RV Furnace Repair & Upgrades

Blower motor spiking twelve amps on startup? Sail switch failing at 0.3" WC? We dig in: combustion chamber scrubbed of carbon, flame sensor under 5 ohms, control board locked above 11.8V DC. Propane burners torqued to 12-15 in-lbs on manifold bolts — no leaks, no wobble.

Igniters tested at 3-5kV, blower RPM dialed to factory spec — usually 1,200-1,500 depending on model — so you get full airflow, not a weak puff. Every fault logged, every reading handed over. Your rig runs tight, quiet, and hot — no callbacks.

Based in Carver, we come to you — providing mobile RV furnace repair throughout the South Shore and Southeastern Massachusetts. Don't let a busted furnace ruin your camping season — call Clean Slate and we'll get you back to warm in no time.

Common RV Furnace Problems We Fix

RV furnaces are complex appliances, and there are a number of issues that can prevent them from heating properly. Here are the most common problems we see — and fix — on service calls across the South Shore:

No ignition or failed start-up: Your furnace fan runs but the burner never lights. This is often caused by a dirty or stuck sail switch, a faulty ignition control board, or a clogged burner tube. In some cases, mud dauber insects build nests inside the exhaust tube during storage, completely blocking airflow.

Short cycling: The furnace lights but shuts off after only a few seconds or minutes. Typical culprits include a dirty flame sensor, overheating due to restricted airflow, or a failing high-limit switch.

Blowing cold air: The blower motor runs continuously without producing heat. This can indicate a gas supply issue, a bad gas valve, or an ignition failure where the control board locks out after repeated failed attempts.

Strange noises: Grinding, squealing, or rumbling sounds usually point to a worn blower motor bearing, loose mounting hardware, or combustion issues in the burner assembly.

Thermostat problems: An unresponsive or inaccurate thermostat can prevent the furnace from cycling correctly. We test both analog and digital thermostats and replace them when needed.

Need help with furnace repair & upgrades?

Give Phil a call or send us a message — we'd love to help.

Our Diagnostic Process

When Phil arrives for a furnace service call, he follows a thorough, systematic diagnostic process — not guesswork. Here's what a typical inspection includes:

We start by checking battery voltage and shore power connections, since RV furnaces require adequate 12V DC power to operate the control board, igniter, and blower motor. Low voltage is one of the most overlooked causes of furnace failure.

Next, we inspect the thermostat and wiring for proper operation and signal continuity. Then we move to the furnace itself — testing the sail switch, ignition board, gas valve, flame sensor, and high-limit switch individually.

We also inspect the burner assembly and combustion chamber for carbon buildup, corrosion, or insect nests — and check the exhaust vent and fresh air intake for blockages. Finally, we test the ductwork for disconnections or restrictions that can cause uneven heating or overheating.

Brands & Models We Service

We work on all major RV furnace brands, including Suburban, Atwood (now Dometic), and Dometic. Whether you have a small 12,000 BTU furnace in a pop-up camper or a 40,000 BTU unit in a fifth wheel, we have the knowledge and parts access to get it running right.

We're experienced with both older mechanical models and modern electronic ignition furnaces. If your unit is obsolete and parts are no longer available, we can recommend and install a compatible replacement that fits your RV's existing ductwork and gas lines.

Furnace Upgrades for Older RVs

If your furnace is aging, inefficient, or constantly breaking down, an upgrade may be the smartest investment. Modern RV furnaces are significantly quieter, more fuel-efficient, and more reliable than units built 10–15 years ago.

Upgrading can reduce propane consumption, lower noise levels at night, and provide more consistent heat distribution. We'll help you choose the right model for your rig's layout and BTU requirements, and handle the full installation — including any ductwork or gas line modifications.

Emergency No-Heat Service

Losing heat in your RV during a cold Massachusetts night is more than uncomfortable — it can be dangerous. Frozen pipes, burst water lines, and unsafe makeshift heating are all risks when your furnace fails in winter.

If you're dealing with a no-heat emergency, call Phil directly. We prioritize urgent cold-weather calls and do our best to get to you quickly, whether you're at a campground, in your driveway, or in storage. Don't wait — the sooner we can diagnose the issue, the sooner we can get you warm and prevent further damage.

RV Furnace Maintenance Tips

Prevention is always cheaper than repair. Here are a few things you can do to keep your RV furnace running reliably season after season:

Schedule annual professional servicing in early fall, before you need the heat. This gives us time to catch and fix issues before they leave you cold.

Clean or replace your furnace filter regularly. A clogged filter restricts airflow, causes overheating, and shortens the life of your blower motor.

Inspect the exterior exhaust and intake vents for insect nests, debris, or damage — especially after long periods of storage. Mud daubers and spiders love RV furnace vents.

Test your furnace before every trip, even in warm weather. A quick run confirms the system is operational and lets you catch problems on your terms, not when you're 50 miles from home in 30-degree weather.

Pricing & What to Expect

Every furnace job is different, so we provide honest, upfront estimates before any work begins. Diagnostic fees are applied toward the repair if you move forward, and we'll never upsell you on parts or services you don't need.

Common factors that affect cost include the type and age of the furnace, the complexity of the repair, whether parts need to be ordered, and your location within our service area. We'll walk you through everything so there are no surprises.

Proudly Serving the South Shore, Southeastern Massachusetts & Cape Cod

Based in Carver, MA, we provide mobile RV furnace repair & upgrades across Plymouth, Bristol & Barnstable Counties and surrounding areas.

Frequently Asked Questions