What to Do When the Heat Goes Out in Columbia Prior to Furnace Repair

November 04, 2015

You’re in the middle of the most bitter week of winter and you wake up trembling 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 leave yourself in a situation like this where it feels like you’re doomed to suffer until morning to arrange furnace repair, but there are a few things you can inspect, as well as a few things you can do, to stay on your toes and prep for a situation like this.

Before You Experience Problems:

  • Furnace service. Frigid 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 predicament.
  • Gather supplies. Set aside 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 toasty while your furnace isn’t running. It could seem annoying or unnecessary now, but it will come in handy 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 might have been tripped by a power surge or for some other reason. If this occurs, turn the breaker back on and you may be set. If the breaker is turned off and you have turned it back on but your furnace still isn’t running, give us a call to arrange an appointment for furnace repair.
  • Layer on and get cozy. That list of supplies we recommended above will come in handy here. Layers can help you preserve body heat so you can stay cozy while waiting for your pro. Also, try to find something to do to keep your blood pumping, as elevated activity can help keep you cozy.
  • Stay safe. Using something other than your furnace to heat your home can pose some danger depending on the method you’re using. It’s important to remember to never choose heating methods designed 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 have an encounter with furnace repair in the middle of winter after their furnace has quit running, but the opportunity is real if you don’t take the correct steps. Give the pros at Watts Electric & A/C Inc a call at 601-736-7362 if you have any questions about these tips, the furnace repair services provided or any other number of heating questions.