Imagine this scenario: it’s the middle of winter, and there are several inches of snow on the ground. You are inside when you notice that your home starts feeling cold. Your heating system has stopped working. What can you do? The reality is that many homeowners experience a home heating emergency when your unit breaks down in the middle of the winter. If you are experiencing an emergency no-heat situation, you will have problems that can affect your safety and comfort. With this, you need to stay safe and warm until an HVAC professional arrives. This article shares what to do during a home heating emergency.
What Is A Home Heating Emergency?
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As mentioned above, a home heating emergency is when the home heating system, like a boiler or furnace, becomes inoperative at a time when it is needed. Some cases may have a simple heating problem that can be fixed without professional assistance. For instance, you can check the power source and circuit breaker, as most heating systems are electricity-powered. You should also check the fuel supply. Schedule a propane or oil delivery right away if you’re out of fuel. The sooner you determine the problem, the sooner it can be resolved.
A home heating emergency can lead to severe inconvenience and safety issues. You have to deal with the following when your home does not have sufficient heat:
- Discomfort: HVAC emergencies always cause discomfort. It can be difficult to stay in a home with low to very low temperatures. The absence of a heat source can put you and your family at an increased risk of developing respiratory problems. You may become vulnerable to catching colds and flu. It is also hard to sleep or nap in a cold home.
- Health Risks: Low temperatures increase the risk of hypothermia. A person’s ability to move and think is affected if you have low body temperatures. Very low temperatures put people at risk of frostbite and respiratory issues. Low temperatures are also an issue for individuals suffering from arthritis and heart disease. Young children, infants, and the elderly are especially sensitive to colder temperatures.
- Frozen Pipes: Water pipes can freeze when there’s no heat. As a result, water cannot flow. Moreover, the frozen water stuck in the pipes can expand, resulting in pipes bursting and getting damaged.
How To Stay Warm While Waiting For Your HVAC Contractor
Now, let’s say that you have checked your heating system, but the problem is still there. The next best move would be to call for an emergency heating service to get your furnace back in working condition.However, you will need to stay warm while you wait for your HVAC contractor to arrive and perform the repairs. Here are several tasks you can do in the meantime:
Turn Off Your Heating System
Switch off the thermostat and the power if you have an inoperative heating system. You should also switch off the supply lines if you own a gas furnace. This helps isolate your unit so you remain safe inside.
Use A Space Heater
Space heaters are portable heating systems that warm the surrounding air. They typically have a small fan that blows hot air. A small space heater with a capacity of 2 to 3 kW can effectively warm a small room. Larger heaters with as high as 30 kW capacity can heat medium and large structures. Use space heaters safely. Do not leave it unattended, and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Also, keep all house occupants in one room. Close the doors in unoccupied rooms. Isolate the heat in the room you plan on staying in.
Consume Warm Drinks
Warm drinks help keep you warm while also providing gentle comfort. Select beverages that can actually keep you warm, like herbal tea and coffee. The latter contains caffeine, which stimulates metabolism and triggers your body to warm up and burn fuel. On the other hand, ginger tea improves blood circulation and keeps blood flowing to your extremities. Don’t drink alcohol. Eating a bowl of soup also helps keep you warm.
Exercise
Moving increases your heart rate and gets your blood flowing. Simple exercises help keep you limber. They also keep blood flowing to your extremities, so you keep the cold away.
Bundle Up & Add Layers
Wear layers of clothes to preserve your body heat. Keep yourself warm by wearing jackets, shawls, coats, socks, and gloves. Ensure that children and the elderly are adequately warm and comfortable. Avoid constricting any body part with clothing that is too tight or too heavy.
How To Prevent Heating Emergencies
Being prepared is the best method to prevent heating emergencies and the problems linked with them. It is always better to be one step ahead regarding possible issues. These are some steps you can do:
- Get Annual Heating System Maintenance: Prevent your furnace from malfunctioning by booking yearly heating system checkups and maintenance. Regular HVAC checks help identify possible issues early, ensuring they are resolved right away.
- Call A Professional HVAC Contractor: Call an HVAC professional at the first sign of an HVAC issue. It may be more practical to conduct initial troubleshooting on the issue, but more severe issues should be left in the hands of a trained and licensed technician. Nonetheless, address the problem right away if you think your heating system isn’t working as it should.
- Replace HVAC Air Filters: Furnace service companies often remind homeowners to clean their air filters or change them regularly. Blocked filters disturb the proper airflow and distribution. They also cause the heating system to work harder, use more energy, and become inefficient. A clogged filter can also cause problems with the heating system, leading to avoidable repairs. Check the air filters once a month and replace them as needed.
Conclusion
It is more practical for your home to remain safe and comfortable during the winter when you prevent it from malfunctioning. Some simple steps and practical solutions will ensure that a heating emergency isn’t a serious issue for your home. Ensure that you work with a reputable HVAC company to keep your heating system in excellent condition. This will also help ensure it works when you need it most.
Call Skylands Energy Service For Your Home Heating Needs
Skylands Energy Service offers high-quality heating and cooling services in central New Jersey. Our team of professionally certified technicians can perform excellent heating and cooling replacements, repairs, tune-ups, installations, and more. Our knowledgeable and experienced techs can service any HVAC system correctly.
When you need a heating system repair or replacement, contact Skylands Energy Service. We guarantee highly affordable HVAC service rates. Should you need a replacement unit, we can recommend the best system while working within your budget. Your energy efficiency, comfort, indoor air quality, and more are always our priority. We also provide quick and affordable emergency, no-heat services for those unexpected situations. Book an appointment with Skylands Energy Service today. Call now for a free, in-home estimate.
Contact us now at (908) 707-1776 to find out more! Click the link to view our service area.