What to Do If Your Furnace Stops Working in an Ottawa Winter

When your furnace suddenly stops working in the middle of an Ottawa winter, it’s more than just inconvenient—it can be dangerous. Acting quickly and safely is key. Here’s a step-by-step guide to keep your household safe, troubleshoot common issues, and know when to call the professionals at Ercan’s Heating and Cooling.

Immediate Safety Steps

If your heat shuts off, your first priority should be safety.

Check your carbon monoxide (CO) detector. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can build up if your furnace malfunctions. Every home with a furnace should have a working detector.
If you smell gas, turn off the furnace immediately, open a few windows briefly to ventilate, and evacuate the home. Call your utility provider or Ercan’s right away.
Never attempt repairs if you suspect a gas leak.

Basic Troubleshooting

If no gas odor is present, there are a few simple checks you can try:

Thermostat settings: Make sure the thermostat is set to “heat” and the temperature is higher than the room reading.
Replace thermostat batteries if it runs on battery power.
Check your breaker panel for tripped switches and reset them if necessary.
System reset: Many furnaces have a reset button. Press it once to see if the system restarts.

Sometimes, these quick fixes are enough to restore heat.

Check Fuel Supply

Depending on your heating system, the issue may be with the fuel source:

Gas furnace: Ensure the gas valve is fully open and the pilot light is lit.
Electric furnace: Confirm the unit is receiving power—sometimes a tripped breaker or disconnected line is the culprit.

If the issue persists, it’s time to move on to backup heating.

Temporary Heating Solutions

While waiting for repairs, you may need short-term heat. Use caution:

Space heaters can help warm small areas, but always keep them at least three feet away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended.
Fireplaces can provide comfort but must be properly ventilated and monitored.
Never use your oven to heat your home—this is a serious fire and carbon monoxide hazard.

These should only be temporary solutions until your furnace is restored.

When to Call Ercan’s

If basic troubleshooting doesn’t restore your heat—or if you ever smell gas—contact Ercan’s Heating and Cooling immediately. We offer 24/7 emergency furnace repair in Ottawa, so you won’t be left in the cold.

📞 Emergency Service Line: (613) 596-4240
Our team responds quickly to ensure your family’s safety and comfort.

Preventing Future Emergencies

The best way to avoid a no-heat situation is prevention. According to Carrier, many furnace issues can be prevented with regular maintenance. Annual tune-ups keep your system running smoothly, catch small problems before they become big ones, and improve efficiency.

Ercan’s Heating and Cooling offers maintenance plans that give you peace of mind all year long. With regular inspections and priority service, you’ll be ready for whatever Ottawa’s winters bring.

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