When your heat stops, the big question hits fast: who to call for furnace repair—and how do you keep your family safe while you wait? This guide gives you a clear Ontario-specific decision tree, a quick “before you call” checklist, and a behind-the-scenes look at how our team at Handy Bros. gets you warm again, fast.
The Quick Answer: A Simple “Who to Call” Decision Tree
- Smell gas or a strong “rotten egg” odour? Leave the home immediately. From a safe place, call your gas utility’s emergency line or 911. Once you’re cleared to return, call a licensed HVAC company to inspect and repair the furnace.
- No heat, strange noises, or short cycling (turning on/off rapidly)? Call an HVAC company. These are furnace-specific issues that trained gas technicians diagnose and fix every day.
- Breaker keeps tripping or you notice a burnt-wire smell at the panel? Start with HVAC (the furnace is the likely cause). If an HVAC diagnosis points to a home wiring problem, then call a licensed electrician.
- Thermostat seems dead or inaccurate? Do the quick checks below. If it still acts up, call an HVAC company—we’ll confirm if it’s the thermostat or the furnace.
- Water around the furnace? For high-efficiency units, that’s usually a condensate issue—call HVAC.
Your 60-Second “Before You Call” Checklist (Saves Time & Money)
Try these quick and safe checks. If anything here doesn’t fix the issue, we’re ready to help 24/7.
- Thermostat: Set to “Heat,” raise the setpoint 2–3°C above room temp, and ensure the schedule isn’t overriding you.
- Batteries/Power: If your thermostat uses batteries, swap them. Make sure the furnace switch (looks like a light switch) is ON.
- Filter: A plugged filter can shut a furnace down. If it’s dirty, replace it.
- Breaker: Check the furnace breaker in your electrical panel. If it’s tripped, reset once. If it trips again, stop and call us.
- Vents/Clearances: Outside intake and exhaust pipes (for high-efficiency furnaces) must be clear of snow, leaves, and ice.
- Error Code: Many furnaces flash a small LED code. Note it—our techs can use that to speed up diagnosis.
If you smell gas, skip the checklist and follow the safety steps above.
Why HVAC (Not a Plumber or Electrician) Is Your First Call
In Ontario, gas-fired furnace work is regulated and requires licensed gas technicians. HVAC companies employ techs trained to diagnose burners, ignition, pressure switches, draft systems, control boards, inducer motors, and more. Plumbers focus on plumbing systems. Electricians handle home wiring. They’re vital trades—but for furnace heat problems, HVAC is the right start. Want proof that specialized furnace work isn’t a DIY or “any-trade” job? Read why professional blower motor installation matters in Ontario homes
What Happens When You Call Handy Bros.
We believe in Home Comfort Done Differently—clear communication, fast response, and verified quality.
Here’s our typical flow:
- Live Triage: A friendly specialist confirms your symptoms and checks for any safety flags.
- Same-Day Options: We aim for same-day emergency service—especially in freezing weather.
- POD System Dispatch: Our team is organized in “PODs” so the right person with the right parts gets to you faster.
- AAA Certified Technicians: Our techs train hard—year-round—so they arrive prepared, not guessing.
- Upfront Options: We diagnose first, then give you clear repair options before any work starts.
- Video Verification: We can document key steps so you have proof the job was done right.
- Spotless Wrap-Up: We leave your space clean, test your system, and share simple tips to prevent repeat issues.
Ontario-Specific Safety Essentials (Read This Once, Remember Forever)
- Gas odour = leave now. Don’t use switches, lighters, or phones inside the home. From a safe spot, call your gas utility’s emergency line or 911.
- Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms: If your CO alarm sounds, everyone exits immediately. Call 911. Once safe, book an HVAC inspection.
- Furnace rooms: Keep the area around your furnace clear for airflow and safe service access.
Common Furnace Problems & Who to Call
No Heat or Weak Heat
Likely HVAC issues: dirty flame sensor, failed ignitor, plugged filter, pressure switch fault, inducer or blower motor problems, control board fault. Call: HVAC.
Furnace Starts, Then Stops (Short Cycling)
Often airflow problems, overheating, or sensor/pressure faults. Call: HVAC.
Loud Bangs, Rattles, or Whistles
Could be delayed ignition, expanding ductwork, loose panels, or blower issues. Call: HVAC.
Water on the Floor Near a High-Efficiency Furnace
Condensate drain or pump problem. Call: HVAC.
Breaker Trips Repeatedly
Start with HVAC to check the furnace. If we find a panel/wiring issue, we’ll guide you to an electrician. Call: HVAC → Electrician if needed.
The Handy Bros. Difference: Process & Proof
We’re proud to serve Chatham-Kent, London, Windsor-Essex, Sarnia, Leamington, and St. Thomas—and we love showing our work. Here’s how we do Home Comfort Done Differently:
- AAA Certified: Extensive annual training so our team is confident with legacy furnaces and the latest high-efficiency systems.
- Handy Bros. Academy: Ongoing education means faster diagnosis and first-time-right repairs.
- POD System: Dedicated teams, better coordination, faster response, smarter stocking.
- CHISEL Preparation: We plan, prepare, and standardize so your experience feels smooth from the first call to the final check.
- Video-Verified: Select steps can be documented so you don’t just “take our word for it”—you see it.
- Respect for Home & Family: Shoe covers, drop cloths, tidy work areas, and crystal-clear communication—every visit.
What to Expect During Your Repair Visit
Arrival & Safety
Our tech introduces themselves, reviews any safety concerns, and protects work areas.
Diagnosis
We run furnace-specific tests (combustion, pressure, airflow, electrical checks). If your unit flashes an error code, we use it to speed up the process.
Your Options
You’ll get clear repair options, timelines, and warranties. If your furnace is near the end of its life, we’ll price both a repair and a like-for-like replacement so you can decide—with no pressure.
The Fix
We complete the repair, test start-up and shut-down cycles, confirm temperature rise, and verify safe combustion.
Verification & Tips
We can video-verify key steps and share easy maintenance tips (filter schedule, vent checks, thermostat settings).
Transparent Pricing (No Surprises)
We keep it simple: diagnose first, present options, and get approval before any work. You’ll know the repair price, the part, and the warranty. We also offer financing for larger fixes or replacements, and our maintenance memberships help prevent surprise breakdowns and reduce operating costs.
Why This Guide Beats the Generic Advice
- A plain-English Ontario decision tree.
- A 60-second checklist that actually helps.
- A clear window into our process (not just promises).
Local, Fast, and Ready—Across Southwestern Ontario
Areas we serve:
- Chatham-Kent
- London & surrounding communities
- Windsor-Essex — Need help now? Book furnace repair in Windsor-Essex
- Sarnia–Lambton
- Leamington & Kingsville
- St. Thomas & Elgin County
Need help outside these areas? Call us—we’ll advise you on the right kind of pro to contact near you.
Quick Comparison: Standard Service vs. Handy Bros. Advantage
Quality Standards
Standard: “Licensed techs” with basic checks.
Handy Bros.: AAA Certified technicians, deep diagnostics, and video-verified steps.
Response Time
Standard: Next-day or later.
Handy Bros.: Same-day emergency options with POD dispatch.
Training Requirements
Standard: Minimal ongoing training.
Handy Bros.: Year-round education through Handy Bros. Academy.
Communication
Standard: Jargon and vague timelines.
Handy Bros.: Plain-English updates, clear arrival windows, and options before work.
Cleanliness & Care
Standard: Drop-ins, fast out.
Handy Bros.: Shoe covers, protected work areas, tidy wrap-up.
Proof of Work
Standard: “Trust us, it’s fixed.”
Handy Bros.: Video-verified steps available and post-repair system checks.
FAQs: “Who to Call for Furnace Repair” in Ontario
My furnace stopped at night—who do I call?
Call a 24/7 HVAC company. If you smell gas or your CO alarm sounds, exit and call emergency services first.
Can an electrician fix my furnace?
Electricians fix wiring and panels. Most furnace issues are gas/combustion/airflow related—HVAC is your best first call.
Do you service my brand?
We work on most major brands across Southwestern Ontario.
How fast can you get here?
We prioritize no-heat calls and offer same-day emergency options. If you’re nearby, book same-day furnace repair in London
Should I repair or replace?
We’ll show you both options with pricing and warranty info. If your furnace is older, a high-efficiency replacement may lower energy bills and improve comfort.
Can I prevent this from happening again?
Yes—regular filter changes, clear outdoor vents, and seasonal maintenance go a long way. Our maintenance memberships make it easy.
The Straight-Talk Bottom Line
If you’re wondering who to call for furnace repair, the safest and most effective choice is a licensed HVAC company. In Southwestern Ontario, Handy Bros. brings same-day options, AAA Certified technicians, a proven POD system for speed, and video-verified quality—so your home gets warm and stays that way.
Ready When You Are
Education first, service when you need it. If you’re in Chatham-Kent, London, Windsor-Essex, Sarnia, Leamington, or St. Thomas, our team is ready 24/7. Prefer to self-serve? Book your furnace repair in Chatham-Kent online—fast, simple, local.
- Call to speak with a real person right now
- Or book your furnace repair online—fast, simple, local
Handy Bros. — Home Comfort Done Differently.
