Homeowner guide
Your furnace died at 2 AM in January. Here's what to do.
Safety first: if you smell gas or rotten eggs, leave the house immediately and call 911 — then your gas utility. Do not flip switches or light anything. If your carbon monoxide detector is alarming, get out and call 911.
The 5-minute checks
About a third of no-heat calls turn out to be one of these:
- Thermostat — set to HEAT, setpoint above room temp, fresh batteries if it's not hardwired.
- Breaker — check the furnace breaker in your panel. Flip fully off, then on.
- Furnace switch — there's usually a wall switch near the furnace that looks like a light switch. Make sure it's on.
- Filter — a clogged filter can trip a high-limit switch and shut the furnace down. If it's gray and matted, replace it.
- Vents outside — high-efficiency furnaces vent through PVC pipes outside. In Erie winters these ice over. Clear snow and ice gently.
When to call
If none of that brings heat back, call a contractor — this is exactly the call our listed contractors exist for. Tell them: furnace make and approximate age, what you already checked, and whether you have any heat at all. Expect an emergency diagnostic fee ($89–$150 is typical in Erie); ask before they roll.
If indoor temps are dropping toward freezing and pipes are at risk, open cabinet doors under sinks and let faucets drip slightly while you wait.