Emergency Furnace Repair Ottawa: 24/7 Gas Man Service
Gas Man Ottawa provides emergency furnace repair services throughout Ottawa, Kanata, Orleans, Barrhaven, Nepean, and surrounding areas. Our licensed TSSA gas technicians are available 24/7 to restore heat to your home fast. Call (613) 880-3888 now for immediate assistance.
What To Do When Your Furnace Stops Working
Before calling for emergency repair, try these quick troubleshooting steps that might restore your heat immediately:
Check Your Thermostat Settings
Ensure your thermostat is set to “Heat” mode and the temperature is set higher than your current room temperature. Check that the batteries are working and the display is functioning properly. Sometimes a simple thermostat issue can make you think your furnace needs repair when it’s actually a quick fix.
Inspect Your Circuit Breaker
Go to your electrical panel and verify the furnace circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. If it has, reset it once—but if it trips again immediately, call Gas Man Ottawa at (613) 880-3888 because this indicates a serious electrical problem.
Replace Your Furnace Filter
A clogged filter is one of the most common causes of furnace shutdowns. Remove your filter and hold it up to a light—if you can’t see through it, replace it immediately. During Ottawa winters, filters should be changed every 30-45 days due to constant system use. Learn more about furnace maintenance to prevent future issues.
Check Your Pilot Light or Ignition
For older furnaces with pilot lights, verify the flame is blue and steady. A yellow or flickering flame indicates incomplete combustion and requires professional repair. Modern furnaces have electronic ignition systems that may display error codes—write down any codes before calling for service.
Ensure Gas Supply Is Active
Verify that your gas meter is active and the supply valve to your furnace is fully open. If you smell gas at any time, evacuate immediately and call Enbridge Gas at 1-866-763-5427, then contact Gas Man Ottawa for repairs once it’s safe to return.
7 Common Furnace Problems Ottawa Homeowners Face In Winter
Understanding what’s wrong with your furnace helps you communicate clearly with repair technicians and make informed decisions about repairs versus replacement.
1. Furnace Not Producing Heat
If your furnace runs but doesn’t produce warm air, the problem could be a malfunctioning thermostat, a faulty limit switch, or issues with the gas valve. Gas Man’s licensed technicians can diagnose and repair these issues quickly using proper gas fitting techniques and genuine replacement parts.
2. Strange Noises (Banging, Screeching, Rattling)
Unusual furnace sounds indicate mechanical problems that need immediate attention. Banging suggests delayed ignition, screeching indicates blower motor belt issues, and rattling often means loose components. Never ignore strange noises—they typically worsen and lead to complete system failure.
3. Furnace Cycling On and Off Repeatedly
Short cycling wastes energy, increases wear on components, and fails to heat your home adequately. Common causes include dirty filters, thermostat problems, or oversized equipment. Our maintenance service can identify and correct cycling issues before they become emergencies.
4. Yellow Pilot Light Flame
A healthy pilot flame should be blue with a small yellow tip. A completely yellow flame indicates incomplete combustion and possible carbon monoxide production—this is an immediate safety hazard requiring emergency service. Call Gas Man at (613) 880-3888 right away.
5. Furnace Blowing Cold Air
When your furnace runs but produces only cold air, the issue might be a malfunctioning pilot light, gas supply interruption, or a broken heat exchanger. Heat exchanger cracks are serious safety concerns that require immediate professional inspection and often furnace replacement.
6. High Energy Bills Without Increased Usage
A sudden spike in heating costs suggests your furnace is working harder than normal due to age, poor maintenance, or mechanical failure. Regular tune-ups from Gas Man’s technicians optimize efficiency and can reduce heating costs by 15-30% throughout the winter season.
7. Carbon Monoxide Detector Alarm
If your CO detector sounds, evacuate immediately and call 911. Once cleared by emergency services, contact Gas Man for a complete furnace safety inspection. We’ll identify the source of carbon monoxide and perform all necessary repairs to ensure your family’s safety.
Why Choose Gas Man Ottawa For Emergency Furnace Repair
When your furnace fails during Ottawa’s coldest nights, you need a contractor you can trust to respond quickly and fix the problem correctly the first time.
TSSA Licensed Gas Technicians
Every Gas Man technician holds current TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority) licensing, ensuring we meet Ontario’s strict safety standards for natural gas work. Our licensing authorizes us to diagnose and repair all furnace brands and models, including warranty-covered equipment.
24/7 Priority Emergency Service
We understand that furnaces don’t break down on convenient schedules. Gas Man prioritizes emergency calls when temperatures drop below -15°C, providing same-day or next-day service to restore heat to your home as quickly as possible. Call (613) 880-3888 anytime, day or night.
Genuine Replacement Parts
We use only manufacturer-approved parts for all repairs, ensuring compatibility, reliability, and warranty compliance. Generic parts may be cheaper initially but often fail prematurely and can void your equipment warranty.
One-Year Labour Guarantee
All Gas Man repairs are protected by our one-year labour guarantee. If anything goes wrong with our work, we’ll return to fix it free of charge—no questions asked. This guarantee gives you peace of mind that your emergency repair is done right.
Transparent Pricing
We provide detailed estimates before beginning any repair work so you can make informed decisions. Our pricing is competitive and straightforward—no hidden fees or surprise charges on your final invoice.
How To Prevent Emergency Furnace Breakdowns
Most furnace emergencies are preventable with proper maintenance and attention to warning signs. Follow these steps to reduce your risk of winter breakdowns:
Schedule Annual Furnace Maintenance
Professional tune-ups before heating season identify small problems before they become emergencies. Gas Man’s comprehensive maintenance service includes cleaning, inspection, testing, and adjustment of all critical components.
Change Filters Every 30-45 Days
During heavy heating season, replace disposable filters monthly or clean washable filters every two weeks. This simple step prevents 90% of furnace breakdowns and improves indoor air quality for your family. Consider upgrading to a high-efficiency air filtration system for even better results.
Keep Outdoor Vents Clear of Snow and Ice
After every snowfall, check that your furnace intake and exhaust pipes are clear of snow drifts and ice buildup. Blocked vents cause dangerous carbon monoxide buildup inside your home and force your furnace to shut down.
Monitor Your Furnace’s Performance
Pay attention to unusual sounds, smells, or performance changes. Early intervention prevents minor issues from becoming expensive emergency repairs. If something seems wrong, trust your instincts and call Gas Man for an inspection at (613) 880-3888.
Maintain Proper Humidity Levels
Ottawa’s winter air is extremely dry, which can damage furnace components and increase static electricity. Installing a central humidifier maintains ideal humidity levels (35-45%) and helps your furnace operate more efficiently.
When To Repair vs. Replace Your Furnace
During an emergency breakdown, you’ll need to decide whether to repair your existing furnace or invest in a replacement. Consider these factors:
Age of Your Furnace
Furnaces typically last 15-20 years with proper maintenance. If your unit is over 15 years old and requires major repairs, replacement often makes more financial sense. Modern high-efficiency furnaces can reduce heating costs by 30-40% compared to older models.
Frequency of Repairs
If you’ve called for repairs multiple times in the past two years, your furnace is telling you it’s reaching the end of its lifespan. Continuing to repair an aging system wastes money that could be invested in reliable new equipment.
Cost of Repair vs. Replacement
A useful rule: if the repair cost exceeds 50% of a new furnace’s price, and your unit is over 10 years old, choose replacement. Gas Man provides free estimates for both furnace repairs and new installations so you can make an informed decision.
Energy Efficiency Concerns
Older furnaces operate at 60-70% efficiency, meaning 30-40% of your heating dollars are wasted. New high-efficiency models achieve 95-98% efficiency, dramatically reducing winter heating costs and environmental impact.
Emergency Furnace Repair Service Areas
Gas Man Ottawa provides emergency furnace repair throughout the Ottawa region, including:
- Kanata – Fast response for west Ottawa residents
- Orleans – Emergency service for east Ottawa communities
- Barrhaven – Priority service for south Ottawa homes
- Nepean – Reliable emergency repairs for central Ottawa
- Manotick – Rural Ottawa emergency service available
- Gloucester, Vanier, and surrounding areas
No matter where you’re located in the Ottawa region, Gas Man’s emergency repair technicians can reach you quickly to restore heat to your home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Furnace Repair
How quickly can Gas Man respond to emergency furnace calls?
We prioritize emergency calls and typically provide same-day or next-day service when your furnace stops working during Ottawa’s coldest weather. Call (613) 880-3888 to schedule emergency service and we’ll dispatch a technician as quickly as possible.
What should I do if I smell gas near my furnace?
If you smell natural gas (a rotten egg odor), evacuate your home immediately without using any electrical switches or creating sparks. Call Enbridge Gas emergency line at 1-866-763-5427 from outside your home, then contact Gas Man once it’s safe to return for repairs and inspection.
Are Gas Man technicians licensed to work on all furnace brands?
Yes, our TSSA-licensed gas technicians are trained and authorized to diagnose and repair all major furnace brands including Carrier, Lennox, Trane, Bryant, Goodman, Napoleon, and many others. We maintain access to genuine parts for quick repairs.
Will my furnace warranty cover emergency repairs?
Many furnace manufacturers offer parts warranties for 5-10 years after installation. Gas Man is authorized to perform warranty repairs, meaning if your parts are covered, you only pay for labor. We’ll verify your warranty status and handle all manufacturer communications for you.
How much does emergency furnace repair cost in Ottawa?
Emergency repair costs vary depending on the problem, parts needed, and time of service. Gas Man provides transparent estimates before beginning work so you can approve the cost. Most common emergency repairs range from $150-$600, though complex issues may cost more.
Can I prevent my furnace from breaking down during winter?
Yes! Annual professional maintenance, regular filter changes, keeping vents clear, and addressing minor issues early prevent most emergency breakdowns. Gas Man’s preventive maintenance plans help Ottawa homeowners avoid costly winter emergencies.
Do you repair heat pumps and other heating systems?
Absolutely. In addition to furnace repairs, Gas Man services heat pumps, gas boilers, water heaters, and all types of residential HVAC equipment. Call us for any heating emergency at (613) 880-3888.
What if my furnace breaks down on a holiday or weekend?
Gas Man provides emergency service 7 days a week, including holidays. We understand that heating emergencies don’t follow business hours, especially during Ottawa’s coldest winter nights. Our technicians are available whenever you need us.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
When your furnace stops working during an Ottawa winter, every hour without heat puts your family’s comfort and safety at risk. Frozen pipes can cause thousands of dollars in water damage, and prolonged exposure to cold temperatures is dangerous, especially for children and elderly family members.
Gas Man Ottawa has been providing trusted HVAC services since 2004, building our reputation on fast response times, quality workmanship, and honest advice. Our licensed gas technicians have the experience and equipment to handle any furnace emergency, from simple repairs to complete system replacements.
Don’t let a furnace breakdown ruin your winter. Call Gas Man Ottawa now at (613) 880-3888 for emergency furnace repair service, or request a service call online and we’ll restore heat to your home quickly and professionally.
For non-emergency service, maintenance scheduling, or new furnace installations, visit our HVAC services page to learn more about how Gas Man can keep your Ottawa home comfortable all year long.

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