PanicStation.org
UK USA
us Home & property emergencies furnace stopped working • no heat in the house • indoor temperature dropping fast • heater not working • hvac not heating • thermostat not working • cold house emergency • space heater safety • carbon monoxide concern • carbon monoxide symptoms • winter cold exposure risk • hypothermia warning signs • rental no heat problem • landlord not fixing heat • need a warming center • call 211 for help • emergency energy assistance • keep warm short term • prevent freezing indoors • kids cold at home

What to do if…
your heating system stops working and the indoor temperature is dropping fast

Short answer

Move everyone into the warmest safe room, layer up, and quickly rule out carbon monoxide danger. Then call for repair (landlord/HVAC) and make a “somewhere warm tonight” plan early — especially for children, older adults, or anyone with health risks.

Do not do these things

  • Do not heat your home with a charcoal grill, camp stove, generator, or the oven/stovetop — this can cause carbon monoxide poisoning or fire.
  • Do not run a space heater while sleeping, or leave it unattended.
  • Do not plug space heaters into extension cords or power strips.
  • Do not place a heater near bedding, curtains, or furniture — keep a clear safety zone (about 3 feet) from anything that can burn.
  • Do not attempt DIY work on gas lines, burners, or internal furnace components.
  • Do not ignore “flu-like” symptoms (headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion), especially if multiple people feel sick — treat as possible carbon monoxide exposure.

What to do now

  1. Stop the heat loss (10 minutes): choose one main room, shut doors, close curtains, block drafts with towels, and keep people off cold floors (shoes/slippers, blankets).
  2. Check carbon monoxide risk immediately:
    • If your CO alarm sounds or you suspect CO (flu-like symptoms, worse indoors): get everyone to fresh air right away and call 911 if anyone collapses, can’t be awakened, is confused, has trouble breathing, or has chest pain.
    • If you’re in fresh air and need guidance, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (still call 911 for severe symptoms).
  3. Do only “safe, simple checks” (2–5 minutes): confirm the thermostat is set to heat and has power/batteries; check your electrical panel for a tripped breaker affecting the furnace; and check the furnace service switch (often a light-switch-style switch near the unit) is on. Do not open sealed panels or disassemble anything.
  4. Watch for cold injury (especially in babies/older adults): shivering, unusual sleepiness, confusion, fumbling hands, or slurred speech can be warning signs — get to a reliably warm place and seek medical care if you’re worried.
  5. If you rent: notify your landlord/property manager immediately (and in writing/text/email). Say: “No heat; indoor temperature dropping quickly — urgent repair needed.” Take timestamped photos of the thermostat display and a thermometer reading if you have one.
  6. Call for warmth and emergency help options early:
    • Call 211 to find local resources like warming centers, shelters, or emergency utility/heating assistance (including programs like LIHEAP, depending on location and eligibility).
    • If your city/county has 311, you can also ask about warming centers or housing code help (availability varies).
  7. Reduce burst-pipe risk if it’s very cold: open kitchen/bathroom cabinet doors under sinks to let warmer air reach pipes. In very cold conditions, letting a cold-water faucet drip can help keep water moving (especially on exterior-wall plumbing).
  8. Use safe, short-term warmth:
    • Put on dry layers, hats/socks; use blankets; drink something warm; eat if you can.
    • Space heater (only if used safely): place it on a flat surface, keep it about 3 feet from anything that can burn, plug it directly into a wall outlet, and turn it off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
  9. Make a “somewhere warm” plan for tonight: if the temperature is dropping fast and repair is not imminent, arrange to stay with friends/family, or go to a warming center/shelter/hotel if you safely can.

What can wait

  • You do not need to diagnose the furnace failure tonight.
  • You do not need to decide on replacing the whole system right now.
  • You do not need to start a legal dispute immediately — document, notify, and focus on heat and safety first.

Important reassurance

A rapidly cooling home can make you feel urgent, scattered, and panicky — that’s normal. The goal is not to solve HVAC; it’s to keep people safe, avoid CO/fire hazards, and get either repairs or a warm place lined up.

Scope note

This is first steps for the next few hours. Local tenant rights, building codes, and repair timelines vary by state and city — those details are easier to handle once you’re warm and safe.

Important note

This is general information, not medical or legal advice. If carbon monoxide exposure is possible, move to fresh air and use emergency services as needed. For local help finding warming centers or emergency energy assistance, 211 is often the fastest starting point.

Additional Resources
Support us