Great Northern Heating and Air
Great Northern Heating and Air
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    • Home
    • Services
      • Boilers
      • Humidifiers
      • Radiant Heat
      • Thermostats / Zoning
      • Ventilation
      • Furnaces
      • Cooling
      • Heat Pumps
    • MiniSplit/Ductless
      • Get to Know Mini Splits
      • Configurations
    • Residential
    • Commercial
    • Financing
    • About
    • Promotions
    • Contact
    • Expert Tips

  • Home
  • Services
    • Boilers
    • Humidifiers
    • Radiant Heat
    • Thermostats / Zoning
    • Ventilation
    • Furnaces
    • Cooling
    • Heat Pumps
  • MiniSplit/Ductless
    • Get to Know Mini Splits
    • Configurations
  • Residential
  • Commercial
  • Financing
  • About
  • Promotions
  • Contact
  • Expert Tips

Furnace Maintenance

Are you tired of the temperature outdoors matching the one indoors? We certainly don't blame you! Not only does an inefficient heater make your space uncomfortable, things can become unsafe if your entire heating system goes out. But don't fret – Great Northern Heating and Air is here to ensure your home remains reliable and comfortable even during the coldest months with professional heater maintenance from a team of HVAC experts. We'll show up regularly to rescue you from uneven airflow, undesirable temperatures, and anything else that may be making you uncomfortable!

 
Your furnace is an investment; if treated correct, it could heat your home for years without problems. If left neglected, a furnace is susceptible to to breakdowns, efficiency issues, and catastrophic failures, which could lead to serious emergencies. 


  


Why is Furnace Maintenance Important?

 Whether you own a home or manage a business, the furnace in your space requires routine maintenance to ensure it's going to function when you need it to – and function properly at that. Providing your residential or commercial heater with routine maintenance from a Great Northern Heating and Air professional allows you to benefit from several things.

 
 

Equipment Protection and Extending the Life of Your Furnace

We strive to extend the life of your equipment. Routine heater maintenance can be just the thing to make that happen. The amount of regular, preventive maintenance will ultimately determine how long your home's heater will last, so don't postpone calling our team and scheduling your next maintenance appointment – and ideally the one after that.

 
 

Energy Savings and the Efficiency of Your Furnace

Who doesn't enjoy saving a few bucks here and there – especially on utilities? With our assistance, we can make sure your system continues working at peak performance for the comfort of your home and wallet! Heating systems that have been well-maintained simply work more efficiently, lowering your operating costs down and saving you money every month.

 
 

Saves You on Repairs

Heater maintenance can help you save on repairs. Detecting and performing the necessary repairs early on – while they're still minor - before they evolve into major, more expensive issues is a great way to save money in repairs or replacements in the long run.

 
 

Ensure Top-Notch Air Quality

Your home's air quality is crucial. Not only for your home's livability and overall comfort, but for your health. When dust, pollen, mold, and other airborne debris floats into your home, they end up getting trapped into your system and cycling through your entire home. Our maintenance service will ensure the filter is replaced and the system is cleaned out, leaving your indoor air quality much better than we found it.

 
 

Overall Comfort, Safety and Peace of Mind

Furnace maintenance isn't only about the savings and quality of air – even though we would agree that those are pleasant perks!

 
 

Furnace maintenance is about your peace of mind. Enjoy peace of mind that your home's heating system will remain comfortable, safe, and in good condition as temperatures begin to drop, no matter how low. With Great Northern Heating and Air, your system has the continuous support it needs to stay reliable throughout the year, working the precise way it should and taking the stress out of HVAC.

Furnace Repair

Why You Need Professional Furnace Repair

While many simple home repairs can be completed on your own, a furnace filter change should always be left in the hands of professional HVAC contractors. If you find that you need to schedule heating repair services, contact Great Northern Heating and Air of Kalispell today at 406-471-7560 to request heating services.

 
The majority of heating systems use combustion to create heated air for your home. Gas- and oil-burning systems can pose safety risks if not handled properly, which is why professional HVAC contractors should always make the necessary heating system repair with HVAC mechanics and HVAC equipment.

Emergency furnace services can be confusing and time-consuming unless you have the experience and tools necessary to get the job done with ease. Attempting to repair your furnace on your own can be stressful and even costly if you make a mistake that causes further damage. Your heating provider can complete your furnace repair quickly to restore your home heating comfort and save you time, money, and stress.

 
Professional same day heater repair comes with the HVAC pricing option to repay the costs via a payment plan, as well as guarantees and warranties on all service and parts. You simply cannot acquire the same payment options or peace of mind if you try to do a furnace replacement yourself.

Give us a call if you encounter any of the following problems:

  • The pilot light will not ignite
  • The thermostat is faulty
  • You hear abnormal sounds
  • The burners won’t stay lit
  • The blower lacks airflow or won’t turn off

What Causes Your Furnace to Stop Working Properly?

All furnaces rely on motors, sensors, igniters, gas valves, fans, flame rectification systems, controls, and bearings to run smoothly. An issue with any one of these parts can result in the whole system breaking down. This is why professional maintenance is so essential.

If a furnace keeps shutting off prematurely, the flame sensor may be defective and failing to turn on the gas valve. The flue pipe/exhaust vent can also cause a furnace to short cycle. If dirt and debris build up and block the flue pipe, hot gases will eventually overheat the furnace, causing a safety mechanism to shut it down.

Should I Call a Furnace Repair Technician?

Performing reliable repairs with lasting results is our top priority. We take every precaution and hold ourselves to elite industry standards when performing repairs. Great Northern Heating and Air is independently owned, operated, and well versed in all local and state regulations.

What to Watch For:

  • Abnormal furnace smells
  • Persistent and disconcerting noises
  • Poor air quality
  • Short cycling
  • A tripped carbon-monoxide detector
  • A discolored pilot light
  • Inadequate heat/airflow
  • It won’t turn on or off

Signs Your Furnace Needs to Be Repaired

Odd Smell Coming from Furnace

Cold or Lukewarm Air Temperatures

Cold or Lukewarm Air Temperatures

An odorous furnace does not automatically signal a problem. The subtle smell of fuel can be a normal occurrence, particularly during the season’s first use. However, most furnace odors should dissipate over time. If you notice an abnormally robust smell of fuel, an unusual or sudden odor, or a scent that doesn’t diminish, you may be dealing with a gas leak or dust buildup inside your unit. 

Cold or Lukewarm Air Temperatures

Cold or Lukewarm Air Temperatures

Cold or Lukewarm Air Temperatures

  If your home is inconsistently heated, it is possible hot air may be leaking through your ductwork. If frost and ice appear on your roof, heat may be leaking out of the attic. Rather than cranking up your thermostat with little results, call our technicians. We can swiftly get rid of cold drafts and leaks without overworking your furnace.

Furnace Has Trouble Starting

Cold or Lukewarm Air Temperatures

Furnace Has Trouble Starting

 Any struggle turning on a furnace is often an indication of underlying issues. When it takes several attempts to start a unit or your furnace keeps restarting, you more than likely have disconnected wiring, dead batteries, or a damaged thermostat.

Discolored Pilot Light

Discolored Pilot Light

Furnace Has Trouble Starting

   The color of your pilot light can be quite revealing. A healthy pilot light should ideally be bluish. If it is yellow, it is possible you may have a ventilation problem. A yellow flame indicates that gases are imbalanced and carbon monoxide isn’t dissipating as it should. This is both a health and fire hazard that warrants immediate professional attention.

Inadequate Heat

Discolored Pilot Light

Persistent Noises

  Perhaps the most recognizable sign that a furnace needs to be repaired or replaced is that it is not producing sufficient hot air. If your thermostat settings are cranked up with lukewarm results, something is incorrect. Our technicians can check for ductwork leaks, thermostat malfunctions, and furnace defects.

Persistent Noises

Discolored Pilot Light

Persistent Noises

  All furnaces make noise. Nonetheless, if you hear abnormal, jarring, and persistent noises, it may indicate a major problem. Our HVAC specialists have a comprehensive understanding of the correlations between specific furnace issues and certain sounds. 

Poor Air Quality

Carbon Monoxide Detection

Poor Air Quality

  Furnace systems can radically impact indoor air quality. A dirty and poorly maintained furnace will circulate allergens, bacteria, and other particles with heated air. This can result in illnesses, respiratory ailments, and allergic symptoms such as itchiness, watery eyes, and headaches. Fortunately, air-quality problems are often solved by merely replacing the air filter, cleaning the ductwork, and dusting the unit.

Dirty Filters

Carbon Monoxide Detection

Poor Air Quality

  We greatly advise changing your air filters once every 3 months at a minimum. If you have pets and/or allergies, you must switch your air filters every 2 months. Dirty and clogged air filters are bad for your health and the furnace itself. If caked in dirt, a filter can also prohibit airflow, causing the heat exchanger to overheat.

Carbon Monoxide Detection

Carbon Monoxide Detection

Carbon Monoxide Detection

   Ideally every furnace should be equipped with a carbon monoxide detector to trigger an alarm when toxic gases are present. If this alarm should go off, immediately turn off the furnace and ventilate your home. A carbon monoxide leak is something to take extremely seriously. Schedule a professional inspection right away.

Furnace Installation & Replacement

Furnace Installation & Replacement Services

After carefully evaluating your individual preferences, budget, and home, we’ll present a range of heaters that are optimal for your situation. Our technicians continuously follow manufacturer specifications and ensure the current ductwork is compatible with the new furnace. Highly qualified, friendly, and reliable, our furnace specialists can install all kinds of heaters, including boilers, heat pumps, and eco-friendly geothermal solutions.

Why Should I Replace My Furnace?

Heating and cooling can be responsible for as much as half of your energy use. With this said, you would benefit to give serious thought to whether your heating system is doing its job properly or whether it needs to be replaced.

 
Sometimes, the cost of repairing an older furnace outweighs the cost of replacing the system completely. In other instances, it might be more beneficial to replace an old energy-hungry furnace for one that’s more efficient. Doing so can save you significant amounts of money on energy bills. Our team is prepared to come to your home, determine exactly what you need, and help you choose a furnace that fits within your budget. We understand this is an important decision, so we’ll provide the assistance necessary to help you make the right one.

Signs It's Time to Buy a New Furnace

Repairs Get Too Frequent and Too Costly

Repairs Get Too Frequent and Too Costly

Repairs Get Too Frequent and Too Costly

 Over time, repairs will wind up costing more money and frustration than the heater is worth. Maintaining and repairing old systems with hard-to-find replacement parts can be a constant battle. If you’ve invested in numerous repairs over the last 2 years, you are better off installing a new system altogether. A replacement furnace will improve efficiency, simplify upkeep, and likely include a warranty.

An Older Unit

Repairs Get Too Frequent and Too Costly

Repairs Get Too Frequent and Too Costly

 As already distinguished, if your furnace falls into the 15+ year category, it is sensible to consider an upgrade. Rather than of risking hazards and/or buying a heater during a stressful emergency, give yourself the flexibility of purchasing a new unit preemptively.

High Energy Costs

Repairs Get Too Frequent and Too Costly

High Energy Costs

  If your furnace isn’t running at peak performance, your energy bills will inevitably increase. Regular maintenance and repairs can dramatically increase efficiency. Whether you have a heat pump, boiler, or any other type of heater, Great Northern Heating and Air has maintenance programs that can help reduce your electric bills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our recommendation is that furnaces of all styles should be serviced on an annual basis, regardless of fuel type.


Nope! Although the words are commonly used synonymously, furnaces heat by warming your home’s air across a heat exchanger, while boilers generate hydronic heat, using water and some means of radiation (radiators, baseboard heat, floor warming).


Depending on the age of your system, our technicians will make their best professional recommendation on whether you should invest more money into an old furnace. Many times, with increased efficiency and rebates available, it makes most sense to replace a system that is already past or close to its life expectancy.


If your furnace is more than 15 years old, incurring high monthly energy bills, and constantly breaking down, it is likely time for an upgrade. If repair costs exceed 50% of the price of a new furnace, replacing it is practically a no-brainer.


It's recommended to service your heating system at least once a year before the chilly weather rolls in. In some cases, such as a furnace, you may want service done twice a year to ensure complete peace of mind. When it comes to heat pumps used year-round, it's best to have these serviced once every six months.


The average life expectancy of a furnace is approximately 15 years. With proper maintenance, it can survive longer. However, as it ages, it’s more likely to malfunction and require expensive maintenance and repairs.


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Great Northern Heating and Air

173 Lauman Road, Kalispell, MT 59901, USA

406-471-7560

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Open today

07:00 am – 05:00 pm

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