What To Do When Heat Goes Out?

Winter Survival | What To Do When The Heat Goes Out | Winter survival

What To Do When Heat Goes Out

It's no surprise that winter brings cold temperatures with it, and this means our heating systems can break down. One moment you’re feeling nice and cozy in your home, and the next you're shivering in a chilly environment. So if your heat goes out during the winter, you need to know what to do.

Check the thermostat

The first step when your heat goes out is to check the thermostat. If the temperature is set low, the system won't turn on. Similarly, if the thermostat is in the off position, the heating system won't activate either, so make sure that it's in the "heat" position and that the temperature is set high enough. It's also important to make sure that the batteries in the thermostat are working properly.

Also look for any buttons that may be frozen or jammed in place. If you encounter dirty, dusty, or bent fins, there might be a bigger issue at hand and you should consider calling a professional to come and take a look at the thermostat.

If you’ve checked the thermostat and all is in order, move on to the next step.

Check the power

The power switch can be located near the unit or the furnace, so your next step is to check that the power source isn't off. If the switch is in the "off" position, simply move it to the "on" position. It's also important to check the safety switch, which could be tripped if something is wrong with your furnace.

If you've flipped the switch and still cannot get any heat to come out of your furnace, it's likely time to call a professional to come and take a look.

Check your air filters

Air filters can get clogged very easily, and this can be the reason why your furnace isn’t working properly or at all. You need to inspect your air filter to see if it is filthy and needs to be changed. A clogged air filter will block air flow, preventing warm air from coming out of the furnace.

Inspect the air filter every month, changing it every 3 months or so as necessary. Check the filter every month for dirt and debris and replace it as soon as you start to see build-up.

Check Fireplace Damper

The fireplace damper needs to be open if you want to benefit from the warmth of your fireplace. Make sure that the damper is fully open. When the damper is closed, the warm air from the fire won't circulate around your home.

The damper should be checked once every year to make sure that it is working properly and will open when you need it to. Once the damper is open, you can use a flashlight to inspect the inside of the fireplace to make sure there is no buildup in the flue.

Check for obstructions near the vents

If there are any furniture or items placed around or near your vents, this can prevent air flow. Make sure that there is nothing blocking any of the vents.

Remove any furniture or debris such as cushions, boxes, and toys away from your vents to make sure that the air can flow freely around the house. If the problem persists, you should check the duct system to make sure there are no leaks or holes.

Inspect your heating system

If you've completed all the steps above and still have no heat coming out of your furnace, you need to inspect the condition of the heating system. There could be a problem with the pilot, the blower motor, or the heat exchanger. This is a job for a professional, so make sure to call a technician if nothing is working.

A technician can then inspect the system to see where the problem lies and can make necessary repairs. Leaving the task to a professional is the best option in cases like this to avoid any further damage.

Check carbon monoxide and natural gas levels

The last step you should take when the heat goes out is to check for any potentially toxic gas levels. Carbon monoxide and natural gas can be released when there is a problem with the furnace, so make sure to check for any clues such as a funny smell or discoloring in the walls or ceiling. If you notice anything suspicious, open the windows and evacuate the house immediately.

You can also buy a carbon monoxide detector to help detect any levels of carbon monoxide in your home. This is an important tool to have as an early warning system so that you can evacuate the house in time should there be any problems with your furnace.

Turn up the temperature

If all else fails, you can always turn up the temperature on your thermostat. This is a safe and simple way to get some heat into your home while you wait for a technician to come and fix the furnace. Of course, this will raise your energy bills, so it's worth checking the other steps mentioned before resorting to this one.

It can also help to open the curtains to let in some sunlight. The sun will naturally warm up the space a little bit and make it more comfortable until your furnace is fixed.

When you're out in the cold, these tips can help you stay warm and comfortable in your own home during the winter months. If you follow these simple steps, you'll be able to get your furnace to start working again and keep your home warm and toasty.