Will My Gas Furnace Still Work Without Electricity?
Power outages are terrifying, especially during the cold winter season. Whether caused by storms, snow, or fallen trees, once your home's power goes out, so does your furnace. However, some homeowners still wonder, "Will my gas furnace still work without electricity?"
Unfortunately, gas furnaces require electricity to function. This guide will help you understand why that's the case and what to do to stay warm during power outages.
Watson Heating & Air is Richmond's professional furnace repair service team of choice. When you need reliable furnace service, give us a call at 859-659-7272.
Why Gas Furnaces Need Electricity
Although you might assume that gas furnaces only require natural gas to operate, they actually use electricity to function as well. They're not like a gas stove or other gas heating equipment in that sense. Even though gas furnaces primarily use gas fuel combustion to generate heat, there are a few key components that use electricity, such as gas relays.
Many homeowners don't know what gas relays do, but they're important. They control gas flow and internal safety devices within a furnace. They need electricity, however, along with your unit's circuit board and blower motor.
Most of all, however, a gas furnace's electric ignition piece requires electricity. Unlike older furnaces, more modern gas furnaces don't use pilot lights and instead use this piece. However, even if you own an older furnace, it will still have electric-dependent components that affect its energy efficiency.
How to Stay Warm Without Electricity
Understanding the answer to the question, "Will my gas furnace still work without electricity?" is important, but you also need to know how to stay warm without electricity. Even if there's an intense snowstorm raging outside, there are plenty of ways to heat your home and stay comfortable.
Close Doors & Windows
Check your home's doors and windows; are they closed tight? Shutting them will retain heat in your home, but if you have to leave your home, be sure to quickly open and close the door to prevent any heat from escaping.
It's also critical to cover any gaps or cracks in your home's walls or window frames. Use towels, blankets, and weatherproofing tape to close any weak spots.
Start a Back-Up Generator
When you know the answer to the question, "Will my gas furnace still work without electricity?" you understand that gas furnaces require electric power. But that power can come from any safe source, like a generator.
Do you own a backup generator? If so, power it on as soon as you can, and you'll have access to electricity and gas furnace heat. However, you should never use a generator inside of a closed space, like a garage, carport, or room, as doing so could cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
Use Your Fireplace
Many fireplaces work independently of electricity. If your fireplace relies on power sources like propane, natural gas, or wood, it should work even if your home's electricity is off. However, you'll need a flashlight or candle to ensure that you're safely operating your fireplace, avoiding any fire hazards.
Gas Furnace Safety Tips
Every homeowner who uses a furnace should be familiar with furnace safety steps. Many homeowners assume that there's a way to bypass their furnace's electrical parts or that they can even hook their gas furnace up to a backup generator.
Do not under any circumstances tinker or tamper with your gas furnace during a power outage. There's no safe way to get a furnace working again. In some cases, you might end up causing a gas leak or other catastrophic failure that puts you and your family at risk of injury or death.
Sometimes gas furnaces struggle to turn back on even after your power is working. If that's the case, call for professional help. Experienced furnace experts can repair your furnaces and boilers safely while ensuring long-lasting results that help keep your home comfortable all winter long.
The Best Furnace Repair Service in Richmond, KY
At Watson Heating & Air, we offer professional furnace repair and installation services in Richmond, KY. We're experts who understand common furnace repair issues inside and out. Best of all, we provide compassionate customer service, treating each of our customers just like family.
If you're still asking, "Will my gas furnace still work without electricity?" or if you have any other furnace concerns, call our Watson Heating & Air team at 859-695-7272 to learn more about what we can do for you.










