During a cold snap, your furnace may run much longer than it does on a mild day. Longer operation alone does not establish that something is wrong. A falling indoor temperature, repeated shutdowns or an error message provides a clearer reason to investigate.
The goal of a homeowner check is to spot accessible problems and gather useful information. Internal repairs and adjustments to safety controls belong with a qualified technician.
Put emergency signs first
If you smell gas, leave immediately. Do not operate electrical switches or use a phone inside; call your gas utility’s emergency line or 911 from a safe location. If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, get everyone outside and call 911. Do not stay indoors to troubleshoot. See the gas-leak response guidance and carbon monoxide guidance.
Check the outdoor openings after snow
Where appliance vents are safely accessible from the ground, look for snow blocking the openings. Gently clear loose snow around them without pushing it into the pipes. Leave attached ice, damaged vents and hard-to-reach obstructions to a professional. Follow equipment-specific clearance guidance rather than relying on one distance for every installation.
Keep access to the gas meter clear as well. The utility’s winter meter and vent guidance explains safe snow removal.
Give indoor air a clear route
Check the filter according to the equipment instructions and replace it when needed with a suitable model. Move furniture and stored items away from return grilles and supply registers. Restricted airflow can contribute to overheating and protective shutdowns.
Also note visible water around a high-efficiency furnace. A condensate drainage problem needs attention; do not dismantle the drain or apply an open flame to frozen components.
Record what the system is doing
Confirm that the thermostat is in heating mode and the requested temperature is above the room temperature. If it uses batteries, check their condition. Note any recent power interruption or change in settings.
Write down visible fault codes before calling for service. Useful details include when heating stopped, whether the blower still runs and whether the problem began after snowfall. Avoid repeatedly resetting a furnace that keeps locking out, and never bypass a safety switch.
Arrange help before the house gets too cold
If heating does not return or indoor temperature keeps falling, seek prompt service and arrange a safe warm place for vulnerable occupants. Preventive care is useful too: schedule professional maintenance before peak heating demand and keep service records available.
For furnace service, contact BreezeCome Home Service at 1-888-308-0066, or request assistance. For suspected gas leaks or a sounding carbon monoxide alarm, follow the emergency steps above first.