Your heating system works quietly in the background to keep your home warm and comfortable during those occasional cold snaps in SW Florida. It’s easy to forget that it’s there until it stops working. However, a heating failure on a chilly day can compromise not only your comfort but also your home’s safety and structure.
Although your first instinct might be to panic when your furnace fails on a cold day, you can take steps to protect your home and get your heat back on quickly. If you’re feeling a sudden chill, take a deep breath, and try these tips to help you handle a heating emergency.
Check for Safety Hazards
You might want to immediately try to get your heat back on when your furnace goes out, but a faulty furnace presents many safety hazards that you need to keep in mind. The first step to take when you notice your furnace has stopped working is to check for any possible hazards and secure them right away.
Some of the potential dangers that can occur when your furnace goes out include:
- Gas leak
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Electrical hazards
- Fires or explosions
- Respiratory irritants
Because gas leaks and heating failures often go hand in hand, the first thing to check for is the smell of gas. If you notice a rotten egg odor, immediately evacuate your home and call the authorities. Carbon monoxide is another serious danger that can happen when your furnace stops working, so monitor the levels in your home until your heat is restored.
For electric furnaces, cut the power by switching off the breaker to prevent electrical shocks or fires. Consider wearing a mask when checking your furnace because dust and allergens may be released when it stops working. A portable air purifier can help remove respiratory irritants if they become airborne. If there is any concern of a serious, immediate safety threat, evacuate your home while you wait for help.
Look for Simple Fixes
Sometimes, a failed furnace can be caused by a simple problem that’s easy to fix yourself. First, make sure your thermostat is on heating mode and set to a temperature that’s warmer than the room’s temperature. Interruptions in the supply of power or fuel can also cause the heat to go out, so check the circuit breaker and the gas supply. You can also check your other gas appliances or call your gas company to make sure the problem isn’t a widespread outage.
Is your furnace underperforming but not completely out? The problem might be a clogged air filter. Air filters need to be changed frequently for your furnace to work properly. If you can’t remember the last time yours was changed, see if swapping for a clean one brings your furnace back to life. It’s also possible that your home feels too cold when your furnace is working properly because of excessive drafts, poor insulation or extreme cold.
Call a Professional
If these simple fixes don’t work, it’s time to call a professional to assess and repair your furnace. Don’t attempt to do it yourself if the problem is more than just a quick adjustment or filter change. Trying to repair your furnace yourself can lead to bigger, more expensive problems or put your safety at risk. DIY repairs can even void your warranty if your equipment is still covered under one.
Repair or Replace?
One question you may have to consider is whether to repair your furnace or replace it with a new one. If your furnace is old or needs extensive repairs, replacing it can be a more economical decision in the long run. You may also want to replace your furnace if it’s too small for your home. Some other factors to consider are how efficient your current furnace is and whether any tax incentives are available for upgrading it.
Furnace Repair and Installation in Cape Coral
From emergency repairs to installing an efficient new system, our customers in Cape Coral and the surrounding areas count on Ultimate Homes Cooling and Electrical for all their heating needs. Whether your furnace is acting up or completely dead, we’re here to help you warm up with quality furnace repair and installation services.
As an Energy-Star and NATE-certified company and a Rheem Pro Partner, you can trust us to deliver the quality repair and installation services you need. Our convenient maintenance agreements make staying on top of routine maintenance easy and help you save money on needed repairs. We also offer financing for new equipment on approved credit.
Keep Warm While You Wait
After calling in the professionals, you still need to keep warm while you wait for furnace repair or replacement services.
Fire up any backup heating sources you have. Plug in an electric space heater if needed. Remember to supervise any portable heaters, and keep flammable objects like papers and blankets away from them. Avoid using camp stoves, kerosene or propane heaters indoors. These appliances are intended for outdoor use and can put dangerous fumes into the air when used in enclosed spaces.
Heating Repair When You Need It
Don’t get left out in the cold when your furnace fails. With more than 15 years of experience, Ultimate Homes Cooling and Electrical is your source for quality heating services. Whether you need furnace repair, installation or routine maintenance, we’re here to help with professional service and expert technicians who get the job done right. If you want an even more comfortable home, we also provide indoor air quality, air purification and dehumidifier services.
When you’re dealing with a heating emergency, call our team to get your furnace working again fast.
