
When winter bears down on the Capital Region, Schenectady homes rely on the rhino to keep the warmth flowing. That’s why for over 100 years, local families have trusted Reimer to take charge and keep their furnaces running right through even the most brutal cold snaps.
From those bone-chilling January nights to those sneaky early-season freezes, Schenectady’s infamous winters don’t mess around. Neither should your heating system! Without regular maintenance from certified pros, you’re just one cold snap away from waking up to a frigid house and an emergency repair bill. No one wants to be in that situation!
Don’t let your furnace leave you in the cold when temperatures plummet. Take charge and dial Reimer at (716) 272-2371 today and let our heating experts get your system back up and running at peak performance. Day or night, we’re there in rhino time to keep your home cozy and efficient all season long – Reimer to the rescue!
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Reimer’s Furnace Repair Services in Schenectady, NY
Your furnace is more than just a box in the basement – it’s your home’s winter lifeline. Our team knows these heating systems completely, from the smallest sensor to the biggest blower motor. Here’s how we keep Schenectady homes toasty:
Emergency Furnace Repair
Heat gone at midnight? We’re on it. Our emergency crew hits the road 24/7 to get your warmth back, no matter when trouble strikes.
Diagnostic Services
Skip the guesswork. We’ll pinpoint what’s wrong and walk you through the fix that makes sense for your situation.
Blower Motor Work
Weak air flow? Weird noises? We’ll either get that motor back in shape or replace it if it’s time for retirement.
Ignition Repairs
Pilot light problems can be tricky. But whether it’s old-school or electronic ignition, we know how to get your furnace firing again.
Heat Exchanger Care
Safety first – we check thoroughly for cracks or wear that could put your family at risk.
Thermostat Solutions
If your furnace isn’t following temperature commands, we’ll sort out the confusion between your controls and heating system.
Airflow Fixes
Dirty filters and clogged ducts make your furnace strain. We’ll clean it up and clear the path for proper airflow.
Gas Safety Checks
Our experts make sure your gas lines are secure and your furnace is running safely.
Electrical Repairs
From basic wiring to complex control boards, we handle all the electrical pieces that keep your system talking.
Yearly Maintenance
Regular tune-ups catch little issues before they become big problems. Let us keep your furnace running smooth all season.
Furnace Repair FAQ
What are the Signs Your Furnace Needs Repair?
Your furnace usually drops hints before it completely breaks down. Catch these warning signs early, and you’ll save yourself from waking up to a freezing house on the coldest morning of winter.
Strange Noises
If your furnace starts banging, whistling, or rattling, it’s telling you something’s wrong. Loose components, worn bearings, or a failing blower motor often cause these new noises. Don’t ignore them because even small sounds can signal big problems ahead.
Hot and Cold Spots
When some rooms feel cold while others are toasty that means your furnace isn’t distributing heat properly. This could stem from ductwork issues, airflow problems, or a system that’s struggling to push warmth to every corner of your home.
Short Cycling
Frequent on-off cycles waste energy and wear out your system fast. Healthy furnaces should run steady heating cycles to maintain consistent temperatures. If yours keeps cutting out early, you might have issues with your thermostat, flame sensor, or overall system sizing.
Sky-High Energy Bills
Sharp increases in your heating costs often mean your furnace is losing efficiency. When systems strain to maintain temperature, they burn through more fuel. This extra effort shows up directly on your utility bills.
Weak Airflow
Proper airflow is crucial for even heating. If your vents barely push out warm air, you could be dealing with clogged filters, blocked ducts, or failing blower components. This restriction makes your furnace work harder while delivering less comfort.
Yellow Pilot Light
A healthy pilot light burns steady and blue and yellow or wavering flames often indicate incomplete combustion or carbon monoxide risks. This isn’t just a performance issue – it’s a safety concern that needs immediate professional attention.
Age and Performance
Furnaces typically last 15-20 years with good maintenance. If yours is in this range and needs frequent repairs, you’re probably spending good money after bad. Older systems also pose higher safety risks and cost more to operate.
Burning Smells
That brief burning smell when you first fire up your furnace in fall is normal. But if you notice ongoing odors, especially gas smells, shut your system down and call us immediately. Some furnace smells signal serious safety issues.
Rising Humidity Issues
Modern furnaces help manage indoor moisture levels. If you’re suddenly dealing with foggy windows or clammy air, your system might not be removing humidity properly. This can lead to mold problems and poor indoor air quality.
Delayed or Failed Starts
When your furnace hesitates to start up or needs multiple tries to kick on, that’s not normal. Ignition problems, fuel supply issues, or failing components could be to blame. Don’t let these starting problems leave you in the cold.
How Much Does Furnace Repair Cost?
The cost of furnace repairs varies widely depending on what’s wrong and how extensive the fix needs to be. While minor repairs might only need a quick part swap, bigger issues take more time and materials to resolve properly.
Common Repair Costs
Basic repairs like replacing a thermostat or fixing a flame sensor are much cheaper while more complex jobs involving blower motors or control boards cost more. Major repairs like replacing a heat exchanger could cost you a few thousand dollars.
What Affects the Cost
- Parts and Labor
Quality replacement parts aren’t cheap, and neither is skilled labor. But cutting corners on either one usually leads to more expensive problems down the road. - System Age
Older furnaces often need more extensive repairs and harder-to-find parts. Sometimes investing in repairs for an aging system just doesn’t make financial sense. - Time and Access
Emergency service calls cost more than scheduled repairs. How easy (or tough) it is to access your furnace also affects labor time and cost.
Making Repairs Affordable
- Payment Options
We offer flexible payment plans to help manage unexpected repair costs. Our team can walk you through financing choices that fit your budget. - Available Rebates
Some repairs qualify for utility company or manufacturer rebates. We’ll help you find and claim any available savings. - Maintenance Plans
Regular tune-ups catch problems early when they’re cheaper to fix. Our service plans help spread maintenance costs throughout the year while preventing costly emergency repairs.
While furnace repairs aren’t cheap, ignoring problems usually leads to more expensive fixes later. We’ll always give you straight talk about repair costs and options before any work begins.
How Long Does a Furnace Repair Take?
Most furnace repairs take between 1-4 hours once we get started, but timing really depends on how big the problem is. We’ll give you a solid estimate up front so you know what to expect.
Simple Fixes: 1-2 Hours
Basic repairs like replacing thermostats, fixing ignitors, or swapping out filters usually finish pretty quick. Our techs come prepared with common parts to handle these routine fixes on the spot.
Standard Repairs: 2-4 Hours
More complex jobs like blower motor replacements or electrical work typically need a few hours to complete properly. We take the time to test everything thoroughly before we pack up.
Complex Issues: 4+ Hours
Major repairs involving heat exchangers or multiple components might need most of a day. And sometimes we need to order special parts, which could mean scheduling a follow-up visit.
What Affects Repair Time
- How easy it is to access your furnace
- Whether we need to track down specific parts
- The age and model of your system
- If we discover additional issues during repair
Emergency Service
When your heat is out in the middle of winter, we move fast. Our emergency team usually arrives within a few hours of your call, ready to tackle whatever’s wrong.
The Reimer Promise
We won’t rush through repairs just to get to the next job. Our techs take the time needed to fix things right the first time – that’s how we’ve kept Schenectady homes warm since 1921.
Can I Repair My Furnace Myself?
While DIY videos make furnace repairs look simple, messing with gas lines and electrical components isn’t like fixing a squeaky door. One wrong move could mean more than just a broken furnace – we’re talking about your family’s safety.
Why Call the Pros
- Gas Safety
Natural gas is nothing to experiment with. Small leaks or improper repairs can create serious hazards. Our techs are certified to handle gas lines and combustion systems safely. Even tiny mistakes here can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide issues or worse. - Electrical Risks
Modern furnaces pack some serious voltage. One wrong wire connection could fry expensive components or create fire hazards. Professional tools and training matter here. Plus, electrical work often needs to meet specific local codes – something most homeowners aren’t familiar with. - Complex Systems
Today’s furnaces aren’t the simple machines they used to be. Computer boards, sensors, and safety systems all work together. Guessing games with these components usually backfire. What looks like a simple fix might actually be a symptom of a bigger problem that only trained eyes can spot. - Warranty Issues
DIY repairs often void manufacturer warranties. If something goes wrong later, you could be stuck with the full replacement cost. Most warranties require proof of professional maintenance and repair to stay valid. - Cost Considerations
While trying to save money is understandable, DIY furnace repairs often end up costing more. We regularly get calls to fix problems that started as small issues but got worse after failed DIY attempts.
What You Can Do Safely
Having said that, there are still several things you can definitely take care of yourself. Make sure to:
- Change your filter regularly (every 1-3 months)
- Keep the area around your furnace clean and clear
- Check that vents aren’t blocked by furniture or drapes
- Listen for unusual noises
- Monitor your thermostat settings
- Schedule regular professional maintenance
- Call us when something seems off
Save the YouTube tutorials for home projects that don’t involve gas lines or risk freezing your pipes. When your furnace acts up, let our certified techs handle it right the first time. We’ve been keeping Schenectady homes warm for over a century – trust us to keep yours running safely too.
How Do I Know If It’s Time to Upgrade My Furnace?
Sometimes fixing an old furnace is just a waste of money – you can keep spending on repairs, but eventually, you’ll need to think about a new one. Here’s how to tell when it’s time to make the switch.
Age Matters
Most furnaces last 15-20 years with good maintenance. If yours is pushing these numbers and giving you trouble, replacement often makes more sense than costly repairs.
The 50% Rule
When repair costs hit half the price of a new furnace, it’s usually smarter to upgrade. Why sink money into an aging system that’s likely to need more repairs soon?
Rising Energy Bills
If your heating bills keep climbing despite repairs, your old furnace is probably losing efficiency. New models can cut fuel costs by 30% or more – that’s real savings every month.
Repair Frequency
Had our techs on speed dial lately? Frequent breakdowns usually signal the beginning of the end. Those repair bills add up fast.
Safety Concerns
Older furnaces can develop dangerous problems like cracked heat exchangers. When safety’s at stake, replacement beats repair every time.
Comfort Issues
- Some rooms too hot or cold
- System running constantly but not keeping up
- Noisy operation that’s getting worse
- Humidity problems in winter
Available Incentives
Between utility rebates, tax credits, and manufacturer deals, upgrading might cost less than you think. We’ll help you crunch the numbers and find available savings.
We won’t push you to replace a furnace that still has good years left. But when repair costs and efficiency losses start mounting up, we’ll give you straight talk about whether replacement makes more sense for your wallet and comfort.
Why is My Furnace Blowing Cold Air?
Nothing worse than expecting warm air and getting hit with a blast of cold instead. This common problem can stem from several issues – some simple, some not so much. Here’s what might be going on:
Wrong Thermostat Setting
Make sure your thermostat’s set to “heat” not “fan.” Sounds basic, but even long-time homeowners make this mistake.
Dirty Air Filter
A clogged filter blocks airflow, which can cause your furnace to overheat and shut down. Check and change that filter every few months.
Pilot Light Problems
If your pilot light’s out or your electronic ignition is failing, you’ll get plenty of air but no heat. This needs professional attention, especially if you smell gas.
Flame Sensor Troubles
A dirty or broken flame sensor shuts off the gas as a safety measure. We can clean or replace it to get your heat flowing again.
Ductwork Problems
- Leaky ducts letting warm air escape
- Blocked vents restricting airflow
- Damaged ductwork needing repair
Failed Heat Exchanger
If this crucial part cracks, your furnace will shut down for safety. This usually means either major repair or replacement time.
Low Fuel Supply
Running low on gas or oil? Your furnace might start but won’t stay lit. Check your fuel levels and supply lines.
When to Call Us
If checking your thermostat and filter doesn’t solve the problem, it’s time for professional help. Cold air issues can signal serious problems that need immediate attention. Don’t wait until that cold air turns your home into an ice box.
What Should I Do If My Furnace Won’t Turn On?
Before you grab the phone, let’s run through some quick checks that might get your heat going again. Sometimes the fix is simpler than you’d think – but if these steps don’t work, that’s when we step in.
Quick Checks First
Thermostat Settings
- Make sure it’s set to “heat” not “cool” or “fan”
- Check that temperature setting is at least 5 degrees above room temp
- Replace batteries if screen is blank or dim
- Confirm the date and time are correct (especially after power outages)
- Test if the fan runs when switched to “on” manually
Power Issues
- Look for tripped circuit breakers in your electrical panel
- Check if furnace switch is flipped on (usually looks like a light switch near the unit)
- Make sure power cord is plugged in tight
- See if other appliances in the area have power
- Watch for blinking lights on your furnace control panel
Gas Supply
- Verify the main gas valve is fully open
- Check if other gas appliances like your stove are working
- Look for any obvious gas smell (if you smell gas, get out and call us immediately)
- Make sure you’re up to date on gas bills (seriously – we see this more than you’d think)
Basic Maintenance
- Change that dirty air filter – a clogged filter can shut down your system
- Clear boxes, storage, and debris around your furnace
- Make sure all vents and returns are open and unblocked
- Check that nothing is blocking the outdoor exhaust pipe
- Listen for any unusual noises during start-up attempts
Safety First
Stop and Call Us If:
- You smell gas or burning
- You hear loud banging or screeching
- The furnace tries to start but shuts down repeatedly
- You see smoke or sparks
- Your carbon monoxide detector is going off
Still No Heat?
That’s when you need us. Could be:
- Failed ignition system
- Broken control board
- Faulty flame sensor
- Cracked heat exchanger
- Blower motor issues
Don’t risk making things worse with DIY repairs. Our techs will pinpoint the problem and get your heat back fast. We carry most common parts right on our trucks, so we can usually fix things in one visit.
Remember: Your family’s safety comes first. If anything seems unsafe, skip the troubleshooting and call us right away. We’d rather come out for something simple than have you risk a dangerous situation.
What’s the Difference Between Furnace Repair and Maintenance?
Maintenance keeps things running smooth, while repairs fix what’s already broken.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance is a wise investment. It usually includes:
- Cleaning or replacing air filters
- Checking and testing safety controls
- Inspecting electrical connections
- Cleaning burners and heat exchanger
- Testing carbon monoxide levels
- Lubricating moving parts
- Checking gas pressure and connections
- Inspecting ductwork for leaks
- Testing thermostat accuracy
- Checking blower motor performance
Repairs
Waiting to fix what’s already broken could cost more and is way more inconvenient.
Common Repair Situations:
- Furnace won’t start or stay running
- Strange noises or smells
- Weak airflow or no heat
- Rising energy bills
- Frequent cycling on and off
- Safety system shutdowns
- Failed components needing replacement
- Cracked heat exchangers
- Electrical or control board issues
Cost Differences
Maintenance may seem like you’re just wasting money, but it can really save money in the long run. Think of it as cheap insurance for your comfort. Repairs can become really big and expensive headaches depending on what’s wrong. Skip maintenance, and those repair bills tend to get bigger.
When You Need Which
Maintenance: Schedule this every fall before the heating season hits. Regular tune-ups help:
- Prevent unexpected breakdowns
- Keep your warranty valid
- Reduce energy bills
- Extend system life
- Catch small problems early
Repairs: Call us when something’s clearly wrong – unusual noises, no heat, or safety concerns. Don’t wait until small problems become big ones. Warning signs include:
- Changes in performance
- New noises or smells
- Higher energy bills
- Uneven heating
- Safety concerns
Smart Move: Get both. Regular maintenance catches problems early, but even well-maintained furnaces sometimes need repairs. We’ll help you keep those repair visits few and far between. Sign up for our maintenance plan and save on both services while keeping your family warm and safe all winter.
WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED
Maintenance Plans
Since 1921, our team of Western NY’s top notch service specialists have been serving the area and caring for thousands of customers. At Reimer, we do everything in our power to ensure that your home comfort system works efficiently and effectively every time you turn it on.
- Multi-Point System Inspection
- Calibrate System for Efficiency
- Ensure Proper Airflow
- Maintain System Warranties
- Reduces Unexpected Breakdowns
- Evaluate Filtration & Indoor Air Quality
- Routine Maintenance Leads to Reduced Utility Bills and Extends the Life of your System(s)
Keep Your Home Warm with Schenectady’s Heating Experts
Winter in Schenectady is no joke. That’s why local families have counted on Reimer since 1921. From midnight emergencies to basic tune-ups, we show up, take charge, and get the job done right.
Having furnace problems? Call us at (716) 272-2371. Our techs know these heating systems inside and out, and we’ll get your warmth back in rhino time. We’ve kept Capital Region homes cozy for over 100 years – let us take care of yours too.
Over
100YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE
Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing Repair in Buffalo, New York.
For decades, local homeowners have trusted the team at Reimer Home Services with all their home service needs. We’re your HVAC company in Buffalo. We’re your plumbers here in Western New York. Above all else, we’re here for you and your home.
You can count on our team to be there when you need us. In fact, we’re available Day or Night. Your home’s problems can’t wait, and neither should you. Call us and let us know how our plumbers and techs can help.
We’re your local home services team…
Factory Authorized Trane System Dealer
Reimer is proud to be a Factory Authorized Trane System Dealer and offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. We are so confident that you will be comfortable – not only with your Trane System heating and cooling products but with us as a Factory Authorized Trane System Dealer – that we back it up with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. This guarantee applies If, you are dissatisfied with your Trane System equipment within one year, for any reason.
Our plumbers fix it all.