Common problems
Furnace problems we hear about in Thornton
Most no-heat calls in Thornton come in the first cold week of the season, when a furnace that sat idle all summer gets asked to run around the clock. These are the problems local technicians see most:
- Blowing cold air. Often a dirty flame sensor, a clogged filter tripping the high-limit switch, or a blocked condensate line on a high-efficiency furnace. See what to check first.
- Clicks but won't light. Usually a failed hot-surface igniter or a gas valve problem.
- Short cycling. The furnace turns on and off every few minutes. Common causes are an overheating heat exchanger, a dirty sensor or a thermostat in the wrong spot.
- Loud bangs or rumbling. Delayed ignition or dirty burners. Get these looked at; they can damage the heat exchanger over time.
- Rising gas bills. A furnace losing efficiency, leaky ducts or a system that's simply past its life.
Older homes in south Thornton
Much of south Thornton was built decades ago. If your furnace is original or close to it, a repair visit is a good time to ask about the heat exchanger and venting. Newer neighborhoods in north Thornton often have high-efficiency furnaces, where condensate drains and PVC vent pipes are the usual trouble spots.
Altitude matters
Thornton sits around 5,300 feet. Gas furnaces here need to be set up for altitude, and local technicians do this every day. It's one more reason to use a Front Range company rather than a national call center.
Smell gas? Leave first.
Don't use this form for a gas leak.
- Get everyone out of the house, then call Xcel Energy's gas emergency line or 911 from outside.
- Don't flip switches or use anything that could spark.
Service area
Thornton ZIP codes we cover
Questions
Good to know
How fast can someone come out in Thornton?
For no-heat calls during business hours, the company we connect you with usually calls back within the hour and often schedules a same-day visit. Timing depends on demand during cold snaps.
What does a furnace repair cost?
It depends on the problem. A dirty flame sensor or a failed igniter is a small repair; a cracked heat exchanger or a failed control board costs much more. Ask for the diagnostic fee and a written price before any work starts.
Is it worth repairing an old furnace?
If your furnace is over 15 years old and the repair is a large share of the cost of a new one, replacement is often the better buy. See our furnace replacement guide for the numbers.
How do you choose companies?
We only work with locally owned companies that hold a current City of Thornton contractor license, carry insurance and have strong, recent Google reviews. If a company stops meeting that bar, we stop sending them customers.
Will I get a bunch of calls?
No. Your request goes to one company only. We never sell or share your information with anyone else.
Who are you, and is this free?
Thornton Home Pros is a local referral service, not a contractor. It's free for you: the company we connect you with pays us a referral fee. All quotes, work and warranties come directly from that company.
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