Increased gas bill, faulty furnace sensor and colder weather

[Kristen S.]

In a 12 day period of a furnace not performing normally I spent time troubleshooting, then finally getting a sensor replaced. In the meantime the tenant could flip the switch to reset the furnace when it shut off and I provided an electric room heater. I've read that a faulty sensor means the furnace is working harder, therefor the gas bill could go up. This 12 day period falls in the middle of the Dec gas bill which increased from 17 therms ($35) in the Nov bill to 103 therms ($90) in the Dec bill. This increased bill also happens to fall on colder weather with snow and wind storms. Is this a situation where I help my tenant pay the increased gas bill? Note, I payed for the HVAC repair fee.