Essential Tips For Surviving A Home Heating Emergency
Try to envision this: The ground is covered in several inches of snow, and it is mid of winter. When you’re inside, you start to feel the chill in your home. It appears like your heating system isn’t functioning. What should you do? Unfortunately, a home heating emergency is a common occurrence for homeowners. A heating system frequently fails in the middle of a cold snap when you need it the most. There may be issues as a result of an emergency no-heat situation that could affect your safety and comfort. If you ever find yourself in such a tricky situation, you’ll need to stay secure and warm until the HVAC contractor shows up. This guide covers the best techniques to be safe and warm during a home heating emergency.
Definition of a Home Heating Emergency
Table of Contents
An emergency involving a home heating system, such as a boiler or furnace, occurs when the HVAC system stops working when it’s most required. Sometimes the heating issue is straightforward and easily fixed without the aid of a professional. Check the power supply and the circuit breaker first since the majority of heating systems are powered by electricity. A smart idea is to examine the fuel supply as well. As soon as you realize you are out of fuel, arrange for a delivery. The sooner you recognize the issue, the quicker you can find a solution.
Your family may experience significant setbacks if there is a heating emergency. It also raises a number of safety concerns. If there is no heat, you will have to contend with:
- Episodes of Discomfort: Feeling uncomfortable always results from HVAC emergencies. Staying indoors in low to very low temperatures can be challenging. Lack of heat puts you at higher risk for respiratory issues and makes you more susceptible to the flu and colds. Additionally, sleeping or napping in the cold is also challenging.
- Health Risks: Hypothermia risks might worsen with very cold temperatures. One’s capacity to move and think can be impacted by low body temperatures. Individuals are also vulnerable to frostbite and respiratory issues in extremely cold temperatures. For those who have arthritis or heart illness, low temperatures might be problematic. The elderly, young children and even babies are particularly sensitive to cooler temperatures, more than most people think.
- Frozen Pipes: Without heat, the water in the pipes may freeze and thus prevent water flow, as a consequence. In addition to expanding and damaging the pipes, frozen water stuck in the pipes can also cause them to burst.
Related Article: Effective Ways To Maintain Your Hydronic Heating System
Tips for Staying Warm While Awaiting Your HVAC Contractor
Let’s assume that even after checking everything that needed checking, the issue still exists. To get your furnace running again, you will need to call for an urgent inspection and repair of your heating system. You must be able to stay warm until your HVAC contractor shows up and finishes all the repairs. What you can do to stay warm while you wait is listed below:
Turn Off Your Heating System
Shut off the heating system via the thermostat since your heating system isn’t working. Turn off the supply lines for your gas furnace as well. By doing this, you can protect your indoor safety and disconnect your heating system.
Related Article: Why Your Furnace Is Leaking Water
Use a Space Heater
Portable heaters that heat the surrounding air are called space heaters. They typically have a tiny fan that blows warm air. A small room can be adequately warmed with a space heater with a capacity of 2 to 3 kW. Larger heaters can heat large and medium-sized buildings with capacities up to 30 kW. Make sure to utilize a space heater safely if you intend to do so. It should never be left unattended. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer to the letter.
See to it that everyone in the house remains in one room as well. Close the doors to any spaces you’re not using. Isolate the heat to the space where your family will be staying.
Drink Warm Beverages
Warm beverages not only keep your face and hands warm, but they also offer pleasant comfort just when you need it. But try to choose beverages like coffee and herbal tea that are known to truly keep you warm. Caffeine, a stimulant of metabolism, causes the body to heat up and begin burning fuel. On the other hand, ginger tea enhances circulation and maintains blood flow to your extremities. Avoid alcohol at all costs. Additionally, you can heat up a bowl of soup.
Related Article: What Can A Variable-Speed Furnace Do For Me?
Exercise
Your heart rate will increase as a result of movement, helping your blood to circulate and flow. Simple exercises help you stay flexible, and blood flow to your extremities aids in the prevention of the common cold.
Bundle Up & Add Layers
To maintain body heat, dress in layers. Wearing gloves, stockings, shawls, coats, and jackets will help you stay warm. Make sure the elderly and very young are warm and comfortable by keeping an eye on them. Avoid wearing overly tight or heavy apparel that would restrict any area of your body.
How to Avoid Heating Emergency Situations
Being ready is the best approach to avert heating emergencies and the issues that go along with them. Being proactive when it comes to possible problems always pays off. Here are some options for you:
Get Annual Heating System Maintenance
Making an appointment for your heating system’s annual inspection and maintenance is a good approach to avoid a furnace malfunction. Regular examinations assist in spotting any issues early so they can be corrected right away.
Hire a Licensed HVAC Contractor
Hire a heating and air conditioning expert as soon as you notice a problem. Although initially attempting to diagnose the problem is probably more practical, more significant issues should be handled by a qualified and licensed professional. Whatever the case may be, if you believe that your heating system is not operating as it should, be sure to take immediate action.
Related Article: What Does AFUE Rating Really Mean?
Change HVAC Air Filters
Homeowners are constantly reminded by furnace service companies to change or maintain their air filters. Filters that are clogged prevent the appropriate distribution and movement of air. Additionally, they render the heating system ineffective by making it work harder and using more fuel or energy. Additionally, a clogged filter may cause problems with the heating system, causing unwanted HVAC repairs. Check it at least once a month and replace it when needed.
Related Article: Why HVAC Airflow Is Critical
Final Thoughts
Actually, preventing furnace problems is a more practical method to guarantee that your home is safe and pleasant during the winter. A heating emergency does not necessarily need to be a major problem with a few easy steps and some useful remedies. You need to maintain your heating system to keep it in peak condition when you need it most.Be sure to work with a reputable HVAC company in your local area.
Call Hart Home Comfort For Your Home Heating Needs
Hart Home Comfort offers residents in Nassau County, Suffolk County, and Queens, New York, the best heating and cooling services. Our highly skilled, certified experts can provide you with high-quality HVAC tune-ups, repairs, installations, replacements, and much more. Each of our specialists has all the skills and experience necessary to maintain your HVAC system.
Need to replace or repair your heating system? Not to worry! With Hart Home Comfort, you are in capable hands. We promise to offer the region’s most affordable HVAC repair and replacement prices. We can advise you on the best replacement system for your house within your price range. As always, we place a high priority on comfort, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency. In case of an emergency, we also provide no-heat services that are quick and reasonably priced. Call Hart Home Comfort right away to set up an appointment for a free in-home estimate.
For any questions about what Hart Home Comfort can do for you, give us a call today. Click here to contact us now or call us at (631) 667-3200 to find out more!