WILL A GAS FURNACE RUN WITHOUT ELECTRICITY?

Admin • November 16, 2022

Man Repairing the Gas Furnace — Colorado Springs, CO — Home Heating Service, Inc.

CAN YOUR GAS FURNACE RUN DURING A POWER OUTAGE?

Winters around Colorado Springs get quite chilly and can be unpredictable. Occasionally, that weather brings such extreme conditions that it knocks out power around the area.

Unfortunately, furnaces rely heavily on electricity, and if the power goes out, it could leave you in the cold. Discover how even gas furnaces use electricity, whether they can run without it, and what to do if your power goes out.

WHY ELECTRICITY IS CRITICAL TO YOUR GAS FURNACE

There are several reasons your furnace must have electricity to heat your home. First, without electricity, your furnace cannot power the control board, switches, or sensors. These components allow your furnace to run safely and move through the various parts of the heating cycle at the right time. Attempting to bypass these mechanisms to make your furnace light is dangerous, let alone ineffective.

It’s ineffective because your furnace also depends on the use of fans to move air through the system and your home. It starts with the inducer fan, which provides the right blend of air with fuel to burn in the first place.

Next, the circulating fan draws air in from your home for the furnace to heat and then pushes that heated air back out. It’s this last part that provides the heating effect you enjoy on those cold days. Without the circulating fan working, the burner could produce heat, but it would just build up in your system and exhaust out through your ventilation.

As you can see, despite your furnace burning gas, it still depends heavily on electricity. Let’s explore what to do with your furnace if the power goes out this winter.

WHAT TO DO WHEN THE POWER GOES OUT

The simple act of losing power doesn’t pose much of a risk to your furnace in itself. When the power goes out, the gas should shut off, and the furnace will shut down. The only potentially negative part is not moving enough air through the system to help cool it down once the burner goes out. However, it won’t continue heating up any further than where it is at the point the power goes out, reducing any risk of overheating the system and requiring a repair.

The real risks come in when the power is coming back online, causing surges that can damage any appliance in your home. For your furnace, this could mean damage to the control board, wiring, blower motor, and more.

To reduce this risk, plan to disconnect the power to your furnace if the power goes out. If you have access to the power outlet where the furnace is plugged in, simply unplug it. If you can’t easily access this outlet, then turn the furnace off at the circuit breaker in your home.

HOW TO KEEP WARM WHEN YOUR FURNACE ISN’T RUNNING

While you’re waiting for the power company to restore your electricity, there are a few things you can do to stay warm. First, identify a place in your home you can insulate to reduce air leakage. Close doors to this space, and hang blankets leading to hallways or entryways without doors. Keep blinds and curtains closed to help prevent heat transfer outside. If possible, pick a room that has a fireplace to help generate some heat.

In addition to disconnecting the power, plan to turn the furnace off at your thermostat. This prevents a significant draw as you try to plug the furnace back in or turn on the circuit breaker.

BRINGING YOUR FURNACE BACK ONLINE

Plan to keep one lamp plugged in where you’ll easily see it, and set that lamp to “on.” The idea is that it will turn on when the power has been restored to your home. Wait until the power has been restored and isn’t flickering any longer before plugging in your major appliances. Once the power seems stable, plug the furnace back in or turn the breaker back on. After this, go to the thermostat and reset it so that the furnace starts running.

WHEN YOUR FURNACE WON’T START UP AFTER A POWER OUTAGE

If your furnace won’t start up after a power outage, begin by making sure the breaker isn’t tripped and that you didn’t forget to plug it back in. Next, double-check your thermostat to make sure that it’s turned on and that the batteries are good. If this doesn’t work, then call for a technician to troubleshoot the issue. It could be that a part inside the furnace got damaged when the power came back.

Homeowners around Colorado Springs have trusted Home Heating Service, Inc. to keep their homes warm through the Colorado winters since 1988. Our team provides expert air conditioning and heating installation, maintenance, and repair along with indoor air quality and water heating and filtering solutions. Call to schedule your furnace repair with one of our NATE-certified technicians today.

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7 Simple Habits That Can Extend Your HVAC System’s Life by 5 Years

By Sydney Bagby • September 8, 2025

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.