Check the breakers
Electric furnaces often have two or more breakers. Check that all are on. If one keeps tripping, leave it off.
Electric furnace not heating or blowing cold air?
Electric furnaces heat with resistance elements and a blower. If an element, sequencer or breaker fails, the house gets cold even while the fan runs. Check the breakers and filter, then call 833-877-1717. RepairNowUSA connects the request. An independent HVAC technician does the repair.
Am I in the right place?Yes for an electric furnace that blows cold air, heats weakly, trips breakers, or will not turn on.
Is this urgent?Yes in cold weather or with vulnerable people inside. Pipes can freeze in a cold house.
What do I do next?Check the items below, then call 833-877-1717.
Whole building without heat: no heat. Heat pump system: heat pump not heating.
RepairNowUSA editorial review · Last substantively reviewed October 14, 2026 · Review standards
Quick checks
Check the filter
A clogged filter can make the furnace overheat and shut off on its high-limit switch.
Check the thermostat
Confirm it is set to heat and the setpoint is above room temperature.
High voltage and heat
Electric furnace elements run at high voltage and get very hot. Do not open the panels. If a breaker trips repeatedly or you smell burning, leave it off and call. If you see smoke or flames, or sparking that does not stop, get out and call 911.
Common electric furnace problems
Blowing cold air
Failed heating elements, sequencers or limit switches leave the blower running with little or no heat.
Tripping breakers
A shorted element or wiring problem can trip the furnace breakers.
Not turning on at all
Blown fuses, a failed transformer or control board, or a thermostat problem can stop the furnace.
Burning smell
A brief dusty smell at the start of the season is common. A strong or persistent burning smell needs attention.
What to have ready when you call
- Property ZIP code and whether it is a home, rental or business
- What happens: cold air, no air, or tripping breakers
- Whether breakers are tripped
- Any burning smell
- Furnace age and brand, if known
How electric furnace repair usually works
- Safety check. The technician turns off power and checks for heat damage.
- Test components. Elements, sequencers, relays, limit switches and the blower are tested.
- Repair. Failed elements or controls are replaced.
- Verify. Amperage and temperature rise are checked to confirm normal operation.
Electric furnaces run on high voltage. Opening the panels exposes live parts, so leave diagnosis to a technician.
What happens when you call RepairNowUSA
- Describe what is happening in plain words and give the property ZIP code. You do not need to know which trade to ask for.
- RepairNowUSA checks for a participating independent provider who handles electric furnace repair in that area.
- If one is available, you are connected. The provider confirms timing, access, scope and price with you before any work.
- The provider, not RepairNowUSA, diagnoses and performs the repair.
RepairNowUSA is a referral and connection service. Provider availability and response times vary by location, time and demand, and are not guaranteed. Before you approve work, ask what was found, the price, the timing and what is not included.
Call 833-877-1717Electric furnace questions
Why does my electric furnace blow cold air?
One or more heating elements, sequencers or limit switches may have failed.
Is a burning smell normal?
A light dusty smell when the heat first runs for the season is common. A strong or lasting smell is not; turn it off and call.
Why does the furnace breaker keep tripping?
A shorted element, failing wiring or an overloaded circuit. Leave it off and call.
Do providers work on all furnace brands?
Many technicians service major brands. Share the brand and model when you call.
Can I call at night?
Yes. You can call 833-877-1717 at any time, including nights, weekends and holidays. Whether an independent provider can come out right away depends on your ZIP code, the time and provider capacity, so availability is not guaranteed.
Authoritative references
These public sources give general safety context. They do not replace an on-site evaluation, and RepairNowUSA does not perform the work.