There is never a good time for your furnace to break down, but a mid-winter failure can quickly turn into an emergency. A non-functioning furnace can leave your home without heat, making the indoor environment uncomfortable and even dangerous in extreme cold conditions. When your furnace suddenly stops working, it is important to act fast, stay calm, and know the right steps to take to restore warmth and safety to your home. Ambient Heating & Air Conditioning will cover how to handle an emergency furnace breakdown, including immediate actions you can take, common troubleshooting steps, and when to call in the professionals.

Assess the Situation

The first step is to stay calm and take stock of the situation. Check the current indoor temperature and consider how long you have been without heat. While some troubleshooting can be done safely, others may require professional assistance. It’s important to act swiftly, but with a clear plan in place.

Check the Thermostat

Sometimes, the problem with your furnace is as simple as an issue with the thermostat. Before assuming the worst, take a few moments to inspect your thermostat.
• Verify the Settings: Ensure the thermostat is set to “heat” and that the temperature setting is higher than the current room temperature. If it’s set to “cool,” “off,” or “fan,” the furnace won’t turn on and produce heat.
• Replace Batteries: If your thermostat uses batteries, replace them to rule out a power issue.
• Check for Programming Issues: If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, make sure it is programmed correctly and hasn’t accidentally been set to a different schedule that might have turned off the heat.

Inspect the Furnace Power Supply

A common reason for furnace breakdowns is a power supply issue. Your furnace requires electricity to run various components, including the blower and thermostat, even if it’s a gas furnace.
• Check the Furnace Switch: Locate the furnace power switch and make sure it’s in the “on” position. It’s easy for this switch to be accidentally turned off during routine cleaning or maintenance.
• Check the Circuit Breaker: Go to your electrical panel and check if the furnace circuit breaker has tripped. If it has, reset the breaker by switching it back to the “on” position. If the breaker trips again, do not attempt to reset it repeatedly, as this could indicate a more serious electrical problem.
• Look for a Blown Fuse: If your furnace uses a fuse, a blown fuse can prevent the unit from operating. Check and replace the fuse if necessary.

Know When to Call a Professional Heating Contractor

If you’ve tried the above steps and your furnace still won’t start, it’s time to call a professional HVAC technician. Attempting complex repairs on your own can be dangerous and may void your furnace’s warranty.
• Turn Off the Furnace: If you suspect a serious issue, turn off the furnace to prevent further damage and ensure your safety.
• Contact an HVAC Technician: Explain the problem and any troubleshooting steps you’ve already taken. A qualified technician will have the tools and expertise to diagnose the issue and make the necessary repairs.
• Emergency Service: Many HVAC companies offer 24/7 emergency services for furnace repairs. In extreme weather conditions, so don’t hesitate to call for emergency assistance if your home is at risk of freezing temperatures.
• Prevent Frozen Pipes: Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes. Let faucets drip slightly to prevent water from freezing in the pipes.

Central Heating Furnace & Boiler Maintenance, Repairs, Replacement, Emergency Repairs & More in Springfield, Granby, Holyoke, South Hadley, Monson, Chicopee & Agawam, Massachusetts

A furnace breakdown in the middle of winter can be a stressful situation, but knowing how to handle it can help you act quickly to restore warmth to your home. However, if your furnace still won’t start after troubleshooting, don’t hesitate to contact a professional HVAC technician for emergency repairs. With fast action and regular maintenance, you can minimize the risk of furnace breakdowns and keep your home cozy all winter long. For furnace repairs and more, contact Ambient Heating & Air Conditioning today.