When your furnace stops working on a cold night, it can be more than just uncomfortable—it can be dangerous. Here’s what to do to stay safe and warm until help arrives.
Texas winters may be short, but when temperatures drop suddenly, a furnace failure can leave your home freezing fast. Whether you live in Rockwall or anywhere in the DFW area, knowing how to respond when your heat goes out is key to protecting your family and preventing damage to your home.
Step 1: Check the basics
Before assuming the worst, do a quick check of the most common furnace issues:
- Thermostat settings: Make sure it’s set to “heat” and that the temperature is set higher than the current room temp.
- Power supply: Check your circuit breaker and make sure the furnace hasn’t tripped a breaker or blown a fuse.
- Air filter: A clogged filter can cause your system to shut down or overheat. Replace it if it’s dirty.
Sometimes, a quick fix like resetting the thermostat or flipping a breaker can restore heat without needing professional repair.
Step 2: Call for emergency HVAC service
If the system still won’t turn on, or you hear unusual noises or smell burning, it’s time to call for emergency help. At Apple AC & Heat, we provide 24/7 emergency furnace repair to get Rockwall-area homes warm again quickly and safely.
Our technicians arrive fully equipped to diagnose issues and make on-the-spot repairs whenever possible. Whether it’s a failed ignitor, blower motor, or a more complex problem, we can help restore your heat fast.
Step 3: Stay warm and safe while you wait
While waiting for service, take steps to maintain heat and keep your family safe:
- Close off unused rooms to concentrate warmth in one area.
- Layer clothing and use blankets to stay insulated.
- Use space heaters safely and never leave them unattended.
- Open curtains during the day to let in sunlight and close them at night to trap heat.
Avoid using ovens or stovetops for heat—this poses a major fire and carbon monoxide risk. If temperatures drop below freezing, open cabinet doors under sinks to keep pipes from freezing and bursting.
Common reasons furnaces fail in cold weather
When furnaces fail during a cold snap, it’s often because they’re working harder than usual. Some of the most common causes include:
- Dirty filters that block airflow
- Ignition or pilot light issues in gas systems
- Blower motor failure that stops warm air from circulating
- Thermostat malfunctions that prevent your system from turning on
- Electrical problems like blown fuses or wiring failures
Many of these issues can be prevented with seasonal heating maintenance. Regular inspections help identify wear-and-tear before it leads to a breakdown.
Be prepared for next time
If your furnace has failed once, it may do so again—especially if it’s older or hasn’t been serviced recently. Take steps now to prepare for future outages:
- Schedule a professional inspection to identify worn components
- Replace your air filter regularly (every 1-3 months)
- Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat for better system control and diagnostics
- Keep a backup heat source, like a space heater, and extra blankets on hand
You may also want to consider a furnace replacement if your system is more than 15 years old or needs frequent repairs. Newer systems are more reliable, energy-efficient, and less likely to leave you in the cold.
For more emergency heating tips, visit Weather.gov’s cold weather preparedness guide.
Get expert Service when your furnace fails
Get the help you need when your furnace stops working on a cold night. At Apple AC & Heat Services, we offer fast, reliable emergency heating repair across Rockwall, Dallas, and the surrounding areas.
Our experienced technicians will identify the issue, explain your options, and restore your heat as quickly as possible. Whether it’s midnight or early morning, we’re just a phone call away.
Call Apple AC & Heat now for immediate support and peace of mind when your heat goes out. We’ll help you stay safe, warm, and in control—no matter how cold it gets outside.
