If your furnace is short-cycling, making new noises, blowing cool air or simply getting old, the right decision comes down to three questions: is it safe, what will a repair actually fix, and how much life does the rest of the system have left? ROMA Heating & Cooling has repaired, replaced and installed gas furnaces across Greater Vancouver since 1999. This guide explains how our technicians make that call with homeowners, what a proper installation includes, and what you can expect from us. It is written by a Technical Safety BC licensed gas contractor (Gas LGA0202903), not a lead-generation website, and it reflects what we see in real Lower Mainland basements, crawlspaces and utility closets every week.
Safety first: if you smell gas, leave the home right away, then call FortisBC's emergency line and 911 from outside. Do not switch lights on or off, and do not use a phone inside. If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, or anyone feels dizzy, nauseous or unusually drowsy, get everyone outside and call 911. Comfort always comes after safety. You can read more on our gas safety page.
Should I repair or replace my furnace?
There is no single age or dollar rule that settles this, and anyone who gives you one without looking at your furnace is guessing. We weigh four things together and explain each of them to you in plain language.
Age and repair history
An older furnace that has needed several significant repairs in the last few seasons is telling you something. A younger furnace with one failed part usually is not. We look at the data plate, the condition of the cabinet and burners, and what has already been replaced, then give you an honest read on whether the next repair is likely to be the last one for a while or the first of many.
The heat exchanger
The heat exchanger keeps combustion gases separate from the air you breathe. If it is cracked, perforated or badly corroded, the conversation changes immediately, because that is a safety problem rather than a comfort problem. On most residential furnaces a heat exchanger replacement is a major job, and on an older unit it rarely makes sense. When we find a concern here, we show you what we found, with photos where we can, and we never use the phrase lightly.
Safety and venting
Spillage at the draft hood, a flue that no longer drafts properly, rust in the vent connector or signs of overheating around the burner compartment all push us toward a closer look. Some of these are fixable. Some are symptoms of a furnace that has reached the end.
Efficiency and comfort
Older standard-efficiency furnaces send more heat up the chimney than modern high-efficiency condensing units. If your home has cold rooms, uneven floors or a furnace that roars on and off, a replacement properly sized by a load calculation can fix comfort problems that no repair will touch.
| What we find | Usually points to repair | Usually points to replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Age and history | Younger furnace, first real failure | Older furnace, repeated major repairs |
| Heat exchanger | Sound, clean, no signs of distress | Cracked, perforated or heavily corroded |
| Parts availability | Parts readily available locally | Parts discontinued or hard to source |
| Comfort | Home heats evenly when it runs | Cold rooms, noise, constant cycling |
| Venting and safety | Minor, correctable issues | Venting or combustion problems tied to the unit itself |
Where it makes sense, we give you a written flat-rate price for both the repair and a replacement so you can compare them side by side, without pressure.
What are the most common furnace problems in Lower Mainland homes?
Our damp coastal climate, older housing stock and the number of renovated homes with basement suites create a recognizable pattern of calls. The problems we see most often are:
- Restricted airflow. Clogged filters, closed or blocked return grilles and renovation dust cause overheating, safety-limit trips and short cycling. It is the most common and the most preventable issue we find.
- Ignition and flame-sensing faults. A dirty flame sensor or a worn igniter can leave a furnace trying, failing and locking itself out, usually on the coldest night of the month.
- Inducer motors and pressure switches. The inducer clears the heat exchanger before the burners light. When it gets noisy or the pressure switch cannot prove draft, the furnace will not fire. As one customer put it, "Excellent service. Andy had a spare Carrier inducer with him which saved us time." (Steven E.)
- Condensate problems on high-efficiency furnaces. Blocked traps, sagging drain lines and failed condensate pumps are common, especially where furnaces sit in garages or crawlspaces.
- Blower motors and capacitors. A blower that hums, starts slowly or runs hot will eventually stop moving air.
- Control boards and thermostats. Wiring errors after a thermostat swap, failing boards and incorrect settings account for more no-heat calls than most people expect.
- Short cycling from oversizing. A furnace that is too large for the house heats in quick bursts, wears out faster and leaves rooms uneven.
Many furnaces flash a diagnostic light when they stop. We read those flashes against the manufacturer's documentation for your exact unit rather than guessing, because the same pattern can mean different things on different brands. A flashing light is a starting point for diagnosis, not a diagnosis.
What happens during a furnace repair visit?
A good repair visit is methodical. Here is what you can expect when a ROMA technician arrives for a furnace repair:
- We listen first. When did it start, what does it sound like, has anything changed in the house? Your answers often save diagnostic time.
- We check safety before anything else. That means testing for gas leaks at the appliance, checking for carbon monoxide in the room and at the flue, and confirming the venting is intact.
- We diagnose with instruments. Meters, manometers and combustion analyzers tell us what is actually happening instead of what might be happening.
- We explain what we found. You get a plain-language explanation and, where helpful, a look at the failed part.
- You get a written flat-rate price before any work starts. No surprises, no running meter. Nothing proceeds until you approve it.
- We repair and test. After the repair we run the furnace through full heating cycles and confirm the safety controls respond as they should.
- We walk you through it. You will know what was done, why, and what to watch for.
How does a furnace replacement or installation work?
A furnace is only as good as its installation. The same unit can run quietly for many years or struggle from day one, depending on how it was sized, vented and set up. Our installation process follows the same steps whether you are replacing a tired furnace in a Burnaby bungalow or installing a new system in a Surrey home.
- In-home consultation and free estimate. We look at the existing equipment, the ductwork, the venting path, the gas supply and the space the furnace will live in. Estimates on new installations are free.
- Load calculation. We size the furnace to your home, based on its construction, windows, insulation and layout, not simply on the size of the old unit. Many older furnaces were oversized to begin with.
- Ductwork assessment. A new furnace cannot fix undersized returns or crushed ducts. We tell you if the ducts will limit performance and what can reasonably be done about it.
- Venting design. High-efficiency condensing furnaces vent through plastic pipe to a sidewall or roof, which means planning the route and meeting clearance requirements to windows, doors and property lines. If the old furnace shared a chimney with a gas water heater, removing the furnace can leave that water heater on a chimney that is now too large for it. We assess that and include a liner or re-venting where it is needed.
- Condensate drainage. Condensing furnaces produce water. We plan a proper drain, add a condensate pump where gravity will not work, and protect lines in cold garages and crawlspaces.
- Gas piping. We confirm the gas line can supply the new appliance, install a proper shut-off and sediment trap, and pressure and leak test the connection.
- Permits. Gas work in BC requires a licensed gas contractor and a gas permit. Permits are issued by Technical Safety BC, except in the City of Vancouver, where the City issues gas permits. Inspections may follow. We handle the permit as part of the job; our permits and inspections page explains the process.
- Installation and removal. We protect floors, remove and dispose of the old unit, and install the new furnace to the manufacturer's instructions and code.
- Commissioning. We set gas pressure, test combustion, check temperature rise and airflow, verify every safety control and configure the thermostat. Commissioning is the step that separates a correct installation from one that merely runs.
- Walkthrough and registration. We show you the filter, the shut-off and the thermostat, and help with manufacturer warranty registration.
Which type of furnace is right for my home?
Most of the difference between furnaces lives in how they control the flame and the blower. Here is how we explain the main options.
| Furnace type | How it runs | Where it fits well | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-stage | On at full output or off | Smaller, simpler homes and tight budgets | More temperature swing, louder starts |
| Two-stage | Low fire most of the time, high fire in cold snaps | Most Lower Mainland family homes | Higher equipment cost than single-stage |
| Modulating | Adjusts output in small steps to match demand | Larger homes, comfort-focused owners, multi-level houses | Highest equipment cost, more sophisticated controls |
Blower motors
Many current furnaces use ECM variable-speed blower motors. They move air more gently at low speeds, run quieter, and make continuous fan operation far more practical for filtration and evening out temperatures between floors. For most homes we consider them worth serious attention.
Filtration and indoor air
A deeper media filter cabinet generally captures more fine particles than a thin filter and needs changing less often, but the right choice depends on your ductwork and the blower's ability to handle the added resistance. If allergies, wildfire smoke or a new renovation are concerns, tell us; we can talk through filtration, and ventilation options such as an HRV or ERV, in the context of your actual system.
Efficiency
High-efficiency condensing furnaces capture heat that older units send up the chimney. The trade-off is that they need plastic venting and a condensate drain, which is why venting and drainage planning matter so much in a replacement. We explain the efficiency differences between the options we quote, and what they likely mean for your home, without inflating the savings.
Can you install a furnace in a condo, townhouse or basement suite?
Yes, and these installations deserve extra planning. In townhouses and some condos, furnaces often sit in small closets with limited venting routes. Sidewall vent terminations have to meet clearance rules to windows, doors, balconies and neighbouring units, and many strata corporations require written approval before any exterior penetration or equipment change. We can provide the information your strata council or property manager needs to review the work.
Basement suites raise different questions. When one furnace serves both the main home and a suite, tenants cannot control their own heat, and shared ductwork can carry odours, smoke and noise between units. Depending on the property and local rules, separate heating, fire separation or other changes may be required. We check before we quote, rather than discovering it halfway through the job. If you are buying a property with a suite, an HVAC and gas inspection before subject removal is money well spent.
Should I pair my furnace with a heat pump?
For many Greater Vancouver homes, a dual-fuel system is worth considering. A heat pump handles heating through our long, mild shoulder seasons and provides cooling in summer, while the gas furnace takes over during cold snaps when it is the more comfortable and practical choice. A properly configured control decides when to switch between the two. Dual fuel usually works with your existing ductwork, and it can be installed at the same time as a new furnace or added later. Rebate programs for heat pumps change regularly; we will tell you what is currently offered and what paperwork is involved, and let you decide.
How often should a furnace be serviced?
Once a year, ideally before the heating season starts. Annual service catches worn parts before they fail, keeps combustion safe and clean, and is often a condition of manufacturer warranties. A ROMA furnace tune-up includes:
- Gas leak testing at the appliance and carbon monoxide testing at the flue and in the room
- Combustion analysis and burner inspection and cleaning
- Heat exchanger inspection as far as the design allows
- Flame sensor, igniter and inducer checks
- Condensate trap and drain cleaning on high-efficiency furnaces
- Blower inspection, motor and capacitor testing
- Safety control and limit testing
- Venting inspection from the furnace to the termination
- Thermostat operation and filter replacement
Between visits, you can change or check the filter regularly, keep the area around the furnace clear of stored items, and keep supply and return grilles open. Keep plants, snow and stored items away from exterior vent pipes, and if something outside looks damaged or blocked, call us rather than touching it. A maintenance plan takes the scheduling off your list.
What does a new furnace cost in Greater Vancouver?
We do not publish a single price, because two homes on the same street can need very different installations. What drives the price is predictable, though:
- The furnace type and efficiency level you choose
- The size required by the load calculation
- Venting changes, including new plastic vent routes and any chimney liner needed for a remaining water heater
- Condensate drainage, including whether a condensate pump is required
- Ductwork modifications, return air improvements or transitions to fit the new cabinet
- Gas line changes and any electrical work required by a licensed electrician
- Access: tight closets, crawlspaces and attics take more time
- Permits, removal and disposal of the old equipment
- Add-ons such as upgraded filtration, a new thermostat or a heat pump
Estimates on new installations are free, and every job comes with a written flat-rate quote. No work starts until you have approved it in writing. If spreading the cost makes sense for your household, ask us about financing options, available on approved credit (OAC).
Which furnace brands does ROMA service and install?
We service and install Lennox, Carrier, Trane, Goodman, Rheem, Amana, Daikin, Bosch and most other brands found in Lower Mainland homes. When we recommend equipment, we base it on the home, the comfort goals, local parts support and how the unit will be installed, because the quality of the installation matters more than the name on the cabinet. If you already have a brand in mind, tell us and we will give you a straight opinion on whether it suits your house.
What if my furnace stops working at night or on a weekend?
ROMA runs service calls seven days a week. Our office is open Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 8 pm. Call (604) 704-0300 and we will tell you honestly when a technician can get to you. While you wait, check that the thermostat is set to heat and has working batteries, look at the filter, and make sure the furnace door panel is fully closed, since many furnaces will not run with it off. Do not attempt anything beyond that. If there is any smell of gas or a carbon monoxide alarm, leave the home and call from outside as described above. Our emergency service page explains how urgent calls work.
Where does ROMA provide furnace service?
From our office at 2800 Douglas Rd B in Burnaby, we serve Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Delta, Tsawwassen, Ladner, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Langley, Aldergrove, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, White Rock, Abbotsford, Mission and Chilliwack. See our service areas for details.
Why do Greater Vancouver homeowners choose ROMA for furnace work?
We are a Technical Safety BC licensed gas contractor (Gas LGA0202903), licensed, bonded and insured, and TECA-certified. Our technicians are Red Seal-certified, the team brings more than 25 years of experience, and we keep training as equipment changes. You can confirm any gas contractor's licence on the Technical Safety BC public licence lookup; our licences and certifications page lists ours.
Homeowners have given us a 4.8-star rating from 221 Google reviews, and they tend to mention technicians by name. "Nelson worked hard to get the NTI unit fixed. He was always polite, courteous and on time," wrote Chris T. You can read more on our reviews page.
Pricing is upfront and flat-rate, with written approval before any work. Our 100% satisfaction guarantee is simple: if something isn't right, call us and we will come back and make it right. Learn more about why homeowners choose ROMA.
Tell us what you have — the brand, the model, and what it's doing — and we'll come back with the honest picture. Call (604) 704-0300 or book your furnace visit online.
Furnace services near you
Furnace repair
Vancouver · Burnaby · Richmond · Surrey · Delta · New Westminster · Coquitlam · Port Coquitlam · Port Moody · North Vancouver · West Vancouver · Langley · Maple Ridge · Pitt Meadows · White Rock · Abbotsford · Chilliwack · Aldergrove
Furnace installation
Vancouver · Burnaby · Richmond · Surrey · Delta · Coquitlam · Port Coquitlam · North Vancouver · West Vancouver · Langley · Maple Ridge · White Rock · Abbotsford · Mission · Chilliwack · Aldergrove
Furnace replacement
Burnaby · Richmond · Port Moody · White Rock · Abbotsford · Mission · Chilliwack · Tsawwassen · Ladner · Aldergrove
Emergency furnace repair
Vancouver · Burnaby · Richmond · Surrey · Delta · New Westminster · Coquitlam · Port Coquitlam · Port Moody · North Vancouver · West Vancouver · Langley · Maple Ridge · Pitt Meadows · White Rock · Abbotsford · Mission · Chilliwack · Tsawwassen · Ladner · Aldergrove
After-hours furnace repair
Burnaby · Richmond · Surrey · Delta · New Westminster · Coquitlam · Port Coquitlam · Port Moody · North Vancouver · West Vancouver · Langley · Maple Ridge · Pitt Meadows · White Rock · Abbotsford · Mission · Chilliwack · Tsawwassen · Ladner · Aldergrove
Furnace repair by brand
AirEase Furnace Repair With Upfront Written Pricing · Auto Shop Furnace Repair: The Bays' Heat, Honest · Furnace Blower Motor Repair: When the Air Stops Moving · Bosch Furnace Repair: Clear Diagnosis, Written Pricing · Burner Assembly Repair for Gas Furnaces: Relight and Flame Problems · Furnace Capacitor Repair: The Part That Gets Everything Moving · Church Furnace Repair: The Big Air's No-Heat · Clare Furnace Repair for Older Units · Office Furnace Repair: The Floors' Cold Report · Concord Furnace Repair: Honest Help for an Aging Furnace · Condensate Pump Repair: Overflow Fixes for High-Efficiency Furnaces · Condensate Trap Repair: Slow Drains and Blocked Fittings on Furnaces · Condo Common Areas Furnace Repair: The Lobby's No-Heat · Furnace Control Board Repair: The Circuit That Runs Everything · Daycare Furnace Repair · Dettson Chinook Compact Furnace Repair in Greater Vancouver · Furnace Flame Sensor Repair: Why the Fire Keeps Shutting Itself Off · Gas Furnace Repair in Metro Vancouver · Furnace Heat Exchanger Repair: Symptoms, Checks, and What a Crack Means · Furnace Igniter Repair: A Quiet Part That Runs Out of Energy · Furnace Inducer Motor Repair: The First Part to Move in Every Cycle · Furnace Limit Switch Repair: When the Furnace Cycles Before It Warms Up · Medical Clinic Furnace Repair · No Heat? Carrier Furnace Repair in Greater Vancouver · No Heat? Lennox Furnace Repair in Greater Vancouver · No Heat in Maple Ridge: Fast Furnace Repair Help · No Heat in Port Coquitlam: Furnace Repair Help · Furnace Pressure Switch Repair: The Draft Check That Holds Up the Fire · Restaurant Kitchen Furnace Repair · Retail Storefront Furnace Repair · Salon Spa Furnace Repair · School Furnace Repair: Diagnosing Without Disrupting · Strata Furnace Repair: Restoring the Building's Shared Comfort · Furnace Thermocouple Repair: The Pilot's Proof of the Flame · Furnace Transformer Repair: When the Controls Lose Their Power · Warehouse Furnace Repair: Getting Every Zone Warm Again
Furnace questions we hear most
How long does a furnace replacement take?
It depends on what the job involves. A straightforward swap with existing venting and ductwork that suit the new furnace moves much faster than a job needing a new plastic vent route, a chimney liner for the water heater, ductwork changes or a condensate pump. We lay out the expected schedule in your written quote, so you know how long the heat will be off and can plan around it.
Is a noisy furnace dangerous?
Not always, but new noises deserve attention. Squealing or grinding often points to a blower or inducer motor wearing out. Loud booms at ignition can indicate delayed ignition, which should be checked promptly. Rattling may be a loose panel or something more serious inside. If a noise comes with a gas smell or a carbon monoxide alarm, leave the home and call FortisBC's emergency line and 911 from outside.
Why is my furnace blowing cold air?
Common causes include a thermostat set to fan-on rather than auto, a clogged filter causing the furnace to overheat and shut the burners off, a failed igniter or flame sensor, or a blocked condensate drain on a high-efficiency unit. Check the thermostat setting and the filter first. If the problem continues, call a licensed technician rather than restarting the furnace repeatedly.
Do I need a permit to replace a furnace in BC?
Yes. Replacing a gas furnace is gas work, which requires a licensed gas contractor and a gas permit. Technical Safety BC issues permits in most of the province, while the City of Vancouver issues its own gas permits. An inspection may follow. ROMA takes care of the permit as part of the installation, and you can check any contractor's licence on Technical Safety BC's public lookup.
Can I keep my existing ductwork with a new furnace?
Usually, yes. Most replacements connect to the existing supply and return ducts with new transitions. The exception is ductwork that is undersized, crushed, disconnected or poorly balanced, because a new furnace cannot overcome those limits. During the estimate we look at the ducts and tell you whether they will hold the new system back and what reasonable improvements would make a difference.
What is a cracked heat exchanger and why does it matter?
The heat exchanger is the metal chamber that keeps combustion gases separate from the air circulated through your home. A crack or hole can allow those gases, including carbon monoxide, to mix with household air. Because it is a safety issue, a confirmed crack typically means the furnace should not keep running. We document what we find and explain your options clearly before anything else happens.
Does ROMA offer financing for a new furnace?
Yes. Financing is available on approved credit (OAC) for furnace replacements and new installations. We do not publish rates here because they depend on the program and your application. Ask your technician or our office for details when you receive your free estimate, and you can compare the written flat-rate quote with a monthly option before you decide.
Should I close vents in rooms I don't use?
We generally advise against closing many supply vents. Furnaces are designed to move a certain amount of air, and shutting off too many registers raises pressure in the ductwork, reduces airflow across the heat exchanger and can cause overheating and noisy operation. If some rooms are too warm and others too cold, that is a balancing or zoning question worth having a technician look at.
My furnace is flashing a light. What does that mean?
Most furnaces flash a status or diagnostic light, and the meaning depends on the manufacturer and the specific unit. The same pattern can mean different things on different brands, so we read it against the documentation for your exact furnace rather than guessing. Note the pattern and the brand and model when you call (604) 704-0300, and our technician can arrive better prepared.
What Greater Vancouver Homeowners Say
“Nelson worked hard to get the NTI unit fixed. He was always polite, courteous and on time.”
“As always Nelson was super efficient. Showed up on time and was quick to work. I had a full maintenance done on the fireplaces and furnace. He was awesome. I won’t use anyone else.”
“Excellent service. Andy had a spare Carrier inducer with him which saved us time.”
“Was very prompt to respond to our issues. Technician was scheduled for the day following my initial call.”
“Very professional heating company. Price is reasonable, excellent work.”
“Highly recommend this company. It was a pleasure dealing with Shawn and Nelson.”
“Professional and courteous technicians with attention to detail and customer needs.”
“Always great, friendly service. Serviced the hot water on-demand system. Honest and informative. Thanks!”
“Speedy response time, honest, and professional service from start to finish.”
Why Greater Vancouver Trusts ROMA Heating & Cooling
ROMA Heating & Cooling has installed, repaired and maintained heating and cooling systems across Metro Vancouver since 1999. Our team are TSBC-licensed gas fitters (Gas LGA0202903) and Red Seal-trained technicians — licensed, bonded and insured — and we back every job with upfront, flat-rate pricing and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We hold a 4.8★ rating from 221+ Google reviews.
- Authorized for 30+ brands (Lennox, Carrier, Viessmann, Navien, Rheem & more)
- Upfront flat-rate pricing — no overtime or hidden fees
- Free, no-obligation estimates on new installations
- Locally owned & operated in Burnaby, BC
No Hidden Fees
Our service rates are transparent and easy to understand. You approve upfront, flat-rate pricing before we start — so you never get a bill you didn’t expect.
Licensed & Bonded
ROMA is a TSBC-licensed gas contractor (Gas LGA0202903). Our technicians are bonded, insured and Red Seal-trained — qualified for any heating or cooling system.
Free Estimates
We offer free, no-obligation estimates on new installations — furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, air conditioners, tankless and hot-water tanks.
