Furnace not working? Request local help in the Merrimack Valley.

Free for homeowners. Tell us what's going on and we'll connect you with one independent local heating contractor serving Lowell, Lawrence, Haverhill, Methuen, Andover, North Andover, Dracut, Chelmsford, Tewksbury, Billerica, Westford, and Tyngsborough.

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Common furnace problems we hear about: the blower runs but the air is cold, the furnace starts and shuts off after a few seconds (often a dirty flame sensor), clicking with no ignition, or a blinking error light. Note what you're seeing and include it in the form — it helps the contractor come prepared.

Request a heating pro

No-heat checklist: things to check before (or while) you call

These are simple, safe homeowner checks. If anything seems unsafe, stop and wait for a professional.

Thermostat: Is it set to HEAT, and set a few degrees above room temperature? Replace the batteries if the screen is blank.
Power: Check that the furnace/boiler service switch (often looks like a light switch near the unit or at the top of the basement stairs) is ON, and that the breaker hasn't tripped.
Filter (forced-air furnaces): A badly clogged filter can cause a furnace to overheat and shut off. Swap it if it's dirty.
Fuel: Oil heat? Check the tank gauge. Propane? Check the tank level. Gas? Make sure other gas appliances work.
Error lights / codes: Many furnaces have a small blinking light. Write down the pattern — it helps the technician.
Vents & intake pipes: High-efficiency furnaces vent through PVC pipes outside. Snow or leaves blocking them can shut the system down.
Heat pumps: Some frost in cold weather is normal (defrost cycles). A unit fully encased in ice needs a pro.

Do not repeatedly press an oil burner's red reset button — that can flood the chamber with oil. Press it once at most, then call for service.

What to do while you wait for a technician

Close doors to unused rooms and keep everyone in one or two rooms; use blankets and layers.
Open cabinet doors under sinks on outside walls and let faucets drip slightly to help prevent frozen pipes.
Use space heaters only if they are UL-listed, plugged directly into a wall outlet, kept 3 feet from anything that can burn, and never left on while sleeping or unattended.
Never heat your home with a gas oven, stovetop, grill, or generator indoors — carbon monoxide can kill. Make sure your CO alarms work.
If you smell gas: leave the home now, don't flip switches, and call 911 or your gas utility from outside.
If someone in the home is elderly, an infant, or medically vulnerable and the house is getting dangerously cold, call 911 or your local warming center.

How RingHaul works

RingHaul is a free referral and matching service for homeowners — we are not a heating contractor and don't perform repairs ourselves. You tell us what's going on, and we pass your request to one independent local heating contractor who serves your area so they can reach out. Contractors set their own prices and schedules; always ask about licensing, insurance, and pricing before work begins.

Frequently asked questions

Is it free?

Yes, it's free for homeowners. Contractors pay RingHaul for referrals.

How fast will someone call?

It depends on contractor availability, especially during cold snaps. We can't guarantee a response time. In a true emergency (gas smell, CO alarm) call 911 first.

Should I get a tune-up in the fall?

Many manufacturers recommend annual maintenance. A tune-up before the first real cold snap can catch worn igniters, dirty flame sensors, and clogged filters before they leave you without heat.