Emergency Furnace Repair: When to Call and What to Expect

Quick answer: A furnace problem is an emergency if you smell gas, a carbon monoxide alarm is sounding, you notice burning or electrical smells, or you have no heat in freezing weather, especially with infants, older adults or anyone medically vulnerable at home. For gas or CO, get everyone outside and call 911 or your gas utility first. For no heat, check the thermostat, filter, switch and breaker, then call. Our 24/7 emergency line is (732) 779-7106. We explain the problem and give an upfront price before starting work.

When the heat stops on a cold night, it's easy to panic. Knowing what's urgent, what to check and how to stay safe makes the wait far easier. This guide walks you through it.

Safety first: leave right away if...

You smell gas (rotten eggs):

1. Don't touch light switches, appliances or phones inside
2. Get everyone out
3. Call 911 or your gas utility from outside
4. Don't go back in until told it's safe

A carbon monoxide alarm sounds, or people feel dizzy, sick or have headaches:

1. Get everyone outside into fresh air
2. Call 911
3. Don't go back inside until responders say it's safe
4. Have the furnace inspected before running it again

See carbon monoxide safety and what to do in an HVAC emergency.

You see sparks, smoke or smell burning plastic: shut off the furnace at the service switch or breaker if you can do so safely. Call 911 if you see fire or heavy smoke.

Is it urgent, or can it wait until morning?

If you aren't sure, call us and we'll help you decide.

Quick checks you can do safely

Many no-heat calls come down to something simple. Try these first:

1. Thermostat: set to Heat, above room temperature, with fresh batteries
2. Service switch: the light-style switch on or near the furnace should be on
3. Breaker: reset a tripped one once
4. Filter: replace it if it's clogged
5. Door panel: make sure it's fully closed
6. Gas valve: the handle should be parallel with the pipe
7. Vents outdoors: clear snow and ice from plastic intake and exhaust pipes
8. Condensate: in a cold snap, a frozen line can shut a high-efficiency furnace down (see frozen condensate line)
9. Reset once: turn the power off for 30 seconds, then back on

Stop there. Don't open sealed compartments or bypass any switches. See the furnace not working checklist.

Keep your family and home safe while you wait

• Keep warm safely: use indoor-rated space heaters with tip-over protection, at least three feet from anything that can burn. See space heater safety.
• Never use an oven, stove, grill, camp heater or generator for heat indoors.
• Close doors and gather in one room.
• Protect your pipes: open cabinet doors under sinks and let faucets drip. See no heat and frozen pipes.
• Look after pets and vulnerable people first.
• Keep CO alarms working.
• Clear a path to the furnace for the technician.

What to tell us when you call

These details help us arrive prepared:

• Your address and the best phone number
• What happened and when
• Any smells, sounds or alarms
• Whether anyone at home is vulnerable
• What you see on the thermostat
• The number of blinks on the furnace's fault light
• Furnace brand and rough age, if you know

What happens during an emergency visit

1. Safety first: the technician checks for gas and carbon monoxide
2. Diagnosis: they follow the furnace's sequence and test parts
3. Clear options: you get an upfront price before any work begins
4. Repair: many common issues can be fixed on the spot, depending on parts
5. Testing: the furnace runs through a full cycle
6. Next steps: you hear about any concerns and options

If a part isn't immediately available or the furnace can't be run safely, we'll explain what happens next and how to keep the house warm.

Common causes of a sudden no-heat call

• Clogged filter causing an overheat shutdown
• Failed igniter (see furnace won't ignite)
• Dirty flame sensor (see dirty flame sensor)
• Failed blower motor or capacitor (see furnace blower not working)
• Pressure switch or inducer problems
• Control board failure
• Blocked or frozen vents
• Thermostat problems (see thermostat troubleshooting)

What affects the price

The cost depends on the part, how long it takes and when the visit happens. A small part may be a simple repair. A control board or motor costs more. A cracked heat exchanger often means replacement. You'll always see the upfront price first, with no hidden fees. See what affects furnace repair cost.

If the furnace needs replacing

An emergency can raise a bigger question. A very old furnace, a cracked heat exchanger or a major repair may point to replacement. We'll give you honest numbers for repair and replacement, and we offer next day installs where the job allows. See furnace replacement in New Jersey.

How to avoid the next emergency

• Yearly heating tune-up before winter: an $89 tune-up (terms apply)
• Change filters on schedule
• Keep vents clear of snow, leaves and debris
• Install CO alarms and test them monthly
• Know your shutoffs for the gas and the furnace
• Protect shore homes during long empty periods

The Prime Comfort Club includes yearly tune-ups, priority scheduling and 10% off repairs for $19/month (terms apply).

Emergencies at rental and seasonal homes

Some of the hardest no-heat calls happen when nobody is home. A few simple steps reduce the risk:

• Seasonal homes: winterize properly, or keep the heat on and have someone check on the house regularly. See winterizing a shore house.
• Smart thermostats: a temperature alert on your phone can warn you before pipes freeze.
• Tenants: tell your landlord or property manager right away. If you smell gas or a CO alarm sounds, leave and call 911 first.
• Landlords: keep the furnace's age and service records where you can find them, and give tenants a clear number to call.

What to look for when choosing who to call

When you're cold and in a hurry, it's tempting to call the first number you find. Ask three quick questions: Are you licensed in New Jersey? Will you tell me the price before starting? Do you use your own team? We answer yes to all three: NJ Master HVACR License 19HC00767800, upfront pricing and never subcontractors. See how to choose an HVAC contractor.

Save our number in your phone today, so you have it ready on the night you need it.

24/7 emergency furnace repair near you

Our own licensed team serves all 153 towns across Ocean, Monmouth, Burlington and Middlesex counties, day and night, including Toms River, Jackson, Howell and Sayreville.

No heat? Call (732) 779-7106 now, or book online if it can wait until the next opening.