, or an aging outdoor unit

Before you call: a quick, homeowner-safe checklist

These checks are safe for most homeowners and can save time:

1. Thermostat basics
2. Set it to HEAT and raise the temperature a few degrees above the room temperature
3. Replace batteries if your thermostat uses them
4. If you have a heat pump, avoid “Emergency Heat” unless you were told to use it
5. Power and airflow
6. Look for a tripped breaker labeled “furnace,” “air handler,” or “HVAC”
7. Make sure the furnace switch (often near the unit) is ON
8. Replace the air filter if it looks dirty

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends cleaning or replacing furnace filters about once a month (or as recommended) during the heating season [source: U.S. DOE Energy Saver, Home Heating Systems

• Vent blockages
• Open supply vents and make sure returns are not blocked by rugs, furniture, or curtains

Stop and call for help right away if you smell gas, your carbon monoxide alarm goes off, or you see soot around the furnace. Gas and oil furnaces produce carbon monoxide, an odorless poison gas [source: CDC Furnace Safety Fact Sheet

Common heating repair problems in Austin (and what they usually mean)

Furnace not turning on

If your furnace is not turning on, the issue is often electrical or control-related: a tripped breaker, a safety switch, a failed igniter, or a control board problem. A clogged filter can also trigger safety shutoffs.

Heater blows cool air

Heat pumps can blow cooler air during defrost, which can be normal in short bursts. With a gas furnace, cool air can point to a burner problem, a dirty flame sensor, or a system that cannot sustain ignition.

Short cycling

Furnace short cycling increases wear on parts and often points to restricted airflow (dirty filter), an airflow imbalance, or thermostat issues. If it keeps happening after a filter change, it is worth diagnosing before a bigger component fails.

Strange noises

A new bang, squeal, or rattle is your system telling you something changed. Sometimes it is simple. Sometimes it is a failing motor, a loose panel, or a blower wheel issue. Either way, early diagnosis is usually cheaper than waiting.

When it is time to call a pro

If you are on the fence, here is a simple rule: if the problem is repeating, getting worse, or affecting safety, it is time to schedule heating repair Austin homeowners can feel good about. The same goes for heat pump repair, where the outdoor unit is icing up repeatedly, the system cannot keep up, or you are seeing error codes.

We can also help if you are trying to stay ahead of trouble with furnace maintenance. A small adjustment, cleaning, or part replacement is usually far easier than dealing with a no-heat emergency during the next cold snap.

What an honest furnace repair visit should look like

A good repair visit should feel clear and calm. Here is what you can expect from us:

• We listen first, then test and troubleshoot
• We show you what we find and explain it in plain language
• We provide an itemized estimate and options, starting with the least expensive effective fix
• We avoid high-pressure sales and support second opinions when the decision is big

Prevent furnace problems with simple maintenance

Most heating breakdowns we see are preventable with a few basic habits. Here are the ones that matter most:

• Do an early test for 10 to 15 minutes before the first freeze
• Change filters regularly (check monthly during heavy-use months)
• Keep returns and supply vents clear so airflow stays healthy
• If you upgrade to a higher efficiency filter, make sure your system can handle it. The EPA notes that higher efficiency HVAC filters can reduce indoor particle levels, but you may need a professional to confirm the best fit for your system [source: U.S. EPA, Guide to Air Cleaners in the Home
• Schedule an annual safety check, especially for gas systems

If you want a set-it-and-forget-it option, our preventative maintenance plans are designed to catch small issues early and reduce surprise breakdowns:

Serving Austin and nearby communities

We are based in Austin and serve nearby communities within about 50 miles, including South Austin, Onion Creek, Manchaca, Buda, Kyle, Cedar Park, and Leander.

Stay warm, stay informed, and call when you need us

When a cold snap hits, you should be able to count on your heating system. If your heater is not keeping up, or you are dealing with a furnace not turning on, we will help you get to the real cause and fix it the right way.

For emergency heating repair Austin homeowners can count on, call (512) 789-3775 or request service here:

Frequently Asked Questions About Furnace Repair in Austin

How much does furnace repair cost in Austin?

Furnace repair costs in Austin vary based on the part, the system type, and the time needed to diagnose the issue. The fastest way to avoid surprises is to get an itemized estimate after a professional diagnosis.

How long does a typical furnace repair take?

Many furnace repairs can be completed in a single visit once the problem is identified and the part is available. If a specialty part is needed, we will explain the timeline and your options.

Why is my furnace blowing cold air?

A furnace can blow cold air if it cannot sustain ignition, the flame sensor is dirty, or the thermostat settings are off. Heat pumps can also feel cool during defrost cycles, which is normal in short bursts.

Is furnace short cycling dangerous?

Furnace short cycling can become a problem because it increases wear on parts and can point to airflow or safety shutoffs. If it keeps happening after a filter change, it is worth scheduling service to prevent a bigger failure.

Do you provide heat pump repair in Austin?

Yes. We service and repair heat pumps and can help if your system is icing up, running constantly, or failing to keep up during cold snaps.