Winter in Ohio can be unpredictable, and whether it’s a power outage caused by a storm or a malfunctioning furnace, losing heat in your home can be frightening and frustrating. On the other hand, it can take time for professionals to fix your heating system or turn your power back on. This leaves you in a chilly house in the middle of winter. That’s why we at Delaware Heating & Air composed a step by step on how to find a solution to your furnace problems and how to stay warm in the meantime!
Furnace Repair and Safety Steps for Residents Of Delaware, Ohio
Locate the Problem
Not an expert on the mechanics of your home’s heating system? No worries! There are a few simple things you can do so that you know who to call. On the other hand, the problem may be an easy fix without any professional help!
Power Outage?
If your power is out, then the first thing you need to do is call the power company. The sooner you call it in, the sooner your heat and power will be turned back on! Especially if your neighbors are experiencing power outages as well.
Thermostat?
If your heat won’t turn on but the power is still on, the problem may be with your thermostat. First, if you can, open your thermostat and lightly blow on it to clear any dust. Second, make sure that the thermostat is tightly secured to your wall. Next, turn the thermostat a few degrees up and wait to see if the heat kicks on. If none of these steps lead to your heat coming back on, then it’s time to check your furnace!
Furnace?
First you need to make sure that your furnace is on. Do this by locating a wall switch near your furnace and switch it back on. Next you will need to check your gas valve and make sure it’s turned on. Finally, check and replace your furnace air filter. While it’s very common to forget to replace it, it’s an important part of keeping your furnace running. If the filter is too dirty, it can cause your furnace to overheat and shut down automatically. Make sure to turn your furnace and thermostat off before checking the filter!
Tips for Staying Warm When the Heat Goes Out
While it’s often easy to locate the problem with your heating system, it can also take time for professionals to come and fix the problem if necessary. It’s important to stay warm and comfortable in the meantime, so here are 4 creative ways to keep yourself warm!
Seal It Up
By closing drapes, curtains, and blinds in your house, you can prevent wintery drafts from coming through your windows. You can also close off any parts of your house that you won’t use (basement, upstairs, guest bedrooms, etc) by closing the doors and sealing the cracks with towels. This will help contain heat in your house and keep you and your family warm!
Bring Out the Space Heater
Space heaters are a lifesaver when your heat goes out, and they can warm up entire rooms in no time. Keep in mind that anything that produces heat can be a safety hazard if you are not careful. Make sure to place your heater on a hard, flat surface; and put it in the middle of the room, away from curtains, boxes, and furniture. Also, if you plan on leaving your home, be sure to turn off and unplug your heater. As long as you keep safety in mind, space heaters are a perfect solution to a malfunctioning furnace!
Light It Up
If you don’t have a space heater, then candles will do the trick! Because long candle wicks are fire safety hazards, make sure to trim the wicks before lighting your candles. In addition, because your home has low air circulation with your furnace off, keep the candles to a maximum of 10 per room. This will ensure that you won’t burn too much oxygen at once while still keeping you warm.
Layers, Layers, Layers
Bundling up with lots of layers will allow your body to efficiently retain heat. Wear thermal clothing if you have it, and make sure to add a couple layers of socks and a warm hat. Heat mainly escapes from your head, hands, and feet so wrap them up to keep warm!
What Not To Do When Keeping Your Home Warm
While there are definite “to-do’s” for staying warm when the heat goes out, there are also definite “not to-do’s.” Safety should always come first, and there are safety hazards that come with your home’s air not circulating. Additionally, some typical daily activities will actually make your house colder. So here are some safety tips and “don’ts” when trying to keep your home warm.
No Gas!
Refrain from using grills, stoves, or any other gas emitting appliances when trying to keep your house warm. With your furnace turned off, there is little air circulation in your home, making it unsafe to use gas appliances.
Keep It Closed
Try to open your refrigerator and freezer as little as possible. Opening them will not only work against keeping your house warm, but if your power is out, it will also warm your refrigerated and frozen goods making them spoil faster! So when possible, use food from your pantry.
Need Professional Help?
After you’ve done everything you can to locate the problem with your heat system, it’s easy to feel helpless on how to fix it. We at Delaware Heating & Air are here for you and always ready to help! If you are having trouble with your furnace and require professional help, please call us at 740-227-8302. You can also schedule an appointment with one of our licensed, professional HVAC technicians on our website by clicking here!
