Heater Repair: Furnaces, Boilers, Heat Pumps
We serve homeowners throughout Northern Virginia—Arlington, Fairfax, Alexandria, Loudoun, Prince William, and the surrounding suburbs—with fast, dependable heating repair and maintenance.
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Proudly Serving Arlington and All of Northern VA with Prompt Heating Repairs
When your heating system fails, timely, expert service matters. HVAC & Plumbing Unlimited provides professional heating repair throughout Northern Virginia, including Fairfax, Alexandria, and nearby areas.
Our technicians are trained to service all heating types, makes and models, from aging furnaces to modern heat pumps.
Need immediate heater repairs? Call (703) 337-4892 today.
We focus on accurate diagnostics, efficient repairs, and clear communication—so you’re never left guessing. Whether it’s uneven heating, strange noises, or a complete system failure, we arrive ready with the tools and parts needed to restore comfort fast.
Trusted Heating Repair Experts Serving Northern Virginia
HVAC & Plumbing Unlimited is the trusted choice for heating repair across Northern Virginia — from Arlington and Alexandria to Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William. We understand the local housing styles, weather swings, and system types that affect how heating equipment performs here.
✔ Fast, reliable heating repair for furnaces, heat pumps, and boilers
✔ Skilled with Arlington and Alexandria’s older homes and complex ductwork
✔ Experts in Fairfax and Loudoun heat pump repair and cold-weather performance
✔ Certified technicians trained on all major heating brands
✔ Repairs tailored to Northern Virginia’s sharp winter temperature drops
✔ Trusted by thousands of local homeowners for urgent, same-day service
When Northern Virginia homeowners need heating repair done right — and done quickly — they choose HVAC & Plumbing Unlimited.
24-Hour Emergency Heating Repair In Northern Virginia
At HVAC & Plumbing Unlimited, our team knows that heating system problems can strike at any time. No matter the time of day, our team is always available to meet your repair needs. Our 24-hour emergency service is top-class and can ensure you have access to superior care for any situation.
When you call our experts for emergency repairs, we’ll have fully equipped and highly experienced Northern Virginia heating specialists out the door and on the way to your home or business as soon as possible. Upon arrival, our technicians will quickly diagnose and repair your heater using our knowledge and extensive experience.
When you have an emergency, we ask that you please call us rather than submit an online request. This will enable us to respond to your issue quickly.
Not Sure What Kind of Heating System You Have?
Northern Virginia homes use a mix of furnaces, heat pumps, and boilers — and it’s not always obvious which system you have. In fact, most homeowners aren’t 100% certain unless a technician has explained it before. This quick guide can help you understand your system, especially if you’re scheduling a repair.
You Have a Furnace if:
- You see a metal unit connected to ductwork
- Warm air blows through vents, not radiators
- Your thermostat has simple settings like Heat / Off / Cool
- You hear the system start and stop in cycles
Furnaces are very common in Arlington, Fairfax, and Alexandria homes.
You Have a Heat Pump If:
- Your outdoor AC unit also runs during the winter
- Your thermostat includes Aux Heat or Emergency Heat
- The warm air feels gentler than what a furnace produces
- You don’t have a separate indoor furnace unit
Heat pumps are extremely common in Loudoun, Prince William, and newer Northern VA neighborhoods.
You Have a Boiler If:
- Your home has radiators or baseboard heating
- You don’t feel airflow from vents
- Your heat feels steady, even, and “quiet”
- There’s a metal tank with multiple pipes connected to it
Boilers are often found in older Arlington and Alexandria homes.
Still Unsure? We Can Help.
If you’re not sure what type of heating system you have, that’s completely okay. You can send us a quick photo of the unit when you call or text — our techs can identify it instantly and get you the right type of service.
Once You Know Your Heating System, Here’s What You Can Safely Check
If your heat isn’t working the way it should, there are a few simple things you can check before scheduling a repair. These steps are safe for homeowners and often help rule out small issues. If anything feels unsafe or outside your comfort level, stop immediately — we’re here to handle the rest.
If You Have a Furnace:
- Thermostat set to Heat
- Replace dirty air filter
- Check breaker
- Make sure vents are open
Things You Shouldn’t Do:
- Don’t open burner compartments — these contain ignition components that can be dangerous to handle.
- Don’t adjust gas valves or wiring — even small changes can create safety risks.
- Don’t clean flame sensors or burners — these parts require proper tools and calibration.
- Don’t remove internal panels — most include safety switches that shouldn’t be bypassed.
If You Have a Heat Pump:
- Thermostat on Heat
- Clear leaves or debris around the outdoor unit
- Replace air filter
- Check indoor and outdoor breakers
Things You Shouldn’t Do:
- Don’t chip ice off the outdoor unit — this can damage the coils.
- Don’t touch refrigerant lines — they operate under high pressure and require EPA certification.
- Don’t open electrical panels — heat pumps use high-voltage components.
- Don’t attempt refrigerant fixes — adding or adjusting refrigerant is a regulated process.
If You Have a Boiler:
- Thermostat calling for heat
- Keep radiators and baseboards unobstructed
- Use the reset button if your boiler has one
- Observe the pressure gauge
Things You Shouldn’t Do:
- Don’t open valves or add water — incorrect pressure adjustments can cause system damage.
- Don’t bleed radiators unless you’re confident — doing it wrong can introduce air or cause leaks.
- Don’t adjust gas or ignition components — boilers require precise combustion settings.
- Don’t open the boiler cabinet — components inside can get extremely hot or be under pressure.
If You’re Ever Unsure — It’s Safer to Stop and Call.
These DIY checks can help rule out the simplest issues, but anything involving gas, electrical components, refrigerant, or water pressure should always be handled by a licensed technician. If something feels off or unsafe, shut the system down and call us — we’re here to help 24/7 for maintenance plan members.
Signs Your heater Might Need Repairs
Sometimes, it’s pretty obvious when your heating system needs a little love and care, but other times, the signs can be hard to read if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Our experts came up with the most common signs to watch for that signify you may need repairs. They include:
Your heater refuses to kick on: This may be obvious, but it bears mention simply because there are loads of possible issues here. An unresponsive unit could be due to thermostat issues, faulty wiring, busted components, and many other common problems.
Your heater makes odd sounds: You’re probably familiar with the minor sounds your system makes during operation. But if you notice a clunk, bang, wheeze, or whistle that seems out of place, it’s a good idea to reach out to a professional immediately. These are common signs that components have broken loose and may further damage your heater if left unhandled.
Your energy costs are higher: A little variation is natural, but when your utility costs spike a good 10% to 20% for no obvious reason, you likely have an issue that needs addressing.
Your thermostat is unresponsive: Often a wiring or electrical component issue, if your thermostat doesn’t seem to register adjustments you make, or the displayed temperature doesn’t seem to reflect the temperature of your home accurately, it’s time for repairs.
Your unit frequently “kicks” on and off: If your heater is operating erratically or too much, there is a good chance something has gone wrong. In some cases, this issue could necessitate a replacement.
Your air quality is becoming an issue: If your allergies are acting up a bit more than usual, or you note a heightened presence of dust in the household, the ductwork of your heater may be at fault.
Call (703) 337-4892 if you have a heating emergency.
The Locally Trusted Heating Professionals
We’ve been proudly serving Arlington and the surrounding cities for over 10 years, and in that time, we’ve learned how to provide the best service around. Our specialists offer the very best in skill, knowledge, and service, and our tools and products are top-notch. For heater repairs you can count on, look no further than our specialists. We proudly serve homes and businesses in Alexandria, Falls Church, and surrounding cities.
Heating Repair vs. Replacement
When your heating unit has broken down, you’re left with two options. You could either opt for heating repair or consider replacement should any of the following apply.
Your heating unit is old – Exactly how long heating units last depends on the unit, use, environment, and maintenance levels. Gas furnaces, for example, can survive for 20 years, so if it’s much older than that, you should think again before sinking more money into heating repair.
Repair after repair – Our heating repair technicians will always be happy to come in and service your unit. But if you’re getting to know them by name or they’re over often, then you should consider opting for replacement. At some point, another repair visit will be more expensive when you consider it’s a dying unit that needs to be replaced soon anyhow.
The cost of heating repair is almost half the cost of replacement – If you multiply the cost of a repair by the age of the unit, it should be less than the total cost of replacement. If not, then the repair is too much for a unit that’s too old and replacement is the more financially prudent maneuver.
Common Heating Repair Questions from Northern VA Homeowners
Why is my furnace or heat pump not heating my home?
In Northern Virginia, the most common causes are dirty filters, failing ignition systems, heat pump icing during cold snaps, thermostat issues, or older ductwork leaking conditioned air. Arlington and Alexandria homes with aging systems tend to see more airflow-related problems, while Loudoun and Fairfax heat pumps often struggle when temperatures dip below freezing. We diagnose the issue quickly and get heat restored fast.
Should I try to troubleshoot before calling for heating repair?
Yes—check that the thermostat has power, make sure it’s set to heat, replace the air filter, and verify the breaker hasn’t tripped. If your system still won’t turn on or is blowing cool air, it’s time to call us. Northern VA temperature drops are unpredictable, so we prioritize same-day service for no-heat emergencies.
Why does my heat pump blow cold air sometimes?
Heat pumps can feel like they’re blowing “cool” air even when heating, especially in Fairfax, Centreville, and Ashburn homes where heat pumps are common. This happens because they deliver air at lower temperatures compared to gas furnaces. However, if the air feels cold or the system runs nonstop, it may be icing, losing refrigerant, or having a reversing valve issue.
How often should I schedule heating maintenance in Northern VA?
At least once a year—ideally every fall. Heat pumps should be serviced twice a year because they operate year-round. Regular tune-ups help prevent the surge of breakdowns that happen when NOVA gets its first real cold snap in November or December.
When should I repair vs. replace my heating system?
Most furnaces last 15–20 years, and heat pumps around 10–15. You should consider replacement if your unit is older, breaks down often, has rising energy bills, or struggles to keep up during Northern VA’s freezing nights. We provide repair vs. replacement guidance based on cost, age, parts availability, and system safety.
Why are some rooms colder than others in my Northern VA home?
Split-level homes in Fairfax, brick rowhomes in Alexandria, and multi-story homes in Ashburn often have uneven heating due to ductwork layout, zoning issues, or airflow restrictions. A blocked return vent, leaky ducts, or an undersized system can also be the cause. We identify the root problem and recommend the right fix—air balancing, duct repairs, zoning, or system adjustments.
Can clogged or dirty filters really cause heating problems?
Absolutely. Dirty filters are one of the top causes of no-heat calls in Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax. They restrict airflow, cause the furnace to overheat and shut down, and make heat pumps struggle to move warm air. Replacing your filter regularly can prevent many breakdowns.
Why does my furnace make unusual noises?
Banging, scraping, or rattling sounds may indicate loose components, blower problems, ignition issues, or a failing motor. Loud furnaces are especially common in older Arlington and Alexandria homes with aging systems. Strange noises should be inspected quickly to prevent larger failures.
Do you offer emergency heating repair in Northern VA?
Yes. We provide fast 24/7 emergency heating repair across Fairfax, Arlington, Prince William, Loudoun, and Alexandria. If your heat goes out during freezing weather, we get you back up and running as quickly as possible.
Other Heating Services
24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE
If you’re having a home emergency, you don’t want to wait a minute too long. That’s why our technicians and plumbers are available to solve problems 24 hours a day, and that includes weekends and holidays. After all, things always break at inconvenient times.
HEATING MAINTENANCE SERVICES
If you keep your home’s systems operating efficiently, they’re much less likely to break down. That’s how preventive maintenance saves you money. We’ll clean and check your equipment to make sure it’s performing at is best — or fix it if isn’t.
FURNACE SERVICES
However you heat your home or business, HVAC & Plumbing Unlimited can keep it working like it should. We offer complete service and replacement and installation for all types of furnaces, boilers, or heat pumps.
AFFORDABLE WELLS FARGO FINANCING
Money should never get in the way of your family’s safety and comfort. We’ve arranged special payment options through Wells Fargo Financing that let you start enjoying your new system or repairs right away and pay for it over several months.