Check the thermostat, the service switch, the breaker, the filter, and the fuel gauge — that covers most no-heat calls. If you smell gas, leave the building, call the utility, then call us.
Safe to check yourself
- Thermostat — set to heat, set above room temp, batteries fresh if it takes them. In offices, check nobody set it to "hold" at 62 over a weekend.
- The service switch — furnaces and boilers have a plain light-switch-looking power switch on or near the unit. It gets bumped constantly — by deliveries, storage, cleaning crews.
- The breaker — look for a tripped one. One reset is fine. If it trips again, stop.
- The filter — a fully clogged filter can overheat a furnace and trip its safety switch. Swap it and give it 10 minutes.
- The fuel — oil or propane system? Check the tank gauge before anything else. Running out of oil also means a priming visit, not just a refill.
What not to touch
Anything behind a panel on the unit. Ignition systems, gas valves, and burner compartments are not diagnostic territory — a furnace that will not light after three tries locks itself out on purpose.
Do not flip switches or use the phone inside. Get out, call your utility’s emergency line, then call us. A faint "burnt dust" smell the first cold day of the year is normal — gas is not.
When it is actually us
Power on, thermostat right, filter clean, fuel in the tank — and still cold? That is ignition, a safety lockout, or a failed part. No-heat calls in cold weather get priority — call or text (267) 227-8115 and we will tell you honestly how fast we can get there.