Who Fixes Heaters in Fredericksburg, TX? HVAC Contractor, Plumber or Gas Company

Written by: Global Cooling & Plumbing+ Heating Team | Last updated: November 5, 2026

Quick answer: In Fredericksburg, TX, a licensed HVAC contractor fixes furnaces, heat pumps and most heaters. A plumber with gas experience handles gas lines and water heaters, and Atmos Energy only responds to gas leaks and meter issues. A combined heating and plumbing company like Global Cooling & Plumbing+ can handle both the heater and the gas line.

Your heater stops working on a cold Hill Country morning, and the first question is simple: who do I call? An HVAC company? A plumber? The gas company? A handyman?

The answer depends on the type of heater and the problem. A furnace that blows cold air is a job for an HVAC contractor. A water heater with no hot water is usually a plumber’s job. A gas leak at the meter is the gas company’s job first. Calling the right professional saves time, money and, in some cases, protects your family’s safety.

This guide explains who fixes each type of heater in Fredericksburg, what licenses they need in Texas and how to save a second service call. Global Cooling & Plumbing+ is one of the few local companies that provides both HVAC and plumbing services, so we see these questions every winter.

Key Takeaways

• HVAC contractors fix home heating systems: furnaces, heat pumps, electric heaters, ductless systems and thermostats.
• Plumbers fix water heaters, gas piping inside the home and boiler water piping.
• The gas company or propane supplier handles leaks at the meter or tank and restores service, but usually does not repair furnaces.
• In Texas, HVAC work requires a TDLR license and plumbing and gas line work requires a TSBPE license.
• If you smell gas, leave the house first and call the gas or propane provider from outside.
• A company with both HVAC and plumbing can handle problems that involve both trades in one visit.

Quick Guide: Who to Call for Each Heater Problem

Problem	Who to Call
Furnace blows cold air or will not start	HVAC contractor
Heat pump not heating or iced over	HVAC contractor
Thermostat not working	HVAC contractor
Strange smells or noises from the furnace	HVAC contractor
No hot water, leaking water heater	Plumber
Gas line to the furnace or appliance needs repair	Licensed plumber (gas)
Gas smell outside at the meter	Gas company first
Propane tank empty or regulator problem	Propane supplier first, then HVAC to relight and check
Carbon monoxide alarm sounding	911, then HVAC contractor
Breaker for the heater keeps tripping	HVAC contractor or electrician
Gas wall heater or space heater not lighting	HVAC contractor (some plumbers also service them)

What an HVAC Contractor Fixes

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. An HVAC contractor is the right call for any system that heats the air in your home.

• Gas, propane and electric furnaces.
• Heat pumps and dual fuel systems.
• Ductless mini-splits.
• Thermostats and zoning.
• Ductwork, airflow and vents.
• Igniters, flame sensors, blower motors, capacitors and control boards.

In Texas, HVAC contractors must be licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Learn more about our heating repair services in Fredericksburg.

Do Plumbers Fix Heaters?

Plumbers fix some heaters, but not all. Here is what a plumber typically handles:

• Water heaters: Tank and tankless, gas, propane and electric.
• Gas piping: Running, repairing and pressure-testing gas lines inside the home to appliances such as furnaces, ranges and water heaters.
• Boiler water piping: The pipes, valves and pumps of hot water heating systems (rare in the Hill Country).

Most plumbers do not repair furnace igniters, heat pumps or air handlers, because that is HVAC work under a different license. In Texas, plumbers and gas line work are licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE).

Global offers both, so if your furnace problem turns out to be a gas line issue, our plumbers in Fredericksburg can handle it without a second company.

Does the Gas Company Fix Heaters?

Usually not. Natural gas utilities and propane suppliers are responsible for the fuel supply up to your meter or tank regulator. They will:

• Respond to gas leak reports and make the area safe.
• Shut off or restore gas service.
• Check the meter, tank and regulator.
• Deliver propane and perform leak checks after an empty tank.

After the gas company makes things safe or restores service, you still need an HVAC contractor to repair, relight and test the furnace itself. Some propane suppliers will relight pilot lights, but they typically do not repair furnace parts.

Who Can Fix My Gas Heater?

It depends on what kind of gas heater you have:

Gas Furnace (Central Heat)

An HVAC contractor. This includes ignition problems, flame sensors, gas valves, inducer motors and venting.

Gas Water Heater

A plumber. This includes pilot problems, thermocouples, gas valves, leaks and replacement.

Gas Wall Heater or Floor Furnace

Many older Fredericksburg homes still have wall heaters or floor furnaces. An HVAC contractor is usually best. These units should be inspected every year because older models can be a carbon monoxide risk.

Gas Line to the Heater

A licensed plumber with gas certification.

Unvented Space Heaters

These are often not repairable. Replace them with safer options and make sure you have working CO detectors.

What About Handymen?

A handyman can change a filter or replace a thermostat battery, but in Texas, repairing gas appliances, HVAC equipment or gas lines requires a license. Unlicensed work can be unsafe, may void your equipment warranty and can cause problems with insurance claims.

Why This Question Matters in Fredericksburg

• Mix of fuels: Homes in town often use natural gas, while ranches and homes near Stonewall, Harper and Luckenbach use propane. Each has a different supplier.
• Older homes: Historic homes may have wall heaters, floor furnaces and gas lines that have been changed many times over the years.
• Guest houses and rentals: Many properties have several heaters and water heaters, sometimes from different eras.
• Distance: In rural areas, calling the wrong company can mean a long wait for a second visit.

Safety First: What to Do Before You Call Anyone

• If you smell gas: Leave the house. Do not flip switches, light anything or use your phone inside. Call the gas company or propane supplier from outside.
• If your CO alarm sounds: Get everyone outside and call 911.
• If water is leaking from a water heater: Turn off the water supply to the heater and the gas or power.
• If the furnace will not start: Check the thermostat, the breaker, the furnace switch and the filter, then call an HVAC contractor.

Every home with gas or propane should have working carbon monoxide detectors. See our smoke and carbon monoxide detection services.

The Advantage of a Plumbing and Heating Company

Some heating problems involve more than one trade:

• A new furnace needs a larger gas line.
• A furnace and a water heater share a vent that needs to be corrected.
• A high-efficiency furnace condensate drain needs to be tied into plumbing.
• A home is switching from propane to a heat pump and needs gas lines capped safely.

With separate companies, you may need two or three visits and someone to coordinate them. A plumbing and heating company can diagnose and fix the full problem in one visit.

How to Choose the Right Heating Professional

• Confirm the license for the job (TDLR for HVAC, TSBPE for plumbing and gas).
• Ask if they work on your type of heater and fuel.
• Ask for upfront pricing before work begins.
• Check reviews for honesty and clear communication.
• Choose a local company that can respond quickly in a cold snap.

What Information to Have Ready When You Call

No matter who you call, a few details help them send the right person with the right parts.

• Type of heater: Furnace, heat pump, wall heater, water heater or ductless system.
• Fuel: Natural gas, propane or electric.
• Age and brand: Usually on a label inside the furnace door or on the side of the water heater.
• What is happening: No heat, cold air, strange noises, smells, leaks or error codes.
• When it started: After a storm, a power outage, an empty propane tank or a recent repair.
• Access: Whether the unit is in the attic, closet, garage or crawl space.

Common Situations That Need More Than One Trade

New Furnace or Heat Pump Installation

A new furnace may need a larger gas line, while a heat pump may need electrical upgrades. Both involve HVAC work plus plumbing or electrical work.

Water Heater and Furnace Sharing a Vent

In many older Fredericksburg homes, the furnace and water heater share a flue. Replacing one can mean the vent must be resized for the other.

Condensate Drains

High-efficiency furnaces and AC systems produce water that must drain safely, sometimes into the home’s plumbing.

Converting From Propane to Electric

When a home switches to a heat pump, unused gas lines should be capped safely by a licensed professional.

Why Fredericksburg Calls Global Cooling & Plumbing+

• HVAC and plumbing under one roof, plus commercial electrical services.
• Licensed technicians and plumbers for furnaces, heat pumps, water heaters and gas lines.
• Locally owned since 2009, serving Fredericksburg, Boerne, Kerrville, Comfort, Stonewall and Harper.
• 4.9★ rating on Google.
• 24/7 emergency service, upfront pricing and 10% off for veterans, seniors and teachers.

Learn more about our team.

Fredericksburg Utility and Emergency Contacts

Know who to call before you need them:

• Natural gas leaks: Atmos Energy supplies natural gas in Fredericksburg. Leave the house and call Atmos Energy or 911 from outside.
• Electric outages: Call your electric provider, either the City of Fredericksburg or Central Texas Electric Cooperative, depending on your address.
• Propane: Call your propane supplier for empty tanks, regulator problems or leak checks.
• Check the license: Texas HVAC contractors must hold a TDLR license. You can look up any contractor on the TDLR website before you hire them.
• Plumbing and gas lines: Gas piping work requires a licensed plumber in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who fixes heaters in Fredericksburg, TX?

An HVAC contractor fixes furnaces, heat pumps and other home heating systems. A plumber fixes water heaters and gas lines. The gas company handles leaks and supply at the meter or tank.

Do plumbers fix heaters?

Plumbers fix water heaters and gas piping. Furnaces and heat pumps are usually repaired by HVAC contractors.

Does the gas company fix heaters?

Usually not. The gas company makes leaks safe and restores service. An HVAC contractor repairs the furnace.

Who can fix my gas heater?

For a gas furnace or wall heater, call an HVAC contractor. For a gas water heater or gas line, call a licensed plumber.

Who should I call if my propane furnace stops after the tank ran empty?

Call your propane supplier to refill and leak-check the system, then call an HVAC contractor if the furnace does not restart.

Can one company fix my furnace and my water heater?

Yes. Global Cooling & Plumbing+ provides both HVAC and plumbing services in the Fredericksburg area.

Is it legal for a handyman to repair my furnace?

In Texas, HVAC repairs require a TDLR license. Gas line work requires a plumbing license.

Who fixes a floor furnace or old wall heater?

An HVAC contractor. Older units should be inspected every year and may need replacement for safety.

Who should I call if my water heater and furnace both stopped working?

A company that offers HVAC and plumbing can check both in one visit. A shared gas supply or vent problem could be the cause.

Sources

• U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA): Weekly Heating Oil and Propane Prices
• Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR): Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
• CDC: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention
• Atmos Energy: Gas Leak Safety
• Central Texas Electric Cooperative (CTEC)

Information checked in November 2026. Prices and rules can change; confirm current figures with each source.

Current HVAC Specials

Special	Savings
New AC system installation	$750 off
Whole-home duct cleaning	$250 off
Whole-home air purification system	$250 off
Service call for new clients	$25 off
Veterans, seniors and teachers	10% off

Specials may change. See the full terms on our Specials page or ask when you call (830) 992-7887.

Call One Company for Heating and Plumbing in Fredericksburg

Not sure who to call? Call us. Global Cooling & Plumbing+ can diagnose your heater, your water heater and your gas lines in one visit.

Call (830) 992-7887, email office@globalcoolingtx.com, or request service online.