Furnace & Heat Pump Repair, Install

Winters in Middle Tennessee are shorter and milder than in much of the country, but they are unpredictable. A week of mild afternoons can be followed by a night in the teens, and ice storms occasionally arrive with little warning. That swing is hard on heating equipment. A system that sits idle for months and then has to run around the clock during a cold snap is exactly the system that fails at two in the morning.

Heavenly Air repairs, maintains, replaces and installs furnaces, heat pumps and other heating equipment for homes and businesses in Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, Spring Hill, Mount Juliet, Lebanon, Hermitage, Antioch, La Vergne, Nolensville, Murfreesboro and Smyrna. We are locally owned, our technicians are available 24 hours a day for emergency repair, and we repair all makes and models. This page covers the heating systems we work on, the warning signs to watch for, and what each service includes.

Furnace, heat pump or dual fuel: how heating systems differ

Most homes in our area are heated one of three ways, and knowing which one you have makes it easier to understand what a technician tells you.

Gas furnace. Burns natural gas (or propane where gas lines are not available) in a combustion chamber, and a heat exchanger transfers that heat to the air your blower sends through the ducts. Furnaces deliver strong, consistent heat and are rated by AFUE, the percentage of fuel converted to heat. Standard models are around 80 percent efficient and high-efficiency condensing models reach 90 percent or more.
Heat pump. Works like an air conditioner in reverse, moving heat from the outdoor air into your home. Because winters here are relatively mild, heat pumps are a practical and efficient choice for many homes. A heat pump handles both heating and cooling, and many have electric auxiliary heat strips that help on the coldest days.
Dual fuel. Pairs a heat pump with a gas furnace. The heat pump runs in mild weather for efficiency, and the furnace takes over when temperatures drop far enough that gas heat is the better value.

Signs your heating system needs attention

Heating problems are easier and cheaper to fix when you catch them early. Call for service if you notice any of these:

The system runs but the air is not warm. Possible causes include a failed ignitor, a dirty flame sensor, a tripped limit switch, or in a heat pump, a refrigerant or reversing valve problem.
The furnace turns on and off repeatedly. Short cycling often points to an overheating furnace from a restricted filter, a failing flame sensor or a blocked vent.
Rooms heat unevenly. Duct leaks, closed or blocked vents and an undersized system are common causes.
Unusual noises. Banging, squealing, rattling or grinding can indicate loose panels, failing blower bearings, a belt problem or a delayed ignition.
A yellow or flickering burner flame. A healthy gas flame is steady and blue. A yellow flame can signal incomplete combustion and needs prompt attention.
Rising heating bills. If your usage has not changed, the system is likely losing efficiency.
A burning or dusty smell. A brief dusty smell the first time you start the system each season is normal. A persistent burning, metallic or gas smell is not.
A heat pump icing over or staying in defrost mode. Light frost is normal in cold, damp weather, but heavy ice that doesn’t clear needs service.
The system is 15 years old or more. Older equipment is less efficient, more likely to fail in cold weather and harder to repair.

Heating Service and Repair

When the heat goes out, it is more than an inconvenience. On a cold night it can be a safety issue, and we treat it that way. Heavenly Air technicians are available 24 hours a day for emergency heating repair, and we work on furnaces and heating systems of every make and model.

Our diagnostic process includes:

Checking the thermostat, wiring, power supply and safety switches
Inspecting the ignition system, flame sensor and burners on gas equipment
Testing the blower motor, capacitor and electrical connections
Checking the heat exchanger, venting and combustion for safe operation
On heat pumps, testing the defrost cycle, reversing valve, refrigerant charge and auxiliary heat
Measuring airflow and temperature rise to confirm the system is delivering what it should

Safety comes first. A cracked heat exchanger or a blocked flue can allow carbon monoxide into your home, which is why a combustion safety check is part of any serious furnace inspection. We also recommend that every home with fuel-burning equipment has working carbon monoxide detectors on each level. If we find something unsafe, we will explain it clearly and tell you what needs to happen before the system runs again.

Heating Maintenance and Tune-Ups

The best time to find out your heating system has a problem is in September or October, not during the first freeze. A pre-winter tune-up checks the components that fail most often and keeps the system running safely and efficiently all season. Many manufacturers also expect regular maintenance to keep warranty coverage in place.

A heating tune-up typically includes:

Replacing or cleaning the air filter
Inspecting and cleaning burners, the ignitor and the flame sensor on gas furnaces
Inspecting the heat exchanger and venting for cracks, corrosion and blockages
Testing safety controls, limit switches and the pressure switch
Checking the blower, motor, capacitor and belts where applicable
Inspecting ductwork connections you can reach for leaks and damage
On heat pumps, checking the outdoor coil, defrost controls, refrigerant charge and auxiliary heat strips
Testing the thermostat and running the system through a complete heating cycle

Ask us about seasonal maintenance offers, and see our current specials. We recommend scheduling heating service in early fall, and cooling service in spring, so both systems are checked before they are needed.

Heating Replacement

Furnaces and heat pumps do not last forever, and the cold snap is the worst time to learn yours is finished. We offer free estimates on complete heating system replacement, with no high-pressure sales tactics for equipment you don’t need. Here is what we look at together:

Age and condition. Furnaces commonly last 15 to 20 years and heat pumps often 10 to 15, depending on use and maintenance.
Safety. A cracked heat exchanger is a reason to replace a furnace, not repair it.
Repair costs. If a major component has failed on an older system, the money may be better spent on new equipment.
Efficiency and operating cost. Higher-efficiency equipment can noticeably lower your winter bills.
Fuel type and options. Natural gas, propane, electric heat pump and dual fuel each have different installation and operating costs. We help you compare them for your home.
Comfort. Cold rooms, noise, and a system that runs constantly are signs that something about the equipment or the ductwork no longer fits your home.

Correct sizing is essential. A furnace that is too large heats the house too quickly and cycles on and off, while one that is too small can’t keep up on the coldest days. We evaluate your home’s insulation, windows, square footage and ductwork rather than repeating the size of the old unit.

Heating Installation

A new heating system should be installed with the same care you would expect from the equipment’s manufacturer. We handle replacements, new construction and additions, and every installation is backed by a 10-year parts and labor warranty on new installations.

A complete installation includes:

Reviewing your home, ductwork and existing equipment before selecting the system
Setting the furnace, air handler and outdoor heat pump unit to manufacturer specifications
Connecting gas lines, venting, condensate drains and electrical service safely and to code
Matching the indoor and outdoor components and refrigerant lines on heat pump systems
Installing a compatible thermostat and programming it with you
Testing combustion, airflow and safety controls, and then cleaning up the work area

Many heating replacements are completed in a single day. If your project involves converting fuel type, modifying ductwork or adding zones, it will take longer, and we will tell you the schedule up front. Permit requirements vary by city and county, and we handle them as part of the job.

What to do if your heat goes out

A few quick checks can sometimes save a service call, and if they don’t, they help the technician fix the problem faster.

Check the thermostatConfirm it is set to heat, the temperature is above the current room temperature and the batteries are fresh if it uses them.
Check the filterA badly clogged filter can cause a furnace to shut itself off. Replace it if it is dirty.
Check the breaker and switchMake sure the furnace breaker is on and the service switch near the unit is in the on position.
Do not ignore gas or burning smellsIf you smell gas, leave the house and call your gas utility and 911 from outside. Do not operate switches or appliances.
Call us 24/7If the checks don’t restore heat, call Heavenly Air. We will get a technician on the way.

What affects the cost of heating repair and replacement

Every home and every system is different, so we give an estimate after we have seen yours. These factors influence the price most:

System type. Gas furnaces, heat pumps and dual-fuel systems have different equipment and installation costs.
Efficiency rating. AFUE for furnaces and HSPF2 for heat pumps. Higher efficiency costs more up front and less every month.
Capacity and staging. Two-stage and variable-speed equipment heats more evenly and quietly, at a higher price.
Venting and gas work. Changing vent routes or running new gas lines adds to the project.
Ductwork condition. Leaky or undersized ducts reduce what any heating system can deliver.
Access and electrical. Attic or crawl space installations and electrical upgrades add labor.

Free estimates are available on complete system replacement, and multiple financing options are available for both residential and commercial projects. See financing options.

Heating questions, answered

How often should I have my furnace or heat pump serviced?

Once a year, ideally in early fall before the heating season begins. Gas furnaces especially benefit from an annual combustion safety check. Regular service finds worn parts early and helps preserve manufacturer warranty coverage.

How long does a furnace last?

A gas furnace commonly lasts 15 to 20 years, and a heat pump often 10 to 15. Maintenance, usage and installation quality all affect those ranges.

Is a heat pump a good choice in Middle Tennessee?

For many homes, yes. Our winters are mild enough that a modern heat pump heats efficiently most of the season, and it also provides your cooling. Homeowners who want gas heat on the coldest days can pair a heat pump with a furnace in a dual-fuel system.

Why is my furnace blowing cold air?

Common reasons are a thermostat set to fan only, a dirty flame sensor or failed ignitor that shuts the burners down, a tripped safety switch, a clogged filter causing overheating, or a gas supply problem. If you smell gas, leave the home and call your gas utility.

What does emergency heat mean on my heat pump thermostat?

Emergency heat turns off the outdoor heat pump and uses only the electric heat strips, which cost much more to run. It is meant for situations where the heat pump is not working. If you need to use it, call us so we can find out why.

Why does my furnace smell when I first turn it on?

A dusty or slightly burnt smell for a short time at the start of the season is normal because dust has settled on the heat exchanger. A smell that lingers, or a smell of gas or a metallic odor, is not normal and needs prompt attention.

Do I need a carbon monoxide detector?

Yes. Any home with a gas furnace, gas water heater, fireplace or attached garage should have working carbon monoxide detectors on each level and near sleeping areas. Replace batteries regularly and test them monthly.

Should I repair or replace my heating system?

If your furnace is past 15 years old, has a cracked heat exchanger, or needs a major repair, replacement is often the better value. If it is newer and the repair is modest, repairing it makes sense. We will give you an honest recommendation.

Do you offer emergency heating repair?

Yes. Heavenly Air technicians are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, for emergency heating repair in the areas we serve.

Where we provide Heating service

Our technicians work out of Lebanon and cover Nashville and the surrounding counties. Choose your city to see local details:

Nashville, Brentwood, Spring Hill, Franklin, Mount Juliet, Lebanon, Hermitage, Antioch, La Vergne, Nolensville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna.

Local heating pages

We have written a page for each of these services in our busiest areas, with the local detail that matters:

Expert heating solutions for unmatched comfort