How much does heating repair cost in San Antonio?

Most San Antonio heating repairs cost $150–$600. Diagnostic calls run $75–$150. Ignitor replacement is the most common fix at $150–$400. Blower motor replacement costs $350–$900. Heat exchanger replacement runs $1,000–$3,500 and often means it's time for a new furnace. Heat pump heating repairs follow AC repair pricing since the same components are involved.

Do I need a furnace in San Antonio?

Most San Antonio homes use either a gas furnace or a heat pump for heating. Heat pumps are increasingly popular because they handle both heating and cooling, and SA winters rarely drop below 25°F — well within heat pump range. Gas furnaces heat faster and work in any temperature but cost more to operate with current CPS Energy gas rates. If you're replacing your system, a heat pump is usually the better long-term choice.

Why is my heater blowing cold air?

Common causes: a failed ignitor (furnace lights but flame goes out), a dirty flame sensor (furnace shuts down as a safety measure), thermostat set incorrectly (check it's on HEAT, not COOL), a tripped high-limit switch (often caused by a dirty filter restricting airflow) or a heat pump stuck in defrost mode. Check your air filter first — a clogged filter causes most heating complaints and costs nothing to fix.

Heating Repair in San Antonio, TX

San Antonio may be known for heat, but winter freezes are real. When your furnace won't ignite or your heat pump blows cold air, you need a licensed tech fast. Most heating repairs run $150–$600 and get done in a single visit. We match you with vetted HVAC pros who handle furnaces, heat pumps and dual-fuel systems.

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Heating Repair Costs in San Antonio

Heating repairs cost less than AC repairs on average because heating systems have fewer complex components. Here's the full price list:

Service	San Antonio Cost	Notes
Heating Diagnostic Call	$75–$150	Credited toward repair
Ignitor Replacement	$150–$400	Most common furnace fix
Flame Sensor Cleaning/Replace	$80–$250	Quick fix, big impact
Thermocouple Replacement	$100–$300	Older standing-pilot systems
Blower Motor	$350–$900	Same motor as AC uses
Draft Inducer Motor	$200–$600	Exhaust fan motor
Gas Valve Replacement	$200–$700	Controls gas flow
Heat Exchanger	$1,000–$3,500	Often means replace furnace
Furnace Replacement	$2,500–$6,000	New furnace installed
Heat Pump Repair	$150–$650	Similar to AC repair costs

Prices include parts and labor during business hours. After-hours surcharge of $50–$150 may apply.

Common Heating Problems in San Antonio

Heating systems in San Antonio sit idle for 8–9 months. When you fire them up in November, problems surface. Here's what goes wrong most often:

Ignitor Failure

The most common furnace repair. Modern furnaces use a hot surface ignitor (HSI) instead of a standing pilot light. HSIs are fragile ceramic elements that crack after 3–7 years. When it fails, the furnace won't light at all. Replacement: $150–$400. Takes about 30 minutes.

Dirty Flame Sensor

The furnace lights briefly then shuts off. The flame sensor tells the control board that gas is actually burning — if it's dirty, it can't detect the flame and shuts the system down as a safety measure. Cleaning costs $80–$150. Replacement runs $100–$250. This is often a 15-minute fix.

Heat Pump Not Heating

If your heat pump blows cool air in heating mode, common culprits include low refrigerant, a stuck reversing valve ($200–$700 to replace), a defrost board failure ($150–$400) or simply a thermostat set incorrectly. Heat pump heating repairs use the same components as AC — costs mirror AC repair pricing.

Cracked Heat Exchanger

This is the serious one. A cracked heat exchanger can leak carbon monoxide into your home. Symptoms: yellow flame instead of blue, soot around the furnace, excessive condensation on windows. Replacement costs $1,000–$3,500 — which usually means replacing the entire furnace ($2,500–$6,000) is the smarter move.

Furnace vs. Heat Pump: Which Is Right for San Antonio?

Factor	Gas Furnace	Heat Pump
Heating Speed	Fast, high output	Gradual, consistent
Also Cools?	No (needs separate AC)	Yes — heats AND cools
Operating Cost	Higher (CPS gas rates)	Lower (electric)
CPS Energy Rebate	Limited	$1,000–$2,500
Federal Tax Credit	None	Up to $2,000
Extreme Cold Performance	Excellent in all temps	Less efficient below 25°F
Install Cost	$2,500–$6,000	$5,000–$10,000

For most San Antonio homes, a heat pump is the better long-term investment. You get heating AND cooling from one system, lower operating costs and the best incentives. Gas furnaces still make sense for homes with existing gas infrastructure where the homeowner prefers the faster, hotter heat output.

Preparing for Winter in San Antonio

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Schedule a tune-up in October. A $75–$150 inspection catches problems before the first cold front. Techs check ignitors, flame sensors, gas connections, heat exchangers and thermostat calibration.
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Change your air filter. A clogged filter restricts airflow, triggering high-limit switch shutdowns. Replace every 30–60 days during heating season. A $5 filter prevents $200+ service calls.
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Test your heater before you need it. Run your system for 30 minutes on a mild fall day. A burning smell is normal for the first use (dust burning off) but should clear within 15 minutes. Strange noises or no heat? Call for service while wait times are short.
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Check CO detectors. Carbon monoxide from a cracked heat exchanger is the biggest heating safety risk. Test detectors, replace batteries and install one on every floor if you don't have them already.

Heating Repair Questions — San Antonio

How often does San Antonio actually need heating?

More than most people expect. San Antonio averages 20–30 nights below freezing per winter. January lows average 38°F. And every few years, a major freeze event hits — like February 2021's Winter Storm Uri, which dropped temperatures to single digits. Your heating system may not run as many hours as your AC, but when you need it, you really need it.

Should I repair or replace my furnace?

Gas furnaces last 15–25 years. If yours is under 15 and the repair costs less than $500, repair it. If the heat exchanger is cracked ($1,000–$3,500 to fix), replace the furnace — a cracked heat exchanger is a carbon monoxide risk. New furnaces run $2,500–$6,000 installed. Or switch to a heat pump ($5,000–$10,000) and get CPS Energy rebates plus federal tax credits.

What maintenance does my heating system need?

Schedule a heating tune-up in October or November — before you need it. Costs $75–$150. The tech checks the ignitor, flame sensor, heat exchanger, gas connections, blower motor and thermostat calibration. Change your air filter monthly during heating season. If you have a heat pump, one annual tune-up covers both heating and cooling.

Is carbon monoxide a risk with gas furnaces?

Yes. A cracked heat exchanger can leak carbon monoxide into your home. CO is odorless and colorless — you can't detect it without a detector. Install CO detectors on every floor and near bedrooms. Replace batteries annually. If your furnace is over 15 years old, have the heat exchanger inspected every year. Any yellow or flickering flame instead of steady blue is a warning sign.

Can my heat pump handle a San Antonio freeze?

Standard heat pumps work efficiently down to about 25–30°F. Below that, they switch to backup electric resistance heating, which costs more to run. For San Antonio's typical winters, a heat pump handles 95% of heating days without backup. For extreme events like Uri, dual-fuel systems (heat pump + small gas furnace backup) provide the best protection.

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