I have central ac and gas heating. My capacitor went out we believe and have not replaced due to it is cold. Can we still run our heater in the house or does that unit outside control our heating unit. We have a gas unit upstairs that our heater comes from

If your furnace is a conventional forced-air gas unit (not a heat pump), then it will work fine without the outdoor unit operating.

On the other hand, if you have a heat-pump (based on what you describe, I don't think so) you will need the outside unit operational for heat.

Hope this helps. Make sure you replace it (the capacitor) next spring!
WallyH

Thanks Senior Member. I started up our heater and then went outside to the unit out there and it doesn't even come on. So I believe my heat system is separate from my AC unit. Thanks