You’re in the middle of the coldest week of winter and you wake up shivering in a pile of blankets in bed. The first thought to go through your head is, “Why in the world has my furnace not kicked on?” Of course, you don’t want to find yourself in a situation like this where it feels like you’re destined to suffer until morning to schedule furnace repair, but there are a few things you can check, as well as a few things you can do, to stay ready and prepare for a situation like this.
Before You Experience Problems:
- Furnace service. Chilly nights and furnace repair can’t always be avoided, but having annual furnace service completed can help you have a better chance at averting a chilly situation.
- Gather supplies. Create some room in a closet, drawer or another handy area for blankets, a space heater, gloves, hats and any number of other accessories to keep you warm while your furnace isn’t working. It could seem annoying or unnecessary now, but it will be a relief when you need it most.
After You Suspect Your Furnace Quit Operating:
- Check the circuit breaker. There’s a chance that the breaker to your furnace could have been tripped by a power surge or for a different reason. If this happens, turn the breaker back on and you may be set. If the breaker is tripped and you have flipped it back on but your furnace still isn’t working, give us a call to schedule an appointment for furnace repair.
- Layer on and get cozy. That handful of supplies we recommended above will come in handy here. Layers can help you retain body heat so you can stay warm while waiting for your expert. Also, try to find something to do to keep your blood pumping, as more activity can help keep you comfortable.
- Stay safe. Employing something other than your furnace to heat your home can pose some danger depending on the method you’re going with. It’s important to remember to never choose heating methods created for outdoor use – i.e. kerosene heaters, grills, or any other carbon monoxide producing methods. If you need to use another method, electric space heaters, fireplaces or wood stoves are your safest options.
No one wants to put up with furnace repair in the middle of winter after their furnace has gone out, but the possibility is real if you don’t take the right steps. Give the experts at AW Heating & Air Conditioning a call at 402-438-7992 if you have any questions about these tips, the furnace repair services available or any other number of heating questions.