No Heat Emergency? Step-by-Step What to Do Right Now

Step 1: Check Your Safety First

Before troubleshooting, ensure your home is safe. Carbon monoxide detectors should be alerting you if there's a problem. If you smell gas, don't touch anything—leave your home immediately and call the gas company from outside.

Step 2: Verify the Thermostat

This seems obvious, but check it:

• Is it set to Heat (not Off, Cool, or Fan)?
• Is the temperature setting high enough (above current room temp)?
• Does it have power? (Check batteries if battery-powered)

Step 3: Check the Circuit Breaker

Your furnace needs electricity. Go to your electrical panel and look for a tripped breaker (it will be in the "Off" position or between on and off). If you find one:

• Flip it back to "On"
• If it trips again immediately, there's an electrical problem—don't keep trying. Call for service.

Step 4: Check the Furnace Power Switch

There's usually a switch on or near your furnace itself. Make sure it's in the "On" position.

Step 5: Listen to Your Furnace

Go to your furnace and listen:

• Do you hear it trying to ignite? (clicking sound)
• Does the blower run? (fan noise)
• Are there any strange noises?

Temporary Heat While You Wait for Service

Until your furnace is fixed:

• Seal windows and doors to prevent heat loss
• Use space heaters in occupied rooms (but keep them away from curtains, furniture, and anything flammable)
• Close off unoccupied rooms
• Use blankets and layers
• Open curtains during the day, close them at night

When to Call for Emergency Service

Call Air Doctor immediately if:

• Your furnace won't ignite (clicking but no heat)
• The blower isn't running
• You smell gas
• You have a carbon monoxide alert
• Basic troubleshooting doesn't restore heat

Air Doctor Emergency Service

Air Doctor responds to heating emergencies. We can often restore your heat the same day. Call us immediately at (360) 553-8700.