Every homeowner should know a bit about their heating systems so they can assess and potentially diagnose problems safely if issues arise. For example, what happens when you crank up the thermostat and your gas furnace doesn’t react or you return home from work to find your house cold and furnace off? Here are three steps to follow if your heating system suddenly ceases to create and circulate warmth.

What Should I Do if My Gas Furnace Isn’t Working?

1. Check the Pilot Light

Without a lit pilot light, your gas furnace can’t turn on and heat your home. Sometimes pilot lights go out due to electrical shorts or fuse issues, so check the electrical box. Also, take a look at the furnace power switch to make sure it has not accidentally been turned off. If the system doesn’t relight after you flip the breaker or switch, turn the gas source off immediately.

2. Assess the Air Intake & Exhaust Pipes

Gas furnaces have safety features that turn them off if they cannot properly ventilate to the chimney, air intake, or exhaust pipes that force the air outside of your home. Make sure these crucial parts of your heating system are clear and don’t have a buildup of leaves, clogs or moisture issues.

3. Call an HVAC Professional

Have the number for an emergency heating and cooling response team programmed into your phone. Give them a call and you’ll soon be connected with an expert who can walk you through a quick check of your gas furnace to diagnose the issue. They’ll head over to your house to assess and address the problem so you can get back to your warm, cozy home as soon as possible.

Don’t panic if your gas furnace stops working. Contact the HVAC contractors at Donovan & Jorgenson in New Berlin, WI. Visit the website for information on their heating services, including maintaining, installing, and repairing gas furnaces, heat pumps, boilers, and thermostats. They work with several major brands, including Amana® and ClimateMaster®, to cater to all your heating and cooling needs.