Winter can be a beautiful season, but it can also bring challenges, especially when keeping your home warm. One of the most stressful situations for any homeowner is facing a furnace breakdown in the middle of winter. Knowing how to respond quickly and effectively to keep your home safe and comfortable when your heat goes out is essential.
In this blog, we’ll guide you on handling a furnace breakdown, including safety tips, temporary heating solutions, and the importance of having a trusted HVAC professional on speed dial for emergency furnace repairs.
1. Assess the Situation and Stay Calm
When your furnace stops working, the first thing to do is stay calm and assess the situation. Panicking won’t help, but thinking clearly will allow you to handle the situation more effectively. Start by checking if the furnace is truly the issue. Sometimes, a power outage or a tripped circuit breaker could cause the problem.
Check the Thermostat
An issue with the thermostat is one of the most common reasons a furnace might stop working. Ensure that it is set to the correct heating mode and at the desired temperature. Also, check the batteries in your thermostat, as dead batteries can cause the unit to malfunction.
Inspect the Circuit Breaker
If your thermostat seems to be working fine, the next step is to check your home’s circuit breaker. A tripped breaker could cut power to your furnace, causing it to stop working. If the breaker is tripped, reset it and see if your furnace resumes operation.
Check the Furnace Switch
Sometimes, the furnace switch (which looks like a regular light switch and is usually located near the furnace) can be accidentally turned off. Make sure the switch is in the “on” position.
2. Implement Temporary Heating Solutions
If your furnace isn’t working and the temperature in your home is dropping, it’s crucial to find temporary heating solutions to keep you and your family warm until help arrives.
Use Space Heaters Safely
Space heaters can be an effective temporary solution for heating specific rooms in your home. However, it’s important to use them safely. Keep space heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials, such as curtains and furniture, and never leave them unattended. Additionally, ensure that the space heater is placed on a flat, stable surface to prevent tipping.
Layer Up and Use Blankets
If you don’t have space heaters, you can keep warm by layering up with extra clothing and blankets. Encourage everyone in your household to wear multiple layers, including thermal underwear, sweaters, and socks. Use blankets and comforters to add extra warmth while you wait for your furnace to be repaired.
Close Off Unused Rooms
To conserve the heat in your home, close off any rooms that you are not using. This will help concentrate the remaining warmth in the areas where you and your family are spending time. Close doors and cover windows with heavy curtains or blankets to prevent heat from escaping.
3. Prioritize Safety
When your furnace goes out, safety should be your top priority. A furnace breakdown can lead to several risks, including carbon monoxide poisoning and frozen pipes.
Monitor Carbon Monoxide Levels
Furnaces that malfunction or are improperly vented can produce carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless, deadly gas. If you have a carbon monoxide detector, make sure it’s functioning properly. If the alarm goes off or if anyone in your home experiences symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning (such as headaches, dizziness, or nausea), evacuate the home immediately and seek medical attention.
Prevent Frozen Pipes
When the temperature in your home drops too low, there’s a risk that your pipes could freeze and burst, causing significant water damage. To prevent this, open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes. You can also let faucets drip slightly to keep water moving through the pipes, reducing the risk of freezing.
4. Contact a Trusted HVAC Professional
While temporary solutions can help you get by in the short term, the best way to resolve a furnace breakdown is to contact a trusted HVAC professional for emergency furnace repair. Apex Clean Air offers prompt, reliable furnace repair services to help quickly restore heat to your home.
Why You Need a Professional
Attempting to repair your furnace yourself can be dangerous and may lead to further damage. Professional HVAC technicians have the training and experience to diagnose the issue accurately and perform the necessary repairs safely. By relying on experts like those at Apex Clean Air, you can ensure that your furnace is repaired correctly and that your home remains safe and comfortable.
Be Prepared for the Future
After experiencing a furnace breakdown, it’s a good idea to schedule regular maintenance to prevent future issues. Routine maintenance can help identify potential problems before they become emergencies, extending the life of your furnace and improving its efficiency. Visit Apex Clean Air’s furnace repair page to learn more about our maintenance services.
5. Conclusion: Stay Safe and Warm This Winter
A furnace breakdown in the middle of winter can be a stressful experience, but you can navigate the situation effectively by staying calm, implementing temporary heating solutions, prioritizing safety, and contacting a trusted HVAC professional. Remember, the key to avoiding emergency furnace repairs is regular maintenance and having a reliable service provider like Apex Clean Air on your side.
If you’re facing a furnace emergency or want to schedule a maintenance check to prevent future issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to Apex Clean Air. Our team is ready to help you stay safe and warm all winter long. Visit our website or contact us to schedule your service today.
