When winter is in full swing, your furnace becomes one of the most-used systems in your home. When a furnace breaks down, it isn’t just an inconvenience. It can put you, your family, and even your plumbing at risk. Knowing what to do when your furnace stops working this winter can help you stay warm, calm, and prevent further damage.
At Griffith Plumbing Services, we help homeowners navigate winter heating emergencies every year. Here is a guide to the steps to take if your furnace stops working before we arrive this winter.
Check the Thermostat First
Before considering the worst option, start with the basics. Verify that your thermostat is set above the current room temperature and on heat. If your thermostat needs batteries to run, replace them. Dead batteries are surprisingly a common cause of furnace issues.
If you recently lost power due to a winter storm or adjusted the settings, your thermostat may have reset. A quick check could save you an unnecessary service call, and it’s an easy fix.
Inspect the Power Supply
Once you check the thermostat and everything is working correctly, now what? A furnace needs power to operate, even gas furnaces. Check your home’s electrical panel to see if a breaker has tripped and reset it once. If the breaker trips again, stop and call a professional. This could indicate there is a significant electrical issue with the furnace.
Don’t forget to check the furnace’s power switch. It often looks like a regular light switch and may have been accidentally turned off.
Check the Furnace Filter
If the power is working correctly, the next step is to check the filter. If your filter is the same one as last winter, it’s probably dirty or clogged. Your furnace will shut down if it detects a dirty filter. During winter, filters can clog faster due to increased furnace use.
If your filter looks dirty, replace it with a clean one. This simple step can restore airflow and help your furnace run more efficiently. Regular filter changes will also help extend your furnace’s lifespan and reduce the risk of breakdowns.
Look at the Pilot Light or Ignition System
If you replaced your filter and still have no heat, the next step is to verify that the furnace is functioning correctly. Many older furnaces have a pilot light that helps ignite the main burners. A pilot light is a continuous flame that remains lit while your furnace is operating.
If the flame is out, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to relight it safely. If the pilot light won’t stay lit, the thermocouple or the gas supply may be faulty. Fixing the pilot light requires professional repair and should not be done alone.
New furnaces use electronic ignition systems. If these fail, it’s best to call a trained technician rather than attempting repairs yourself.
Listening for Warning Signs Early
Your furnace usually gives you hints when something isn’t right. Take a moment to notice anything that seems off or out of place. A significant warning sign is the detection of an unusual smell or an error code from your furnace.
Another sign is any loud banging or rattling, which often means a part has come loose or is wearing out. Contact a professional HVAC company to inspect this before it worsens.
A burning smell can indicate the system is overheating, and a sulfur or “rotten egg” odor could indicate a gas issue. If you notice any of these, it’s best to shut the system down and call a professional before a small problem escalates. If you smell gas, leave your home immediately. Contact emergency services and your gas company before contacting a HVAC professional.
Protect Your Home While You Wait
If your furnace is malfunctioning or the temperature is dropping, take steps to protect your home.
- Open cabinet doors to let warmer air reach your plumbing and prevent frozen pipes.
- Let faucets drip slightly to prevent frozen pipes
- Close unused rooms to conserve heat
- Use space heaters safely, and only as a temporary solution.
If your frozen pipes burst, causing severe water damage, you will need more than just your furnace replaced. Winter heating issues should never be ignored or put off until the last minute.
Know When to Call a Professional
If simple fixes don’t restore your heat, it’s time to call a professional. Continuing to reset breakers or relight pilot lights can worsen the problem or make it unsafe.
At Griffith Plumbing Services, our experienced technicians can quickly and safely diagnose furnace problems. Whether it’s a faulty ignition system, worn-out component, airflow issues, or complete furnace failure, we provide honest recommendations and dependable repairs.
Prevent Furnace Breakdowns Before They Happen
The best way to avoid a winter furnace emergency is with routine maintenance. Annual furnace inspections help identify minor issues before they turn into major breakdowns. This usually happens on the coldest day of the year.
Preventive maintenance improves efficiency, lowers heating costs, and extends your furnace’s lifespan. It also gives you peace of mind knowing your system is ready when you need it most.
Trust Griffith Plumbing Services This Winter
A furnace that stops working in winter is more than an inconvenience. It’s a problem that needs fast, reliable attention. Griffith Plumbing Services is here to keep you and your home warm and safe all season long.
If your furnace isn’t working or you want to schedule preventative maintenance, contact Griffith Plumbing Services today. Our team is ready to help you stay ahead of winter heating problems. No matter how cold it gets outside.