It’s a winter morning in Utah, and your home feels more like a walk-in freezer than a cozy retreat. You check the thermostat — it’s on. You listen for the familiar hum of the furnace — silence.
Cue the panic.
Before you bundle up and start dialing for emergency service, take a deep breath (preferably near a blanket) and go through this quick checklist. Many “no-heat” calls can be solved with simple fixes you can do yourself — and knowing what to check first can save you time, money, and a whole lot of shivering.
❄️ Step 1: Check the Thermostat
This one sounds obvious, but it’s the first place to start.
- Make sure it’s on “Heat” mode. It’s surprisingly easy to bump it into “Cool” or “Off.”
- Verify the temperature setting. Set it at least 5 degrees above the current room temperature to prompt the furnace to turn on.
- Change the batteries. Dead thermostat batteries are one of the most common (and easily overlooked) causes of no-heat calls.
If your thermostat display is blank or flashing an error code, replace the batteries and see if it comes back to life.
⚙️ Step 2: Check the Furnace Power
If the thermostat looks fine, your furnace might not be getting power.
- Check the switch: Furnaces often have a power switch that looks like a light switch nearby. Make sure it’s in the “On” position.
- Inspect the breaker panel: Look for a tripped breaker labeled “Furnace,” “Heater,” or “HVAC.” Flip it fully off, then back on.
If your breaker keeps tripping, don’t force it — that could indicate an electrical issue that needs a professional.
🔥 Step 3: Check the Pilot Light or Igniter
If you have an older gas furnace, your pilot light might have gone out. Carefully follow the instructions on the furnace panel to relight it.
If your system uses an electronic igniter, look through the viewing window for any glow when the furnace tries to start. No glow could mean the igniter needs replacement — a common service call during Utah’s cold snaps.
🌬️ Step 4: Inspect the Filter
A clogged furnace filter restricts airflow, which can cause your system to overheat and shut down as a safety precaution.
- Remove the filter and check if it’s dirty or gray.
- Replace it if it’s visibly dusty or hasn’t been changed in over 30 days.
Keeping a clean filter helps your furnace run efficiently, reduces wear, and improves indoor air quality — especially during Utah’s inversion season.
🚪 Step 5: Check the Vents and Airflow
Sometimes, the issue isn’t with your furnace at all.
- Make sure air return vents aren’t blocked by furniture or curtains.
- Confirm supply vents throughout your home are open and unobstructed.
- Check that the furnace exhaust vent outside isn’t blocked by snow or ice — a common winter culprit!
⚡ Step 6: Check the Gas Supply
If your furnace runs on natural gas or propane, ensure the shut-off valve near the furnace is open. If other gas appliances (like your stove or water heater) also aren’t working, you might have a larger gas supply issue — contact your gas provider immediately.
Never attempt to repair or tamper with gas lines yourself.
🧣 Step 7: When to Call for Service
If you’ve worked through this checklist and still have no heat, it’s time to call for professional help.
Call for service if:
- The furnace turns on but quickly shuts off again.
- The breaker continues to trip.
- You’ve already checked power, filter, and thermostat settings with no luck.
When you call, be ready to share what you’ve already checked — it helps your technician diagnose faster and get your heat back on sooner.
🦍 How a Home Warranty Helps
A SilverBack Home Warranty can help offset the cost of covered heating repairs, from blower motors to igniters and everything in between. Utah homeowners know that furnace issues rarely wait for “business hours,” and our local team is ready to connect you with trusted contractors when the unexpected happens.
A warranty won’t stop your furnace from failing — but it can make sure you’re not left out in the cold when it does.
🏠 Stay Warm, Stay Prepared
A no-heat situation in the middle of a Utah winter is stressful, but a few quick checks can often solve the problem (or at least prevent a costly emergency visit).
Keep this checklist handy — and remember, whether it’s your furnace, your plumbing, or your peace of mind that needs attention… SilverBack’s got your back.
📞 Helpful Links
- Call 801-686-8927 for questions or to get plan details.
- Visit SilverBackHW.com for more information.
- Place an order anytime at SilverBackHW.com/orders.