Before you panic, there are certain things you can check before calling in the professionals. Sometimes, it can be an easy fix, and your heat will kick right back on in minutes. Here’s what to do if your gas furnace stops working:

1. Make sure the thermostat is turned on. This one’s an easy fix. Sometimes when a person manipulates the thermostat, they can accidentally turn the thermostat off, either with a digital touch-panel thermostat or with a mechanical one. If the thermostat is digital, check the digital reading to see if the thermostat is turned on and turned to the “heat” setting. If it’s mechanical, look around the unit for a switch and ensure it is in the “on” position.

    

2. Change the filter. Some of today’s furnaces come with smart features, like a sensor that tells you when to change the filter. If the filter gets too clogged up from cleaning the air, it may hurt the performance of your gas furnace or shut it down altogether. The good news is that it might be easy to change the filter. Consult your manufacturer’s directions to locate the filter housing, open it up, swap in a new filter, and reset the sensor (if there is one). Turn the furnace back on (use caution and adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions!) and see if that helps.

    

3. Call for service. If your gas furnace stops working and there is no obvious problem like a setting or a filter, it’s time to call in the professionals. Gas furnaces have many moving parts to analyze and diagnose, and gas lines are dangerous if you aren’t qualified to work with them. There’s no reason to stay in the cold – give us a call and our emergency service will get to you right away!