How to Run Your Furnace During a Power Outage in Vancouver
Published: July 21, 2026 — BC Wide Home Services Ltd, doing business as BC Wide Heating & Air Conditioning — Greater Vancouver, BC
Generator Requirements
A standard gas furnace needs electricity for the blower motor, controls, and ignitor — typically 500-800 watts. A 2,000-watt generator can run a furnace plus lights and a refrigerator. For heat pumps or electric furnaces, you need a much larger generator (10,000+ watts).
Safe Connection Methods
NEVER plug a generator into a wall outlet (backfeeding). This kills linemen and can damage your furnace. Use a transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician ($500-1,500). Or plug the furnace into the generator using a properly rated extension cord through a manual interlock kit.
Alternative Heating
If you cannot run the furnace: use electric space heaters in occupied rooms, close doors to unheated rooms, dress in layers, use electric blankets, and open curtains on sunny windows during the day. Do NOT use outdoor heaters, BBQs, or gas stoves indoors — these produce deadly carbon monoxide.