What to Do If Your Furnace Stops Working During a Cold Snap

What to Do If Your Furnace Stops Working During a Cold Snap?

When temperatures outside drop, a furnace breakdown isn’t just inconvenient—it can become a serious safety issue. If your furnace stops working during a cold snap, knowing what to check (and when to call a professional) can help protect your home, your pipes, and your family.Here’s a step-by-step guide from Cook Home Services to help you stay warm and safe until heat is restored.

Step 1: Check the Basics First

Before assuming the worst, rule out these common issues:

✔ Thermostat Settings

  • Confirm the thermostat is set to HEAT
  • Raise the temperature at least 5 degrees above the current room temp
  • Replace batteries if the screen is blank or unresponsive

✔ Power & Breakers

  • Check your electrical panel for a tripped breaker
  • Ensure the furnace power switch (often near the unit) is turned ON

✔ Furnace Filter

  • Replace dirty filters immediately—especially important during heavy winter use
  • A clogged filter can cause the furnace to shut down for safety

Step 2: Check the Furnace Itself

If the basics look good, take a closer (but safe) look at the furnace. Turn the power off, wait 10 seconds, turn the power back on again

Gas Furnaces
– Is the pilot light out? (Older systems)
– Do you see blinking lights on the control panel? These often indicate error codes

High-Efficiency Furnaces
– Check intake and exhaust pipes outside—snow or ice blockage can shut the system down
– Look for frozen condensate lines during extreme cold

⚠️ If you smell gas or suspect a carbon monoxide issue, leave the home immediately and call your gas provider or emergency services.

Step 3: Prevent Frozen Pipes While You Wait

No heat + Indiana winter = frozen pipe risk.

  • Open cabinet doors under sinks
  • Let faucets drip slightly – both cold and hot water
  • Close blinds at night to retain heat
  • Use safe space heaters away from flammable materials

Step 4: When to Call a Local HVAC Professional

If your furnace still isn’t running—or keeps shutting off—it’s time to call a licensed HVAC technician.

Call Cook Home Services right away if:

  • The furnace won’t turn on at all
  • The system runs but blows cold air
  • The unit short-cycles (turns on and off frequently)
  • Your home temperature is dropping rapidly

As a local Crawfordsville HVAC company, Cook Home Services understands how Indiana cold snaps affect furnaces—and how to fix them quickly.

Why Crawfordsville Homeowners Trust Cook Home Services

  • Local technicians who understand Indiana winters
  • Fast response during cold weather emergencies
  • Honest diagnostics and clear repair options
  • Preventive maintenance plans to reduce winter breakdowns

Pro Tip: Schedule a Furnace Tune-Up Before the Next Cold Snap

Many winter furnace failures are preventable. Annual maintenance helps:

  • Catch worn parts early
  • Improve efficiency
  • Reduce emergency breakdowns
  • Extend the life of your furnace

If your furnace struggled this winter, it may be time for a professional inspection.

Need Furnace Help in Crawfordsville, Indiana?

If your furnace stops working—or you want to prevent the next cold-weather emergency—Cook Home Services is here to help.

Serving Crawfordsville & surrounding areas
Fast, local, reliable HVAC service when you need it most