When your furnace stops working during a Northeast Wisconsin winter, waiting isn’t an option. Hockers Home Services provides fast, licensed furnace repair for De Pere, Green Bay, and surrounding Brown County communities with technicians available around the clock for the calls that can’t wait until morning.
Need to schedule now? Call (920) 659-0914 for same-day service, or keep reading for what our technicians check on every call.
Common Furnace Problems We Repair
Most furnace issues give warning signs before a full breakdown. Watch for:
- No heat or insufficient heat
- Furnace won’t start
- Blowing cold air
- Frequent cycling
- Unusual noises: banging, rattling, squealing, or grinding
- Thermostat problems
- Ignition failures
- Poor airflow
- Rising heating bills
- Uneven temperatures room to room
Catching these early usually means a smaller repair bill and no mid-winter emergency.
Why Wisconsin Furnaces Work Harder
Northeast Wisconsin winters put months of near-continuous demand on your heating system, which accelerates wear on blower motors, ignition systems, heat exchangers, sensors, and electrical controls. Even a well-maintained furnace can develop issues over a long cold season. That’s why we build routine maintenance into every service relationship, not just repair calls.
The Heat Exchanger: Why Some Repairs Aren’t Optional
The heat exchanger separates combustion gases including carbon monoxide from the air circulating through your home. Extreme temperature cycling can crack it over time, and a cracked heat exchanger is a safety hazard, not a performance issue. Every Hockers repair visit includes an inspection for this, and if we find a crack, replacement isn’t negotiable; it’s a safety call, not an upsell.
Why Is My Furnace Blowing Cold Air?
One of the most common calls we get. Usual causes:
- Dirty air filter restricting airflow
- Ignition system failure (hot surface igniter or spark igniter)
- Flame sensor issues
- Thermostat malfunction
- Overheating safety shutdown
A dirty filter is a five-minute fix. The others need a licensed technician to diagnose safely, gas and electrical furnace components aren’t a DIY repair.
Before You Call: Quick Checks
- Thermostat settings and batteries
- Circuit breakers
- Air filter condition
- Open supply vents
If these don’t resolve it, it’s time to call. Never attempt to service gas or electrical furnace components yourself.
Repair or Replace?
Repair usually makes sense if: the system is relatively new, the issue is minor, efficiency is still good, and breakdowns have been rare.
Replacement is worth considering if: your furnace is 15–20+ years old, repairs keep coming back, heating costs keep climbing, or a major component (like the heat exchanger) has failed. If you’re at this point, our furnace installation page covers what a replacement looks like, and our furnace repair cost guide breaks down what to expect either way.
We give honest repair-vs-replace recommendations based on your system’s condition — not a sales script.
Our Furnace Repair Process
- System inspection — full evaluation of your heating system
- Diagnostic testing — we test key components to isolate the actual problem
- Clear recommendations — honest, upfront repair options before any work begins
- Professional repair — quality parts, proven techniques
- Performance and safety testing — verified before we leave, every time
Protect Your Furnace Going Forward
Most furnace repairs are preventable. Our maintenance plans and the Zero Problems Plan membership ($20/month) include seasonal furnace checks, a 10% discount on future repairs, and a 1-year warranty on HVAC installations. If a repair or replacement is a bigger expense than you planned for, financing through Ally is available.
Licensed, Local, and Available When You Need Us
Hockers has served De Pere, Green Bay, Sturgeon Bay, Kaukauna, Ashwaubenon, and Pulaski for over 45 years under Master Plumber License #1281350. We’re family-owned, licensed and insured, and available 24/7 for the furnace emergencies that can’t wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can furnace repairs be completed?
Many repairs are completed the same visit, depending on the issue and parts availability. For emergencies, we offer 24/7 response.
Why does my furnace keep turning on and off?
Frequent cycling is usually caused by thermostat problems, a dirty filter, airflow restrictions, or a system sizing issue.
How long does a furnace typically last?
Most furnaces last 15–20 years with proper maintenance. Our maintenance plans help protect that lifespan.
Can a dirty filter cause furnace problems?
Yes. A clogged filter restricts airflow, which reduces efficiency, increases wear, and can cause overheating.
Is a cracked heat exchanger dangerous?
Yes, it can allow carbon monoxide into your home. It’s the one furnace repair we never treat as optional, and every repair visit includes a heat exchanger inspection.
Furnace down and need help now? Call Hockers Home Services at (920) 659-0914 — available 24/7 for De Pere, Green Bay, and Northeast Wisconsin.
Hockers Services is Here for All of Your Plumbing Needs!
Upfront pricing – you’ll never pay more than you’re quoted
Expert advice from professional, licensed & certified technicians
We’ll only sell you what you need
We stock enough parts in our trucks to do 93% of repairs on the spot
We stand by all recommended repairs
Flexible scheduling, ask about same-day service!