No Heat? First Steps to Take Before Calling for Emergency Furnace Repair

Waking up to a freezing home in Colorado Springs is a nightmare scenario. Before you panic and call for emergency service, which often comes with premium pricing, take a few minutes to walk through a simple troubleshooting checklist.

At Affordable Plumbing, Heat & Electrical, we've helped countless homeowners resolve "no heat" calls over the phone. Often, the fix is something simple you can handle yourself!

Here are the critical first steps to take when your furnace goes silent.

Step 1: Check Your Thermostat Settings

This is the most common reason for a service call—and the easiest to fix.

1. Is it ON? Ensure the thermostat is set to "Heat" or "Auto" and not "Cool" or "Off."

2. Raise the Temperature: Set the temperature at least 5 degrees higher than the current room temperature. This forces the unit to trigger the heating cycle.

3. Check the Battery: If you have a battery-powered thermostat, a dead battery can cause the entire system to shut down. Replace them immediately.

Step 2: Check the Power Switches

Your furnace needs power in two different places, and a quick check of both can save you a service fee.

1. The Furnace Switch: Locate the light-switch-style switch near the furnace itself (usually on the wall or mounted to the unit). This is a safety disconnect. Make sure it is ON. Sometimes, this switch gets accidentally flipped by cleaning supplies or a busy child.

2. The Breaker Panel: Go to your home's main electrical panel. Find the circuit breaker labeled "Furnace" or "HVAC." If the breaker is tripped (the lever is halfway between ON and OFF, or fully OFF), flip it firmly OFF and then firmly back ON. If it trips again immediately, do not attempt to reset it; call a professional, as this indicates a serious electrical fault.

Step 3: Inspect the Air Filter

A severely dirty air filter is the number one cause of furnace system shutdowns.

• The Problem: A clogged filter restricts airflow so severely that the furnace can overheat. To prevent damage, the system's safety limit switch will trip, shutting the whole thing down.

• The Fix: Pull the filter out. If it’s dark gray or black, replace it immediately with a new one. Once the new filter is in, wait a few minutes, then try setting your thermostat back to trigger the heat.

Step 4: Check the Furnace Door

This applies to many modern furnaces: the access panel door has a safety switch that must be firmly engaged for the furnace to run.

• The Problem: If you recently changed the filter or checked the unit, the door may not be fully secured.

• The Fix: Ensure the furnace door or panels are closed tightly. You should hear a soft "click" as the safety switch engages. If the door is even slightly ajar, the furnace will not power on.

Step 5: Check the Fuel Source

If you have a gas furnace, a gas interruption can shut down your heat.

• Check the Gas Valve: Look for the dedicated shut-off valve on the gas line leading directly into your furnace. Ensure the handle is parallel (running with) the pipe—this means it is OPEN. If the handle is perpendicular (crossing) the pipe, it’s closed.

• Check Other Appliances: Are your gas stove, water heater, or fireplace working? If all gas appliances are off, you may have a neighborhood-wide gas interruption, and you should contact your local utility company.

When to Make the Call

If you have walked through all five of these steps—checking the thermostat, power, filter, access door, and fuel source—and the furnace still refuses to start or immediately shuts off, it's time to call the professionals.

You may be dealing with a more complex issue, such as a faulty ignitor, a defective pressure switch, or a major component failure. For those serious repairs, you need the certified experts at Affordable Plumbing, Heat & Electrical. We're here to provide fast, reliable emergency furnace repair in Colorado Springs to get your warmth back quickly and safely.