No heat? Check these first
Work through these safe checks in order. Stop and call us if anything seems unsafe.
- The thermostat is set to Heat
Check that it is set to Heat and to a temperature above the room temperature. If it uses batteries and the screen is blank or dim, replace them.
- The furnace has power
The furnace has a power switch nearby that looks like a light switch. Make sure it is on and check whether its circuit breaker has tripped. If the breaker trips again, leave it off and call us.
- The furnace door is closed
The furnace will not run if its front door or panel is loose or off. Make sure it is seated and closed.
- The filter is clean
A plugged filter can make the furnace shut itself off. If the filter looks grey or dusty, replace it with one of the same size.
- Do not operate the gas valve
You may be able to see the gas shut-off handle beside the furnace. If it sits across the pipe instead of along it, the valve may be closed. Do not turn it; call us. If you smell gas, leave the home and follow the safety steps above.
- The vent pipes outside are clear
Look for the furnace vent outlets outside. From ground level only, clear loose snow or leaves around outlets you can safely reach. Follow your equipment manual for required clearances. Do not climb onto the roof or chip at solid ice; call us if an outlet is blocked or out of reach.
- There is no water around the furnace
A high-efficiency furnace drains water through a small hose or pipe. If water is pooling on the floor or the drain looks blocked, call us.
- Still no heat?
The furnace may have stopped itself for safety. If there is no smell of gas or other warning sign, try turning the thermostat to Off for one minute, then back to Heat, once only. If it still does not start, call 780-909-1900 and tell us what you checked.
Routine care
- Check the furnace filter every month during the heating season and replace it when it looks dirty. The filter size is printed on the filter frame.
- From ground level only, keep the outside furnace vent outlets and HRV or fresh-air hoods clear of loose snow, leaves and lint. Do not climb or chip at ice; call us if an outlet is iced over or out of reach.
- Keep supply registers and return grilles open and clear of furniture, rugs and curtains.
- Clean the HRV filters and check its core only as your HRV manual directs, with the HRV turned off and its power disconnected before opening the designated access.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms as their manufacturers recommend.
- Book a furnace maintenance visit before winter.
Furnace maintenance · HRV & ventilation
Fresh air and ventilation
Leave the ventilation system on
Your home has a whole-house ventilation system: either an HRV or a bath fan that runs all the time and brings in fresh air through a damper. Leave it on. If outdoor air quality is very poor, such as during wildfire smoke, follow your equipment manual, and turn it back on as soon as the air clears.
Leave installer settings alone
Airflow and balancing dampers were set when the system was installed. Do not change these installer settings. You can use the homeowner wall-control modes as your equipment manual describes; keep the required ventilation operating.
The furnace fan runs with the ventilation
The furnace fan spreads fresh air through the home, so it may run even when the furnace is not heating. That is normal.
Weak airflow from the HRV
Check that accessible outdoor hoods and indoor grilles are unobstructed. Clean the HRV filters and core only as the manual allows, after disconnecting power. If airflow stays weak, call us.
Condensation on windows
Moisture on windows may indicate high indoor humidity or very cold surfaces. If your wall control has a humidity setting, lower the target or use its labelled boost mode as the manual directs. Run the bath fan during and after showers. Contact us if condensation persists.
Air feels too dry
If your wall control has a humidity setting, raise the target as the manual directs. Do not turn off required ventilation or change installer balancing. If the air is still too dry, call us.
Cold air from the HRV grilles
Some cool air is normal in very cold weather. Keep furniture from blocking the grilles. If it is constant, call us to check the system.
Water, ice or frost at the HRV
Water in or under the HRV can mean a blocked or kinked drain line. Frost on the unit or its ducts usually means it needs to be checked and rebalanced. Call us for either.
When to call us
Call or WhatsApp 780-909-1900, or send an enquiry. Let us know your address, what is happening, and what you have safely checked.
- Note any flashing light or error code visible without removing a furnace panel.
- Have the furnace or HRV make, model and serial number from its accessible equipment sticker, if available.
For non-emergency questions about natural gas service in Alberta, ATCO can be reached at 310-5678 (no area code). For a gas leak, use the emergency numbers in the safety section instead.