It’s a chilling thought: your heating system stops working right in the middle of a cold winter day or night. Unfortunately, this tends to happen when you need your heat the most, leaving you in a potentially dangerous situation—especially if it happens when you’re asleep, or while you’re at work and can’t address the issue until the house is already too cold. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you know what to do when your heat goes out.
Turn Off Your Gas (if You Have a Gas Furnace)
If you’re using a gas furnace, the first thing you should do is turn off the gas. A malfunction or gas leak could be causing the issue, and you definitely don’t want gas leaking into your home. Here’s how:
- Locate the main gas service valve next to your gas meter.
- Turn the valve by rotating the large lever clockwise until it is perpendicular to the pipe, which will shut off the gas flow.
By shutting off the gas, you reduce the risk of a potential fire or breathing issues that could arise from a leak. Safety first!
Troubleshooting Your Heating System
Before you panic, take a deep breath. There could be a simple fix to get your heat back on. Try these heating systemtroubleshooting steps:
- Check the Thermostat: Make sure your thermostat is set to heat mode, not A/C or fan. Also, verify the temperature setting is high enough to trigger the heating system to start. It might seem basic, but it’s worth checking!
- Check the Circuit Breaker: A tripped circuit breaker is one of the most common reasons a furnace stops working. Head to your circuit breaker box and see if the breaker for the heating system has tripped. If so, simply reset it.
- Check the Furnace: Inspect your furnace for any obvious issues. If you have a furnace with a pilot light, check to see if it’s still lit. If the pilot light is out, relight it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Check the Air Filter: A dirty air filter can restrict airflow, causing your furnace to overheat or shut down. If the filter is clogged, replace it with a clean one to allow your heating system to work more efficiently.
- Check for Electricity or Gas Issues: If you suspect that it may be a heating or gas problem, there may be a larger issue at hand. Contact your utility company to see if there’s an issue with your electricity or gas supply.
Stay Warm While You Wait for Repairs
If your home heating system isn’t working and it’s taking time to resolve the issue, here are some ways to stay warm and safe until the heat returns:
- Layer Up: Wear several layers of clothing, including thermal wear or wool socks, and grab blankets to help keep warm.
- Use a Fireplace or Portable Heater: If you have a fireplace, use it to provide extra warmth. Portable space heaters can also help, but always use them safely and never leave them unattended.
- Know When to Seek Shelter Elsewhere: If the temperature drops below 50°F indoors, it can become dangerous for your health. Children, the elderly, and pets are especially vulnerable to the cold and should consider leaving the house temporarily if the indoor temperature falls below 64°F. Stay with friends, family, or head to a hotel until your heating system is repaired.
When to Repair or Replace Your Heating System
When your furnace stops working, the first instinct is often to call for heating system repair. But how do you know if it’s worth repairing, or if it’s time for a heating system replacement?Here are some things to consider:
- Frequent Repairs: If your furnace has required several repairs over the past few years, you may be approaching the point where it’s more cost-effective to replace it.
- Age of the Furnace: Most furnaces last between 15 to 20 years. If yours is getting up there in age and is giving you consistent home heating problems, it might be time to start planning for a replacement.
- Energy Efficiency: Older heating systems often become inefficient over time. If your heating system is no longer working efficiently, a replacement furnace might save you money in the long run by lowering your energy bills.
Consult with trusted HVAC experts to assess the condition of your furnace and determine if it’s time for a new unit.
If your heating system fails and troubleshooting doesn’t get the job done, don’t wait—Contact us for immediate assistance. Our HVAC experts are available for emergency heating system repairs and can get your home heating issues sorted out quickly and safely.