Check that thernostat

Several years ago we lived in a state where the temperatures would plummet to -25 and stay there for a couple of weeks sometimes. Although this was one of the most beautiful areas I have ever lived with fresh lakes that you could see the bottom 30 feet below you and tall majestic trees, not to mention the beautiful snow fall and wildlife. But during this time there was one specific morning that we woke up to a frosty cold house and quickly discovered the furnace was not running. I tend to think of myself as being pretty handy and after inspecting the thermocoupler, a couple of temperature sensors and checking for restrictions in the exhaust I was puzzled. Normally I could at least get it to fire up and this time the fan would kick on but no heat. As I was trying to figure it out my wife being the helpful mate she is commented that the battery symbol on our digital thermostat had been on but apparently went out. I brushed it off as if I had an idea where to go from here when she commented it might at least be worth checking. I reluctantly and begrudgingly went to the thermostat took off the cover and replaced the battery just to make sure she couldn't bother me with this again. To my amazement the furnace kicked on and within an hour we were back up and no longer worried about the pipes freezing. Learn from my mistake and keep your batteries fresh and strong by replacing them every year with your smoke detectors or if you find yourself in the above situation it may be worth a look. I have since talked to many homeowners and several HVAC guys who have shared it is way more common than one might think. I hope this keeps you warm and you don't have to learn like I did.