Intermittent Furnace Problem?

The answers thus far have been right on. I would however like to add that it being an intermittent problem occuring only every 4 days or so tells me its not the flame sensor. They usually when going bad or getting corroded fail much more often then every few days. If i had to bet on it Id say ignition control. So after cleaning the flame sensor if it continues to do that Id say ignition control. If its a hot surface ignition stay away from that dont touch it. It should glow when your furnaces starts up.

Sounds like you have a newer furnace with a control board in it. Turning off the power will reset whatever lockout it's in.

The control board may have diagnostic light(s) that will help narrow down the problem.

A fault code chart will probably be located on the door.

If power is turned off by means of the on off switch or the panel safety switch you will loose the code.

The codes don't necessarily tell you what part has failed it just helps the technician narrow the problem down.

Other than the filter or cleaning off a flame sensor you need to call a technician out to properly diagnose and repair.

You can just reset power if it goes out again till the tech arrives.

If your gas furnace is shutting off you could have a VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM which could cause a lot of damage or even death. Call your gas company immediately to shut off the gas to your house and then call a technician to come out on an emergency basis. A gas pilot light that shuts itself off is an EMERGENCY issue.

(Also, in the future put a plug-in carbon monoxide detector next to the furnace so that if there is a problem with carbon monoxide you'll know about it in time.)

You have a furnace where turning the power off and then back on resets the computer chip. This should not be done over and over because it could hide a serious problem. The board has onboard diagnostic lights to help you narrow down the problem. For a step by step troubleshooting guide, check out my source.

from wat you say I think you have a furnace with an electronic ignition. You are turning the furnace off wth the switch and when you turn the switch back on the electronic portion re-sets itself.

Yeah something is amiss