Furnace Not Working During a Cold Snap? Here’s What to Do First
Sydney Bagby • October 30, 2025
Expert furnace troubleshooting tips for Colorado Springs homeowners—stay safe and warm when the heat goes out.

It’s a Colorado Springs rite of passage: the coldest night of the year arrives, and just when you need it most, your furnace goes silent. The house cools quickly, panic starts to set in, and you’re left wondering what steps to take to keep your family safe and warm.
 
 If you’re in this situation, you are not alone—hundreds of your neighbors have been here, too. The good news? Even in a cold snap, there are calm, safe actions you can take to protect your home and get help fast. At Home Heating Service, we’re here for you with trusted advice and rapid response, so you’ll never be left out in the cold.
 
Stay Calm and Assess Your Safety
 
 Before you worry about the furnace itself, let’s make sure you, your family, and your home are safe.
 
 - Dress warmly: Layer up, gather in the warmest room, and keep doors and windows closed to preserve heat.
- Check carbon monoxide detectors: Make sure they’re working—it’s your first line of defense.
- Look out for vulnerable occupants: Kids, older adults, and pets are most at risk when temperatures drop.
- Stay together: Shared body heat helps everyone, and you’ll be able to react quickly if conditions change.
Basic Troubleshooting Before You Call for Help
 
Sometimes, what seems like a major breakdown is actually a quick fix—especially during a cold snap, when systems are working overtime. Before calling for emergency furnace repair, safely check the following:
 
 1. Thermostat:
Is it set to “HEAT” and the temperature is above the room temperature? Try replacing the batteries or toggling it off and on.
2. Circuit Breaker:
Check your electrical panel for a tripped breaker or blown fuse. Reset if necessary, but if it trips again, call for help.
3. Furnace Power Switch & Door:
Look for a wall switch near your furnace—make sure it’s on. If the furnace door isn’t fully closed, the system may not start for safety reasons.
4. Change the Filter:
A dirty or clogged furnace filter is one of the most common causes of furnace shutdowns. If the filter looks dirty or hasn’t been changed in a while, replace it with a clean one. This can restore proper airflow and, in some cases, get your heat running again.
Important:
Never attempt risky DIY repairs, open furnace panels, or relight pilot lights unless you are experienced. If you smell gas or feel unsure, leave the home and call professionals immediately.
Protect Your Home from Further DamageWithout heat, your home’s biggest short-term risk is frozen pipes. Here’s how to minimize the chance:
- Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate around pipes.
- Let faucets drip slightly—a slow trickle can help prevent freezing.
- Use safe, UL-listed space heaters only in attended rooms, away from flammable materials.
- Never use ovens, grills, or stoves for heat—these can cause fires or dangerous carbon monoxide buildup.Call Your Trusted Local ExpertsIf you’re unable to restore heat with basic troubleshooting, don’t hesitate to give us a call!
- Why Home Heating Service? Our technicians are local, highly trained, and focused on safety and honest solutions—no upselling, no pressure.
- What to have ready:
- Your address and callback number
- Furnace brand/model (if handy)
- Description of what you’ve checked and what symptoms you noticed (e.g., no heat, odd noises, error lights)
- Our promise: We treat every call as if it’s for our own family. You’ll get clear communication, swift arrival, and caring service.Prevention Tips for the FutureAfter your immediate crisis is solved, make a plan to avoid a repeat:
- Schedule a professional pre-winter furnace tune-up every year
- Change your filter regularly—set a calendar reminder
- Ask your technician for tips specific to your home’s age, insulation, and heating system.
- Consider a smart thermostat for monitoring, safety, and quick troubleshooting.What to Do When the Furnace FailsQuick Action List:
- Stay calm and gather everyone in the warmest space.
- Check thermostat, breaker, switch, furnace door, and replace the filter if needed.
- Take steps to prevent frozen pipes.
- Call Home Heating Service if you can’t resolve the issue.
- Join Comfort Club for priority service and prevention year-round.Furnace on the fritz and temperatures dropping?Call [Home Heating Service] now—neighbors helping neighbors.Want true peace of mind for every season?[Learn about Comfort Club membership] for priority care, annual tune-ups, and friendly reminders—because you deserve to stay safe and cozy, no matter the weather.FAQsQ: How quickly can a technician arrive in an emergency?We provide local service—most emergencies are answered within hours, even during storms.Q: Will Comfort Club cover my emergency repair?Members always receive priority response, special pricing on repairs, and routine maintenance to prevent most emergencies.Q: Is it safe to use a space heater or fireplace when my furnace goes out?Yes, but do so with care. Use only UL-listed heaters, keep them away from anything flammable, never leave them unattended, and never use ovens/stoves for heat.Questions? Our team is just a call or click away—neighbors helping neighbors, since 1988.

Have you ever noticed that sometimes your home just doesn’t feel quite right—even when the thermostat shows your favorite temperature? Maybe you wake up with a scratchy throat or find yourself constantly reaching for lotion to soothe dry skin. Perhaps there’s a mysterious creak in the floorboards, or a zap of static every time you touch a light switch. Or, on rainy days, your basement starts to smell a little musty, and you can’t seem to shake that lingering dampness.                                            You’re not alone. Here in Colorado Springs, our unique climate brings both bone-dry winters and the occasional bout of summer humidity. While most homeowners focus on keeping the air warm in winter and cool in summer, there’s an often-overlooked factor that makes all the difference in true home comfort: humidity control.                                                                    At Home Heating Service, we believe comfort goes beyond the thermostat. Thoughtful humidity management can transform your home from “almost comfortable” to a sanctuary you love year-round. In this post, we’ll show you why balanced humidity is the missing piece in your comfort puzzle—and how the right strategy can protect your health, your home, and your peace of mind.                                  Ready to discover how much better your home can feel? Let’s dig into the surprising impact of humidity control—and the easy steps you can take to get it just right.                                                                                                  The Colorado Springs Climate Challenge                                                                                                                                                              Living in Colorado Springs means enjoying beautiful blue skies—but also dealing with dry winters, unpredictable springs, and the occasional burst of summer humidity. It’s not unusual to experience cracked lips or itchy skin in January, then musty smells and sticky air in a finished basement come July. These wild swings in moisture aren’t just uncomfortable—they can put extra strain on your home, your health, and your HVAC system.                                                                                                                                                              At Home Heating Service, we know that local climate quirks demand custom solutions. That’s why understanding and managing your home’s humidity should be at the top of your comfort checklist.                                                                                                                                                                            What Is Humidity Control (and Why Does It Matter)?                                                                                                                                                                                                      Humidity control means keeping the amount of moisture in your indoor air within a healthy, comfortable range—usually between 30% and 50%. Too little humidity and the air dries out your skin, nose, and even your wooden floors. Too much, and you may invite sticky discomfort, allergy flare-ups, and mold.                                                                                                                                                              Balanced humidity doesn’t just “feel” better. It protects your home’s structure, helps you sleep more soundly, safeguards your family’s health, and keeps your heating and cooling systems running efficiently. In short: humidity matters more than you think!                                                                                                                                                                            Signs Your Home Needs Better Humidity Control                                                                                                                                                                                                      Not sure if your home’s humidity is off? Here are the clues many Colorado Springs homeowners miss:                                                                                                 Dry air warning signs:                                                          Dry, itchy skin and chapped lips                                     Cracked or creaking hardwood floors and trim                                     Bloody noses or sore throats in winter                                     Persistent static electricity                                     Houseplants that don’t thrive                                              Too much moisture:                                                          Condensation on windows                                     Musty odors, especially in basements                                     Mold on walls, ceilings, or around windows                                     Allergy symptoms or increased dust mites                                                                                             Quick self-check:                                               Walk through your home each season. Notice any of the symptoms above? You’re likely dealing with a humidity imbalance.                                                                                       How Humidity Affects Your HVAC System and Energy Bills                                                                                                                                     Dry winter air acts like a sponge, pulling moisture from everything—including your skin and your home’s structure. It also makes heated air “feel” cooler, encouraging you to turn up the thermostat (and your utility bills). In the summer, high humidity makes cooled air feel warmer and heavier. As a result, your AC works overtime—burning excess energy and wearing out faster.                                                              Balanced humidity helps your HVAC system run more efficiently, delivers steadier comfort, and can even add years of life to your equipment. In other words: get the moisture right, and you’ll save money while enjoying better comfort.                                                                                       Solutions—How to Take Control of Your Home’s Humidity                                                                                                                                     You don’t have to live with dry air or damp corners—there are smarter solutions than a portable humidifier or cracking a window.                                                                          Whole-Home Humidifiers                                          Attach directly to your home’s heating system, quietly adding moisture in winter to keep every room comfortable. You set the level, and your system takes care of the rest.                                                                          Dehumidifiers                                          Target damp basements or spaces that never seem to dry out. Whole-home options can be integrated for even comfort or installed as stand-alone solutions.                                                                          Why not just use a small portable unit?                                          Room-by-room devices can help in a pinch, but they can’t deliver steady, whole-house comfort, often require frequent refilling or emptying, and can’t keep up with seasonal swings.                                                                          The Home Heating Service approach:                                          We start with a no-pressure, honest assessment. Our technicians look at your home, listen to your comfort concerns, and recommend a solution that fits your needs and budget. No upselling, just neighborly care.                                                                                       Real Stories—Homeowners Who Transformed Their Comfort                                                                                                                                     Take the Miller family from Colorado Springs. “We’d always blamed our creaky floors and dry skin on the weather,” Mrs. Miller shares.                       “But after Home Heating Service installed a whole-home humidifier, the difference was night and day. Our house is quieter, our kids sleep better, and everyone feels healthier. Plus, my plants finally look happy!”                                                                         It’s stories like these—right here in our own community—that show the power of balanced humidity.                                                                                       Why Humidity Control Is the Missing Piece                                                                                                                                     Comfort isn’t just about the right temperature. It’s about feeling your best in every room, every day—without the headaches of static, sniffles, or mustiness. Humidity control fills the gap, protecting your health, your home, and your wallet in ways most homeowners overlook.                                                              If you’ve noticed dry air, allergies, or uneven comfort, humidity may be the silent culprit. The good news? With the right help, it’s an easy fix.                                                                                       Ready to unlock total comfort in your Colorado Springs home?                                                                                                                            [Request your free in-home air quality and comfort assessment]                                               —no pressure, just honest advice from technicians who treat your home as their own.                                                                                       FAQs                                                                                                                                                 Q: How do I know if my home needs a humidifier or dehumidifier?                                          If you regularly notice sore throats, static shocks, or creaky wood in winter, a humidifier could help. Basement dampness or window condensation signals excess moisture—a dehumidifier may be the remedy. Our team can help you figure out exactly what you need.                                                                          Q: Can humidity control help my allergies or asthma?                                          Yes! Proper humidity makes breathing easier, limits dust mites, and reduces mold growth—great for sensitive family members.                                                                          Q: What’s better: portable or whole-home solutions?                                          Whole-home systems deliver even, automatic comfort and require much less daily attention. They’re a worthwhile investment in lasting comfort and efficiency.                                                                          Questions?                      Our team is just a call or click away—neighbors helping neighbors, since 1988.
 

Picture this: It’s the coldest night of the year in Colorado Springs, the kind of evening that calls for soft blankets, hot cocoa, and a cozy home—when suddenly, your furnace quits. If you’ve ever felt the sting of an unexpected HVAC breakdown, you know not just the discomfort, but the worry about repairs, costs, and who you can trust to help.                                            Here’s the good news: With just a handful of simple, proactive habits, you can help your HVAC system run more reliably for years to come—potentially extending its life by five years or more. No technical skills required. Just a little bit of neighborly advice and a regular routine can keep your family comfortable, save money, and bring real peace of mind.                                                                    At Home Heating Service, we believe every homeowner deserves honest, straightforward guidance—never pressure. That’s why we’ve put together the essential habits that every Colorado Springs resident can practice to protect their investment and steer clear of costly surprises.                                                                    Ready to take control of your comfort? Let’s jump into the seven habits that can add years of life—and peace—to your home’s most important system.                                                                                               The Real Cost of Neglecting Your HVAC System in Colorado Springs                                                                                                                                                 When it comes to HVAC systems, a little neglect can add up—fast. According to industry data, the average furnace repair in Colorado Springs ranges from $200 to $800, and replacing a system can easily top $5,000. But the highest cost might be the comfort you lose when your home goes cold or hot at the worst moment. Many homeowners tell us their biggest worry isn’t just the bill—it’s the fear of being caught off guard or having to scramble to find a trustworthy pro.                                  Here’s the truth: most breakdowns happen not because systems are old, but because a few small, preventable issues are left unchecked. The good news? Staying ahead is easier than you think.                                                                                               Habit #1 – Change Your Air Filter Regularly                                                                                                                                                 A clean filter is your HVAC’s secret weapon. When filters are clogged, your system works harder, burns more energy, and wears out faster. In Colorado’s dusty, dry climate, check your filter every month—especially during peak heating and cooling seasons. Most homes do best with a change every 1–3 months.                                                                    Quick test: Hold the filter up to the light—if you can’t see through, it’s time for a new one.                                                                                               Habit #2 – Keep Vents & Registers Clear                                                                                             Ever moved a sofa and noticed the vent beneath it was blocked? Obstructed vents force your system to work overtime and can shorten its life by years. Once per season, do a sweep of your home: move furniture and drapes, check for toys or debris, and vacuum around the registers. Proper airflow keeps every room comfortable and your system humming along, stress-free.                                                                                               Habit #3 – Schedule Seasonal HVAC Maintenance in Colorado Springs                                                                                             Preventative care is powerful. Having your system checked by a trusted professional each spring (for cooling) and fall (for heating) can catch little issues before they grow into big, expensive problems.                                                                    Professional maintenance includes cleaning burners, inspecting electrical connections, lubricating moving parts, and running safety checks—all things that keep your system efficient, safe, and long-lived.                                                                    Comfort Club benefit: Two included tune-ups each year, priority scheduling, and a technician who treats your home like their own.                                                                                               Habit #4 – Monitor and Adjust Your Thermostat Smartly                                                                                                                                                 Constantly raising and lowering the temperature wears out your system’s components and spikes your utility bill. Instead, set a comfortable range—68–72°F in winter, 75–78°F in summer—and use a programmable or smart thermostat to keep temperatures steady when you’re away or asleep.                                                                    If you’re not sure how to set up your thermostat for maximum comfort and savings, ask your Home Heating Service tech at your next visit.                                                                                               Habit #5 – Address Unusual Noises or Smells Promptly                                                                                                                                                 If your system rattles, bangs, or starts to smell odd (think burning, musty, or chemical odors), don’t ignore it. These can be early signs of mechanical problems, electrical issues, or leaks. Catching and fixing these early—with a quick call to your trusted local technician—can prevent major, costly repairs and keep you safe.                                                                    Comfort Club priority: Members get front-of-the-line scheduling when issues pop up.                                                                                               Habit #6 – Keep Outdoor Units Clean and Unobstructed                                                                                                                                                 Your outdoor condenser (AC) or heat pump needs space to “breathe.” If it gets clogged with leaves, grass, or snow, the system strains and wears out quickly. Every month, glance outside: clear away debris, trim back bushes by at least two feet, and make sure gutters aren’t dripping on the unit.                                                                    Seasonal tip: In spring and fall, do a deeper clean and check drainage to prevent hidden blockages.                                                                                               Habit #7 – Invest in Professional Duct Cleaning & Sealing                                                                                             Dirty or leaky air ducts can rob your system of efficiency and lead to wear-and-tear that shortens its life. If you’ve noticed uneven heating, excess dust, or higher bills, it may be time for duct cleaning or sealing.                                                                    Signs you need service: visible dust blowing from vents, odd odors, or rooms that never seem comfortable.                                                                    Comfort Club advantage: Ask about annual duct checks and members-only pricing.                                                                                               Common Pitfalls—What Shortens HVAC System Life?                                                                                             Even the best intentions can be undone by a few common habits. For example:                                                                            Skipping regular filter changes                                                                                    Ignoring annual tune-ups                                                                                    Blocking vents with furniture or decor                                                                                    Attempting risky DIY repairs                                                                                    Postponing small fixes until they become big ones                                                                                       Avoid these “don’ts” and your HVAC system will thank you with years of steady service.                                                                                                                        How Comfort Club Simplifies HVAC Maintenance in Colorado Springs                                                                                                                                                 Every tip above is easier—often worry-free—with Comfort Club. Members get:                                                                            Automatic reminders for tune-ups                                                                                    Two included professional maintenance visits each year                                                                                    Priority scheduling (no waiting when you need help most)                                                                                    Honest, no-pressure advice from trusted local technicians                                                                                    Special discounts on repairs and services                                                                                       Here’s what Carol, a long-time Comfort Club member, shared:                                               “I used to worry every season that something would go wrong with our furnace. Now, I know Home Heating Service has us covered—and I can actually relax.”                                                                                                                                    FAQs                                                                                                                                                              Q: How often should I really change my air filter?                                              A: Every 1–3 months—more often during heavy use or if you have pets.                                                                                 Q: Does regular maintenance really make a difference?                                              A: Absolutely. Our technicians catch small issues before they become costly, and well-maintained systems run longer and more efficiently.                                                                                               Recap                                                                                                                                                 The 7 simple habits:                                                                            Change your air filter regularly                                                                                    Keep vents and registers clear                                                                                    Schedule seasonal professional maintenance                                                                                    Use your thermostat smartly                                                                                    Address unusual noises or smells fast                                                                                    Keep outdoor units clean and unobstructed                                                                                    Invest in professional duct cleaning and sealing                                                                                       Start with one—then make them all part of your routine. Small habits lead to big comfort and real peace of mind.                                  Ready to make comfort worry-free for years to come?                                                                    ✅                                                      [Join Comfort Club today]                                                   for priority service, expert care, and neighborly support since 1988.                                                                                 Questions?                        Our team is just a call or click away—neighbors helping neighbors, since 1988.
 












