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.

A person wearing a fur-lined winter parka adjusts a wall thermostat in a cold room.

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 Damage

Without 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 Experts

If 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 Future

After 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 Fails

Quick 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.

FAQs

Q: 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.