Can a Gas Furnace Operate Without Electricity? Some Basics

Homeowners tend to have a number of common questions about their components, and some of these surround which will continue operating during power outages. A common example: Will a gas furnace work without electricity?

At Thompson’s Comfort Connection, we’re proud to offer a wide range of furnace repair and furnace installation services to clients around Sandy, Midvale, Draper, Riverton, Cottonwood Heights and nearby areas, plus tips and expertise to keep our clients informed on how their systems work. The answer to the above question, unfortunately, is no; here’s a primer on why this is the case, the components in a gas furnace that require electricity, and some tips on how to temporarily warm your home if there’s a power outage.

Why Gas Furnaces Don’t Work Without Electricity

The name “gas furnace” can be misleading to some, who mistakenly believe this term refers to a furnace that does not require electricity to function. In reality, all furnaces – even gas ones – require a certain amount of electricity in order to run properly.

Rather, the “gas” in “gas furnace” refers to the kind of fuel the system uses to heat your home. Gas furnaces burn natural gas or propane to create heat, but they still require electricity to power other components within the furnace.

Components That Require Electricity

While a gas furnace may rely on natural gas or propane for its main source of fuel, there are several key components that need electricity in order to function properly. These include:

• Thermostat: Your thermostat is responsible for communicating with your furnace and telling it when to turn on and off. Without electricity, your thermostat cannot communicate with your furnace and therefore cannot control its operation.
• Igniter: In order for the gas in your furnace to ignite, an electric igniter must be present. This is necessary to start the combustion process that creates heat.
• Blower Motor: Once your furnace has been ignited, a blower motor is responsible for circulating warm air throughout your home. Without electricity, this component cannot function and your home will not receive any warm air.
• Circuit Board: The circuit board in your furnace controls all of its electrical functions and ensures everything is working properly. In a power outage, this component will also be affected and may cause issues with your furnace’s performance.
• Relays: Relays refer to switches that control the flow of gas within your furnace. These switches require electricity in order to open and close, allowing the gas to flow and heat your home.

Tips for Staying Warm During a Power Outage

If you’re experiencing a power outage during cold weather, it’s important to take steps to stay warm while waiting for the electricity to be restored. Here are a few tips to help you get through until then:

• Use alternative heat sources: If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, these can provide some warmth during a power outage. Just make sure they are properly ventilated and never leave them unattended.
• Layer up: Put on extra layers of clothing and use blankets to stay warm.
• Close off unused rooms: Minimize the amount of space you need to heat by closing off unused rooms.
• Use body heat: Gather in one room with family or friends and use your own body heat to stay warm.
• Insulate windows and doors: Cover any drafty windows or doors with blankets or towels to prevent cold air from getting in.

Generator or Solar

For those who live in areas with frequent power outages, investing in a generator or solar panels can be a good option. These systems can provide backup power during an outage and keep your gas furnace running as usual.

For instance, many solar systems come with battery storage, allowing you to continue using electricity even when the grid is down. Similarly, a generator can provide power to your furnace and other essential appliances until regular electricity service is restored.

While gas furnaces may rely on natural gas or propane for their main source of fuel, they still require electricity to function properly. Important components such as the thermostat, igniter, blower motor, circuit board and relays all need electricity in order to operate. In the event of a power outage, there are some temporary solutions that can help keep you warm. However, investing in a backup power source such as a generator or solar system may be a more reliable option.

At Thompson’s Comfort Connection, we’re committed to keeping our clients informed about their heating systems and providing top-notch services to keep them running smoothly. Contact us today for all your furnace repair and installation needs around Sandy, Cottonwood Heights, Midvale, Draper, Riverton or any nearby area!