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 end up in a scenario like this where it feels like you’re doomed to suffer until morning to schedule furnace repair, but there are a few things you can inspect, as well as a couple things you can do, to stay on your toes and prepare for a situation like this.
Before You Experience Problems:
- Furnace service. Cold nights and furnace repair can’t always be avoided, but having annual furnace service completed can help you avert a chilly predicament.
- Gather supplies. Find some room in a closet, drawer or another easy to access area for blankets, a space heater, gloves, hats and any number of other accessories to keep you warm while your furnace is out. It may seem bothersome or unnecessary now, but it will be a relief when you need it most.
After You Suspect Your Furnace Quit Working:
- Check the circuit breaker. There’s a chance that the breaker to your furnace could have been tripped by a power surge or for another reason. If this is the case, flip the breaker back on and you might be set. If the breaker is turned off and you have flipped 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 retain body heat so you can stay warm while waiting for your expert. Also, try to find something active to do to keep your blood pumping, as increased activity can help keep you warm.
- Stay safe. Employing something other than your furnace to heat your home can pose possible danger depending on the method you’re choosing. It’s important to remember to never choose heating methods developed 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 go-tos.
No one wants to have an encounter with furnace repair in the middle of winter after their furnace has stopped working, but the probability is real if you don’t take the proper steps. Give the pros at J.L. Brady Company LLC a call at 309-517-7511 if you have any questions about these tips, the furnace repair services offered or any other number of heating questions.