It’s 2 AM, -25°C outside, and suddenly — the heat cuts out.
You wake up shivering, wondering what went wrong with your furnace and whether you’ll make it through the night without freezing.
Before panic sets in, take a deep breath. Many furnace problems can be quickly diagnosed (and sometimes even fixed) without waiting for morning. This guide from LIDOMA Home Services will walk you through exactly what to do during a late-night furnace emergency in Winnipeg.
Start with the simplest step.
- Make sure your thermostat is set to “HEAT”, not “COOL” or “OFF.”
- Confirm the temperature setting is higher than your current room temperature.
- If your thermostat runs on batteries, replace them — weak batteries are a surprisingly common reason for furnace shutdowns.
If your thermostat screen is blank or unresponsive, it’s likely a battery or wiring issue, not the furnace itself.
Next, make sure your furnace has power.
- Go to your electrical panel and look for the furnace circuit. If it’s tripped, flip it off, wait a few seconds, then flip it on again.
- Check the furnace switch (usually located near the unit) — it should be in the ON position.
If you don’t hear any humming, clicking, or blower noise after restoring power, your furnace may need professional attention.
A clogged or dirty air filter can cause your furnace to overheat and automatically shut down for safety reasons.
Remove the filter and inspect it under a light — if it’s covered in dust or gray buildup, replace it immediately.
Keeping a clean filter not only prevents breakdowns but also improves energy efficiency and indoor air quality.
Most modern furnaces have a small LED light visible through a tiny window on the unit.
- If it’s flashing, count the blinks — these correspond to error codes.
- Look up your furnace model’s manual (or check online) to identify what the code means.
This information can be extremely helpful when you call an HVAC technician, allowing them to diagnose the issue faster.
In Winnipeg winters, snow and ice often block furnace vents.
Step outside and locate your furnace’s intake and exhaust pipes (usually two white PVC pipes coming out of the side of your home).
- Gently clear away snow, ice, or debris.
- Be careful not to insert anything into the pipe — just ensure airflow is unobstructed.
Once cleared, restart your furnace and see if it runs normally again.
It might be tempting to use your oven, barbecue, or gas stove to heat your home in an emergency — but don’t.
These can release dangerous levels of carbon monoxide or start a fire.
Instead:
- Use extra blankets and layered clothing.
- Close doors to keep heat in one room.
- If you have a safe space heater, use it carefully on a flat, open surface away from anything flammable.
If your furnace still isn’t running, it’s time to call the professionals.
LIDOMA Home Services provides 24/7 emergency furnace repair across Winnipeg, ensuring you don’t have to wait until morning for heat.
Our certified HVAC technicians can:
- Diagnose and repair your furnace on the spot
- Check for gas leaks or safety issues
- Restore heat efficiently and safely — even in the middle of the night
Furnace breakdowns always seem to happen at the worst possible moment — but with the right preparation and a trusted local HVAC company, you’re never truly left in the cold.
Keep our number handy for emergencies and consider scheduling a pre-winter furnace tune-up to prevent late-night surprises.
If your furnace isn’t blowing warm air, making strange noises, or won’t turn on at all — don’t wait until morning.
Contact LIDOMA Home Services for 24/7 emergency furnace repair anywhere in Winnipeg and the surrounding areas.
👉 Call us now or book online to get your heat back on — fast.
