Furnace Stopped Working? Emergency Steps for Ohio Homes

It's 2 AM on a freezing January night in Cincinnati. The temperature outside has dropped to 15 degrees, and you've just woken up shivering—your furnace stopped working. Your breath is visible in the bedroom air, and panic starts to set in.

Take a deep breath. You're not alone, and there are immediate steps you can take right now to stay safe, potentially fix the problem yourself, or get professional help on the way. As Ohio's trusted HVAC experts with over 30 years of experience, we've helped thousands of homeowners through this exact situation.

In this guide, we'll walk you through exactly what to do when your furnace stops working in an Ohio winter—from essential safety checks to DIY troubleshooting steps, and knowing when it's time to call for emergency help.

First Things First: Stay Calm and Stay Safe

Before you do anything else, take a moment to assess your situation for any safety hazards. Most furnace failures are inconvenient but not dangerous—however, some situations require immediate action.

Check for Dangerous Signs (When to Evacuate)

Assess the Situation Before Calling

If there are no immediate safety hazards, take a few minutes to gather information that will help you (and potentially a technician) understand what's happening:

• Is the furnace completely dead, or is it trying to start but failing?
• Are there any unusual sounds (clicking, banging, screeching)?
• Did the failure happen suddenly or gradually?
• Has anything changed recently (power outage, thermostat adjustment, recent repairs)?

Quick Troubleshooting: 7 Things to Check Before Calling

Before you call for emergency service, try these simple troubleshooting steps. Many furnace "failures" are actually caused by simple issues you can fix yourself in minutes—potentially saving you an emergency service call.

1. Check Your Thermostat

It sounds simple, but thermostat issues cause a surprising number of "furnace emergencies." Here's what to check:

• Mode: Make sure it's set to "Heat," not "Cool" or "Off"
• Temperature: Set it at least 5 degrees above the current room temperature
• Batteries: If your thermostat uses batteries, replace them even if they seem fine
• Display: If the screen is blank, there may be a power issue
• Settings: Check that any programming hasn't accidentally been changed

2. Check the Circuit Breaker

Furnaces require electricity to run—even gas furnaces. A tripped breaker will shut everything down.

• Locate your home's electrical panel
• Look for a breaker labeled "Furnace," "HVAC," or "Heating"
• If it's in the middle position or shows a red indicator, it's tripped
• Flip it fully to OFF, then back to ON
• Wait a few minutes to see if the furnace starts

3. Check Your Air Filter

A severely clogged air filter restricts airflow, causing the furnace to overheat and trigger a safety shutdown. This is one of the most common causes of furnace problems—and one of the easiest to fix.

• Locate your filter (usually in the return air duct or at the furnace)
• Remove and inspect it—if you can't see light through it, it's too dirty
• Replace with a new filter (keep spares on hand for emergencies)
• Wait 30 minutes, then try restarting your furnace

4. Check the Furnace Power Switch

Most furnaces have a dedicated power switch mounted on or near the unit. It looks like a regular light switch and can easily be turned off accidentally—especially if it's near a storage area.

5. Check the Pilot Light (Older Furnaces)

If you have an older furnace with a standing pilot light (most furnaces made before 2010), check if the pilot is lit. You can usually see it through a small window on the furnace. If it's out:

• Turn the gas control knob to "Off" and wait 5 minutes
• Turn it to "Pilot" and hold down while lighting with a long match or lighter
• Continue holding for 30 seconds, then release and turn to "On"

Note: If the pilot won't stay lit or you smell gas, do not continue—call a professional.

6. Check for Frozen Pipes or Vents

Ohio winters can create ice blockages in your furnace's exhaust vent. If the vent is blocked, the furnace will shut down as a safety measure.

• Locate the exhaust vent pipe (usually on an exterior wall or roof)
• Check for ice buildup, snow coverage, or debris
• Carefully clear any obstructions (be careful on icy surfaces)

7. Check Your Fuel Supply

For gas furnaces, ensure the gas valve (usually near the meter) is fully open. For propane or oil furnaces, check your tank gauge—running out of fuel is more common than you might think, especially after extended cold snaps.

When to Call for Emergency HVAC Service

If you've worked through the troubleshooting steps above and your furnace still isn't working, it's time to call a professional. Some situations definitely warrant an emergency call:

Signs You Need Professional Help Now

• No heat after troubleshooting all the steps above
• Strange noises—banging, screeching, grinding, or repeated clicking
• Visible damage to the furnace, wiring, or components
• Water leaks around the furnace (especially high-efficiency models)
• Repeated cycling—furnace starts then shuts off within minutes
• Furnace blowing cold air instead of heated air
• Yellow or flickering pilot light (should be steady blue)

What to Expect When You Call More Heat More Cool

When you call our 24/7 emergency line at (937) 794-5060, here's what happens:

1. You'll speak with a real person, not a recording
2. We'll gather basic information about your situation
3. A NATE-certified technician will be dispatched to your home
4. You'll receive upfront pricing before any work begins—no surprises
5. Our fully-stocked service vehicles mean most repairs can be completed on the first visit

How to Stay Warm While Waiting for Help

If you've called for service and are waiting for a technician, here are safe ways to stay warm:

Safe Temporary Heating Options

• Electric space heaters: Use only modern, tip-resistant models with automatic shutoffs. Keep them at least 3 feet from anything flammable.
• Layer up: Put on warm clothing, use blankets, and consider wearing a hat indoors (you lose significant heat through your head)
• Gather in one room: Close off unused rooms and have everyone stay in one area to conserve body heat
• Use your oven safely: Bake something (cookies, bread) to add some warmth—but never leave it open or use it as a primary heat source
• Drink warm beverages: Hot tea, coffee, or cocoa helps maintain body temperature

What NOT to Do

Preventing Future Furnace Emergencies

The best way to deal with a furnace emergency is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here's how:

The Power of Regular Maintenance

According to industry research, regular professional maintenance prevents up to 85% of furnace breakdowns. A seasonal tune-up catches small problems before they become expensive emergencies and keeps your furnace running at peak efficiency.

Professional maintenance includes:

• Thorough inspection of all components
• Cleaning of burners and heat exchanger
• Checking gas pressure and connections
• Testing safety controls
• Lubricating moving parts
• Checking electrical connections

Join the Comfort Club

Our Comfort Club membership is designed specifically to help you avoid emergencies like this. Members receive:

• Two seasonal tune-ups per year (heating and cooling)
• Priority scheduling—members jump to the front of the line
• Discounts on repairs and equipment
• Waived diagnostic fees
• Peace of mind knowing your system is professionally maintained

Warning Signs to Watch For

Don't wait for a complete failure. Schedule a professional inspection if you notice any of these warning signs:

• Unusual noises (banging, rattling, screeching)
• Furnace cycling on and off frequently
• Uneven heating throughout your home
• Yellow pilot light instead of blue
• Rising energy bills without increased usage
• Furnace age over 15 years

For more prevention tips, check out our guide to furnace maintenance for Ohio winters.

Common Causes of Furnace Failure in Ohio

Understanding why furnaces fail can help you prevent future problems:

Age and Wear

The average furnace lifespan is 15-20 years. As furnaces age, components wear out and efficiency decreases. If your furnace is approaching or past this age, it's wise to plan for replacement rather than face repeated emergency repairs.

Lack of Maintenance

Skipping annual tune-ups allows small problems to become big ones. Dirty filters, worn belts, and failing ignitors can all be caught early with regular maintenance.

Ohio's Harsh Winters

Our climate puts significant stress on heating systems. Extended cold snaps mean your furnace runs more, increasing wear on components. Frozen condensate lines and blocked vents are common cold-weather culprits.

Thermostat Issues

Sometimes the problem isn't the furnace at all—it's the thermostat. Dead batteries, faulty wiring, or calibration issues can prevent your furnace from receiving the signal to turn on.