Wondering if your furnace is running normally during cold weather? Here's what you need to know.

Normal Furnace Run Times

Wondering how long your furnace should stay off between cycles? During extreme cold, it's normal for your furnace to:

Run up to 60 minutes per hour
Have shorter off cycles between runs
Operate almost continuously in sub-zero temperatures

If your furnace runs differently than this, or if your home isn't staying warm enough, keep reading for solutions.

When Your Heater Can't Keep Up with Cold Weather

A properly sized furnace should maintain a 70-degree temperature difference between the outside and inside. This means that if it's zero degrees outside, your furnace should keep your home at 70 degrees. However, when temperatures drop below zero, even well-functioning systems may struggle.

Signs Your Furnace Is Working Normally

Consistent operation during cold weather
Even temperatures throughout your home
Regular cycling patterns
Maintaining temperature within a few degrees of your setting

Signs You May Need Service

Frequent short cycling
Long periods without running
Unable to reach set temperature
Uneven heating between rooms

Solutions When Your Home Is Too Cold

Immediate Actions You Can Take

Your home's structure helps resist temperature changes. Use this to your advantage by slightly raising your temperature before extreme cold arrives. This "pre-heating" can help maintain comfort during the coldest hours.

What Not To Do

Avoid common mistakes that can make your situation worse:

Don't place space heaters near your thermostat - this causes premature system shutoff
Avoid using fireplaces during extreme cold - they can actually pull heated air out of your home
Don't close too many vents - this can create system pressure issues

Protecting Your Home

During extreme cold:

Open cabinet doors to protect pipes
Keep interior doors open for better air circulation
Ensure all windows are fully closed and locked
Check for drafts around windows and doors

When to Call for Professional Help

Contact Getzschman Heating for furnace repair if:

Your furnace can't maintain comfortable temperatures
Run times seem unusually short or long
You notice unusual noises during operation
Your energy bills have increased significantly

Don't wait until your system fails completely. Our expert technicians are available 24/7 to:

Diagnose performance issues
Optimize system operation
Ensure safe functioning
Restore your comfort quickly
Answer your questions about how long your furnace should run

Call (402) 235-6727 for prompt service on all makes and models.

Here at Getzschman Heating and Air Conditioning, our goal is for every single one of our customers to have an efficiently working furnace and air conditioner. Unfortunately, as HVAC units age, wear and tear is bound to happen. However, if you get a furnace and AC tune-up each and every season, you can not only improve the longevity of the unit but also prevent any surprise breakdowns. That’s why we present you with the opportunity to join our G-Force Maintenance Club. Our Maintenance Club provides many benefits as well as discounts on repairs year around!

Become a member of our G-Force Team and Save Big

We cannot think of one reason not to join our G-Force Maintenance Club. You have 3 options to choose from -- Basic, Silver, and Gold memberships. Even our basic option allows you the opportunity to save big on tune-ups and discounts on any repairs.

G-Force Maintenance Club Benefits

Energy Savings – Proper adjustment, lubrication, and servicing your furnace and AC systems keep it running at peak efficiency.
Reduced Repairs – Many times our servicemen will spot minor problems before they become major problems.
Preferred Customer – Get priority scheduling when you have a service call. Our dispatcher will work with your schedule for convenience.
Discount on Repairs – Receive a 15% discount on all labor and parts when repairs are required.
Competent Experts – A competent, factory-trained expert looks after your equipment to give you peace of mind.
24-Hour Service – Our service department never closes. We are available 24 hours per day.
Automatic Renewal – We will automatically extend your service agreement upon expiration. You are always free to cancel our service at any time with no penalty.

Silver and Gold Members Save More Money

With our G-Force Club Membership, the higher you go, the more benefits you receive.

Silver Club Membership

Silver Club members get two free tune-ups every year and will also get a 10% discount on new furnaces or air conditioners. As if that isn’t enough, they will also get a 10% discount on air quality products and a 15% discount on all repairs. Silver club also guarantees appointments in 24 hours.

$50.00 savings on our normal diagnostic fee
Guaranteed appointments in 24 hours
Two free precision tune-ups included
15% discount on all repairs
10% discount on Indoor Air Quality Products
10% discount on new heating & cooling equipment

Gold Club Membership

Gold Club members all get 25% discounts on repairs and guaranteed same-day appointments.

Free Diagnostic
Guaranteed same day appointments
Two free precision tune-ups included
25% off on all repairs
15% discount on Indoor Air Quality Products
10% discount on new heating & cooling equipment

The G-Force Club Membership really is worth it. Never worry about your heating and cooling system again. Become a G-Force Club member and relax! If you are interested in becoming a member, ask our representative for the pricing. Signing up is quick and easy, all you have to do is fill out a form. Give us a call if you have any questions at (402) 235-6727. Join our hundreds of G-Force Maintenance Club members today!

Our fine city of Fremont was recently named “Community of the Year” by Nebraska Diplomats. The city of Fremont was recognized at the Nebraska Diplomats Greater Omaha Regional Economic Development Celebration on Tuesday, February 14th, for their achievements in community growth and business partnerships. Governor Ricketts attended the luncheon and presented the award to Mayor Scott Getzschman.

Mayor Getzschman Is Very Proud

“It was extremely exciting to be singled out for the award,” said Getzschman. “We have a great staff, city council, and planning department that have contributed, but we can’t do this without the support and collaboration of partnerships like Greater Fremont Development Council and the Fremont Chamber. We are excited for the citizens of Fremont who can be proud of their community’s achievements and this recognition.”

Fremont Just Keeps Getting Better

“I’m really excited for the community as a whole,” said Garry Clark, executive director of the Greater Fremont Development Council. “The community has seen several projects take place in 2017 including efforts towards housing and infrastructure, and new companies that have landed here like the Costco|Lincoln Premium Poultry processing plant and most recently, Legacy Post & Beam. The future of Fremont is strong and vibrant. We are grateful for the governor and the Nebraska Diplomats’ recognition.”

The Nebraska Diplomats is a non-profit corporation that travels the globe representing Nebraska. They are the largest economic development organization in the state that helps to foster the growth of Nebraska.

At Getzschman Heating and Air Conditioning, we’re proud to be a part of this wonderful community of people. Congrats to all the folks who live here for helping to make it great!

Unfortunately, like all mechanical things, furnaces only last so long before they need to be replaced. The lifespan for the average furnace is roughly 12-15 years. Sure, you can keep limping along, but at some point, repair costs, inconvenience, or high energy bills are going to make you pull the trigger and replace your furnace. The problem is, it’s hard to tell exactly when that time is. The team at Getzschman put together this simple list of questions you can answer to give you a better idea of whether or not you can limp on through this winter, or it makes more sense to buy a new furnace. Answer the six questions and see where you stand. If you check off more than three, it’s time:

Decide the Fate of Your Furnace

Is your home more than 12 years old? If it is, and you have not replaced your furnace yet, it’s likely your system is nearing the end of its lifespan. Most systems only operate efficiently for 12-15 years before they need to be replaced.
Have you had to repair your system more than once over the last 5 years? Annual maintenance is fine, but if you’ve had more than one major repair to your furnace system in the past 5 years if could be a sign of trouble.
Is your furnace warranty expired? Most furnace warranties only cover your system for 5-10 years. Once the warranty expires, repairs can become extremely expensive. At that point, you could be putting that money you’re spending on repairs toward a new, high efficiency furnace that will save you money on energy bills.
Are your utility bills continuously increasing every year? Your furnace and air conditioning systems are the biggest consumers of energy in your home – they account for roughly 48% of your energy costs. As your system ages and becomes less efficient, it also can hike up your energy bills.

Does your furnace seem to run nonstop? Older systems become less efficient over time, which means they must work harder and longer to maintain the temperature that the thermostat demands. This results in higher utility bills.
Does your home have hot spots and cold spots? Older systems weren’t necessarily designed to keep every room comfortable. Two-story homes are especially difficult to keep warm and cool. The upstairs stays warm in the summer and the downstairs is always chilly in the winter. Newer systems have technology available to even out the temperature in your home.

Did you reply yes to more than three questions? It’s time. Don’t wait until it’s too late and you’re without heat in the dead of winter. We recommend upgrading sooner rather than later both for comfort and for energy savings.

Learn more about your furnace replacement options and if you need to replace your furnace now. Give us a call at (402) 235-6727 or contact us online and we’ll be happy to explain your options and give you a free estimate.

Every year, we get phone calls from homeowners here in the Omaha area asking about a variety of furnace sounds and if there is cause for concern. Well, luckily, here at Getzschman Heating and Cooling , we speak furnace. We’ve put together this list of noises your furnace can make and given you an explanation for each one as well as a concern level. Just like when you wake up from a long nap, you may make some strange sounds - grunts, groans, yawns and squeals - your furnace does the same thing. Here are some sounds to listen for:

Furnace Noises

We’ve broken them down into normal noises and noises to be concerned about:

Normal Furnace Sounds

Chirp – Chirping sounds are fairly common. It’s usually the natural noise of the mechanisms.
Rattle – Rattling noises usually happen when the system is cooling down and it’s not generally cause for alarm.
Hum – This is usually a sound that happens when the furnace burner lights. It can be followed by a click.
Crackle – Crackling noises may be the metal parts cooling down after the furnace shuts off.
Ping – This sound can also be caused by contracting and expanding ducts.

Related Read: 3 Heating Myths Busted

Noises to Be Concerned About

Boom – These sounds are usually your ductwork expanding and contracting with the changes in temperatures throughout the seasons. But, if this happens and your furnace smells like it’s burning, you might have a dirty burner in your furnace or a defective gas valve. Have a professional check it out.
Screech – This could be a problem with your motor or fan belt. Call a pro before you have a bigger problem.
Whine – Whining or odd vibrating noise may indicate a problem with your system. Call in an expert.
Clunk – Clunking or bumping sounds often mean you have a cracked belt. Fix it immediately.

If you hear strange noises coming from your furnace, or you notice your furnace is not keeping up with your thermostat setting, give us a call. We’ll send one of our technicians out to take a look. We’re available 24 hours a day for emergency service. Just give us a call at (402) 235-6727 or contact us online.

When you’re talking about a 12-15 year relationship, you want to choose wisely. It will run hot, it will run cold, but the most important thing is that it continues to run. We’re not talking about a romantic relationship. We’re talking about your furnace and air conditioner.

If you’re replacing your heating and cooling system, it’s very important to find someone you can trust and depend on for years. While it’s not romantic, we do want you to love your new furnace and AC. At Getzschman Heating and Air Conditioning, we want to make sure you make the right choice. What makes Getzschman the right choice? We’re glad you asked.

When you select Getzschman Heating to provide and install a new furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump in your home, you also gain a special status among all the customers we serve.

G-Force Membership V.I.P client status which entitles you to additional benefits during the entire future of our business relationship.
Multiple financing offers when you install a new furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump
FREE estimates any day or night of the week for your convenience
Written performance heating and air conditioning guarantee.
Firm electrical bid on all replacement installations by a licensed electrical contractor.
Testing of all equipment for proper operation and thorough training at the completion of the project.
Disposal of all existing equipment and debris after the conclusion of each day’s work.
Use of floor savers and drop cloths for all service and installation crews.
Getzschman Gold Warranty, which offers a full 10-year unlimited, all parts, labor and equipment warranty with repair service available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

If you want hassle-free repairs, installation, and maintenance, there’s only one company to call that will truly put you first - Getzschman Heating & Cooling. Call us at (402) 235-6727 or contact us online today!

Wi-Fi thermostats are a smart way to save money on your heating and air conditioning bill, giving you the ability to control your home temperature when you are away through Wi-Fi access on your phone.

Connecting your thermostat to your smartphone allows you to remotely turn the temperature up or down while you are out of the house to save energy. But controlling temperature remotely is just the beginning of what a Wi-Fi thermostat can do. To make your decision easier, the G-Force team has put together this Wi-Fi thermostat comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.

Related Read: 3 Heating Myths Busted

Find Your Fit: Comparing Wi-Fi Thermostat Features

There are quite a few options to choose from when it comes to Wi-Fi thermostats. We found three of the favorites online and outlined their features to help you decide which ones are most important to you.

The EcoBee3 boasts top reviews on Amazon and is compatible with both Android and IOS systems. You can even use Siri to turn your system up when you’re on your way back home, so you can walk into the perfect temperature. The EcoBee3 can help your system run more efficiently by sensing things like the outdoor weather, your home's unique energy profile, and which rooms in your home are currently occupied.

The Nest Learning Thermostat V3 will actually learn your favorite temperatures and start programming itself within a week of setup. Like the EcoBee3, the Nest also senses when no one is home and will automatically adjust your system, saving you energy costs. When the Nest senses you are nearby, it will light up to show you the current time, temperature, and weather outside.

The Honeywell RTH8580WF Wi-Fi thermostat is the best budget thermostat according to an online comparison. It also works with Android or IOS, has remote seven-day scheduling, and temporary vacation holds. It has a larger screen than the EcoBee3 or Nest Learning Thermostat, and completes automatic software updates when needed.

With all the choices of Wi-Fi Thermostats, all with convenient features, trying to pick the right one for your home can seem daunting. These are just three of the many options available on the market, but we hope this helps narrow down your search and expose you to the different features available with these popular products.

If you'd like more information on installing a new programmable thermostat in your home, contact us online or call us at (402) 235-6727 and we can help you decide which type is right for you!

Shopping for a new furnace this winter season? Today's furnaces are more complicated than furnaces of the past. To help you navigate the confusion, here are some buying tips for high-efficiency furnaces from the G-Force team:

Understand Energy-Efficiency Ratings

Energy-efficiency measurements communicate how efficiently fuel is burned and how much energy, such as electricity, is required to operate blowers that circulate heat. The rating is found on the bright yellow label.
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) indicates the measurement for fuel efficiency. The highest efficiency rating is 98.5%, which means 98.5% of fuel is converted into heat. Most older furnaces are around 80% efficient.

Get Familiar With The Features

Variable-Speed Blowers - These blowers allow for slower air delivery, less noise, fewer drafts and reduction of uncomfortable temperature fluctuations during times when less heat is needed, such as sleeping or away hours.
Variable Heat Output - This feature increases efficiency and comfort with automation of heat variance between two levels, allowing for continuous heat delivery.
Air Filtration - Electrostatic filtration with HEPA filters reduces dust in the heating system, creating a cleaner and healthier home.
Dual Heat Exchanger - This feature allows the furnace to draw heat from the burned gas. The dual feature creates greater efficiency by eliminating corrosive by-products in exhaust gases.
Ignition System - A direct spark or hot surface ignition eliminates pilot lights. Pilot lights reduce energy efficiency because they rely on a continuously burning flame.
Zone Heating - Multiple sophisticated thermostats tied into one controller use dampers to manage airflow in different parts of a home, which creates greater energy efficiency.

Better Efficiency Means Faster ROI

The many advantages, such as savings, improved comfort, healthier living, and convenience, make high-efficiency furnaces an attractive replacement for older furnaces. Plus, with the increased efficiency, energy bills are lower, which shortens the time you will have to wait to see a return on your investment.

To learn more, contact the furnace pros at Getzschman Heating and Cooling online or call us at (402) 235-6727. Our experienced technicians can help you choose the best model for your home and your budget.

Winter in Omaha does not ease into the season. Cold nights stack up fast, and furnaces end up running long hours with very little rest. When a system is already worn, winter exposes it. When something small is off, the symptoms usually show up right away.

Homeowners often ask if what they are noticing is normal winter behavior or a real problem. This guide walks through common furnace problems we see during winter, the early signs to pay attention to, a few safe checks you can handle yourself, and when it is time to have a technician take a closer look.

Why Furnaces Struggle in Winter

Furnaces are built to handle cold weather, but winter still pushes them harder than any other season. In Omaha homes, that pressure shows up in predictable ways.

A few things make winter especially demanding:

Longer overnight run times when temperatures drop sharply

Cold air is making it harder to recover heat between cycles

Dirty filters are limiting airflow during peak use

Older components are wearing down under constant demand

This is where many common furnace problems start. The system may still run, but not the way it should.

Warning Signs Your Furnace Needs Help

Some furnace issues are obvious. Others start quietly and get worse over time. Catching the early signs saves stress later in the season.

Signs furnaces need service often include:

Rooms that never seem to warm up evenly

New noises that were not there earlier in the season

A furnace that turns on and off more often than it used to

Higher utility bills without a change in habits

Airflow that feels weak at the vents

If one or two of these show up, it is usually not random. It is often the system telling you something is not right.

Furnace Blowing Cold Air

A furnace blowing cold air is one of the most common winter complaints. It can happen briefly during startup, but steady cold air is not normal.

This issue often traces back to a few sources:

A clogged air filter that causes overheating and shutdowns

The thermostat set to fan on instead of auto

Ignition problems that stop the burners from staying lit

Safety sensors reacting to restricted airflow

In many Omaha homes with finished basements, airflow problems show up faster because duct runs are longer. If warm air never really arrives, an inspection helps pinpoint the cause.

Furnace Not Keeping Up With Cold Weather

Another frequent winter issue is a furnace that fails to keep up. The system runs, sometimes nonstop, but indoor temperatures stay a few degrees short of the thermostat setting.

Common reasons include:

Dirty burners that reduce heat output

Failing flame sensors that interrupt operation

Duct leaks are pulling heat into unconditioned spaces

Aging equipment that has lost efficiency

During cold snaps, a healthy furnace should still maintain comfort. When it cannot, something inside the system needs attention.

DIY Checks Homeowners Can Try

Not every winter issue requires immediate service. There are a few basic checks homeowners can safely handle.

Start simple:

Replace the air filter if it looks dirty or clogged

Check thermostat batteries and settings

Make sure supply and return vents are open

Confirm nothing is blocking airflow near the furnace

Look for basic error codes on the control panel

If the issue clears up, great. If it comes back, that usually means the root cause is deeper than a surface fix.

When to Call a Technician

Some problems are not DIY territory. Continuing to run a furnace with ongoing issues can create safety risks or lead to larger repairs.

Call for professional help if you notice:

Repeated shutdowns or lockouts

Burning smells that linger

Loud banging or scraping sounds

A furnace that will not start at all

Carbon monoxide detector alerts

These common furnace problems require proper testing and tools to diagnose correctly.

Winter Prevention Tips for Fewer Problems

The easiest way to avoid furnace problems in winter is to reduce stress on the system before issues build up. Preventive care matters most when the furnace is working its hardest.

Helpful prevention steps include:

Scheduling seasonal heating maintenance

Changing filters regularly during winter

Keeping intake and exhaust pipes clear of snow

Paying attention to changes in sound or performance

Addressing small concerns early

Many Omaha homeowners are surprised by how smoothly their system runs after a routine inspection.

Scheduling a Furnace Inspection

If your furnace has shown warning signs, an inspection is a smart next step. It enables technicians to identify common furnace problems, confirm safe operation, and ensure the system is ready for sustained winter use.

A professional inspection can:

Identify worn components before they fail

Improve airflow and heat consistency

Reduce unexpected shutdowns

Help the furnace keep up during cold nights

Scheduling an inspection during winter helps prevent surprises when your home needs heat the most.

October is almost over and chilly weather is on the way. What do you do that first chilly morning when you go to turn on the heat but it's not working? Before you call a heating and cooling technician, here are some furnace troubleshooting tips from the G-Force team that may solve your issue without having to pay for a service call.

What to Do When the Furnace Won’t Turn On

Check the Thermostat

Look at the thermostat and make sure that it is set to "Heat." After checking that it’s set to the right position, try setting the temperature at least 5 degrees warmer than the current room temperature. If you still don't hear the fan turn on after a few minutes, bump your thermostat up to 90 degrees and listen for the fan to turn on again.

Check the Breaker Box

Is your furnace getting power? Check the circuit breaker box and make sure that the switch hasn't tripped. Also, check that the furnace power switch is flipped to "on." Look around your furnace for a regular wall switch. That switch must be switched to "on" in order to power your furnace. Another place to check is the blower motor switch. Look for a switch around the motor's housing and try resetting it.

Check the Filter

A common troublemaker for furnaces is a dirty filter. Would you breathe easily with a dirty cloth over your nose and mouth? Most filters should be changed monthly, so double check that your filter isn't covered in dirt or debris. Furnaces will not operate at maximum efficiency with dirty filters and some of today’s high-efficiency furnaces will shut down completely.

Check the Airflow

Look around and check all of the registers and returns in your home to ensure that they are open and not blocked. A sofa pushed up against or sitting on top of a return vent restricts the airflow through the furnace and throughout your home. If you have ductwork that can be inspected, check for any disconnections or leaks, which also hinder the furnace's performance.

Trouble - Furnace Is Blowing, but No Heat

Check the Condensate Drain
The condensate drain may be clogged or restricted. Algae can build up and stop the flow of water. Clean out or flush the drain blockage to troubleshoot this issue.

Trouble - Furnace Is Making an Unusual Noise

Call a Technician

Could be a belt, a fan motor, a broken or loose part. There are many possibilities. Whether it’s clanking, squealing, thumping, etc., your furnace should not make unusual noises. In this case, call Getzschman so a technician can properly diagnose the problem.

If you try all of these tips and still have trouble, contact us online or call us at (402) 235-6727 today and one of our G-Force technicians will have that furnace up and running in no time!