Top 5 Reasons Furnaces Fail During Cold Indiana Winters
When winter hits Indiana, your furnace works harder than any other time of year. Unfortunately, cold temperatures can expose small issues fast — often leading to a no-heat emergency when you need warmth the most.
Here are the top 5 reasons furnaces fail during cold Indiana winters, and what homeowners in Kokomo and surrounding areas should know.
1. Dirty or Clogged Furnace Filters
This is the most common (and preventable) reason furnaces stop working in winter.
When filters are clogged with dust, pet hair, or debris, airflow becomes restricted. This can cause:
The furnace to overheat
The system to shut down for safety
Reduced efficiency and higher energy bills
Winter tip:
Filters clog faster in winter since your furnace runs more often. Homes with pets, smokers, or higher occupancy may need changes more frequently.
If your furnace shuts off repeatedly, a dirty filter could be the culprit.
2. Ignition or Flame Sensor Problems
Cold weather can make ignition issues more noticeable. A dirty flame sensor or failing ignitor can prevent your furnace from lighting properly — leaving you with no heat.
Common signs include:
Furnace starts but shuts off quickly
Cold air blowing from vents
Furnace clicking but not igniting
Because these components are tied directly to safety, repairs should always be handled by a professional.
3. Lack of Routine Maintenance
Many winter furnace breakdowns trace back to skipped maintenance.
Without regular service, small issues like dirty burners, improper gas pressure, or worn electrical components can go unnoticed until the furnace is under heavy winter demand.
A professional furnace service includes checks of:
Electrical components
Burners and flame sensor
Gas pressure and temperature rise
Heat exchanger condition
Overall system safety and performance
Routine maintenance helps prevent inconvenient — and often expensive — winter breakdowns.
4. Thermostat or Electrical Issues
Cold temperatures can impact batteries, wiring, and electrical connections.
Common winter-related issues include:
Dead thermostat batteries
Loose wiring connections
Tripped breakers or blown fuses
In some cases, the furnace itself is working fine — it’s the controls telling it what to do that are causing the problem.
5. Plugged Condensate Drain Line
High-efficiency furnaces produce condensation as part of normal operation. In winter, condensate drain lines can become clogged with debris — or even freeze.
When this happens, safety switches may shut the furnace down to prevent water damage.
Signs of a plugged condensate line include:
Furnace shuts off unexpectedly
Water pooling near the furnace
Gurgling sounds near the unit
This is a very common winter issue and one that professional maintenance helps prevent.
What to Do If Your Furnace Stops Working
If your heat goes out, try these quick steps:
Check thermostat settings and replace batteries
Inspect and replace the furnace filter if needed
Check breakers and switches near the furnace
If the issue isn’t obvious — or if temperatures are dangerously cold — it’s best to call a professional right away.
24/7 Emergency Furnace Repair — We’re Always Here
At Brandt’s Heating, Cooling & Electrical, we know furnace problems don’t follow a 9–5 schedule — especially during Indiana winters.
That’s why we offer 24/7 emergency furnace repair. When you call us:
You speak to a real person, not a recording
A trained technician is ready to respond
We service all makes and models
We proudly serve Kokomo, Wabash, Marion, Tipton, Monticello, Logansport, and surrounding areas.
If your furnace is acting up or you’ve lost heat, don’t wait — help is available day or night.
