What to Do if Your Heat Goes Out in the Middle of Winter
Losing heat suddenly can make your home uncomfortable and even put your pipes at risk of freezing. You might be able to get the heat back by checking your thermostat, breaker, and furnace switch. While you wait for a professional, there are simple things you can do to keep your home and family safe and comfortable.
No Heat in Your House? Don’t Panic. Read This First
Losing heat in winter can be stressful, but taking a moment to check the situation helps. Make sure everyone stays warm by wearing layers, using blankets, and gathering in one room to save heat. Before calling for repairs, try checking your thermostat, breaker, and furnace switch. These simple steps might get your heat working again.
3 Simple Checks Before You Call for Repair
Before you call a professional, try a few easy steps that might fix the problem. These checks can save you time and money, and sometimes they’re all you need to get your heat working again.
1. Is Your Thermostat Set Correctly?
Make sure your thermostat is on, set to ‘heat,’ and set higher than the room temperature. If it uses batteries, try replacing them. You can also reset the thermostat to fix small issues. Check that the display works and that no programmed settings have changed your heat settings.
2. Check Your Breaker Box and Furnace Switch
Look at your home’s breaker box to see if any circuits have tripped. If the breaker for your furnace is off, turn it off and then back on to reset it. Also, check the furnace switch near the unit to make sure it’s on. Sometimes cleaning or maintenance can turn it off by accident.
3. Look for a Clogged Air Filter
A dirty air filter can make your furnace less efficient or even stop it from working. Find the air filter, usually in the return air duct or near the blower. Hold it up to the light, and if you can’t see through it, it’s time to replace it. Put the new filter in with the arrows pointing the right way. Changing your filter regularly helps your furnace work better and prevents problems.
What to Do if Your Heat Goes Out in Winter (While You Wait)
If you can’t get the heat working, don’t worry. Here are some tips to keep your home warm and safe while you wait for help.
Tips for Staying Warm
Wearing layers is the best way to stay warm because it traps heat better than just one thick layer. Bring everyone into one room to save heat and use blankets for extra warmth. Close doors to rooms you’re not using to keep heat where you need it. If you use space heaters or a fireplace, keep heaters away from anything that can catch fire and make sure your fireplace is well-ventilated.
How to Heat Your House When the Furnace Goes Out (Temporarily)
Portable space heaters can help keep you warm, but use them carefully. Put them on stable surfaces and keep them away from curtains or furniture. A fireplace can also help, but make sure the chimney is clean and the flue is open. Electric blankets and heating pads are good for comfort, but don’t use them while sleeping to avoid overheating.
Don’t Let Your Pipes Freeze
To keep your pipes from freezing, let a small trickle of water run from faucets, especially ones on outside walls. Open cabinet doors under sinks so warm air can reach the pipes. Cover any exposed pipes with sleeves or heat tape to protect them from the cold.
Emergency Heating Solutions for Homeowners
Losing heat in winter is tough, but these steps can help you handle it. Before you call for repairs, check your thermostat, breaker box, and air filter. While you wait, focus on keeping warm and making sure your pipes don’t freeze. If you need quick help, call A1 Mechanical Heating and Cooling for emergency furnace repair.
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