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Think about this for a minute: winter started weeks ago and snow is several inches thick. You are inside your house and you realize that all of a sudden you can feel the cold air. It seems that your heating unit has malfunctioned. What are you going to do about it? It is unfortunate that a home heating emergency is something that a lot of people go through. Heating units can sometimes develop a fault when you need them the most; in the middle of the cold season.
Should this ever happen to you, it is important to know the best way to stay warm and safe while waiting for the HVAC contractor. In this article, we are going to focus on how you can remain warm and safe even when you experience a heating system emergency.
What Exactly Is A Home Heating Emergency?
A home heating emergency comes about when your heating unit, such as a boiler or furnace, malfunctions when it is needed the most. There are certain problems with the heating system that you can fix on your own without the help of an expert HVAC technician. A good example is when you have a problem with the power source or circuit breaker, or you might simply have run out of fuel. If you are out of fuel, simply schedule a fuel delivery. Detecting the furnace or boiler problem early means you will able to fix the issue sooner.
A home heating emergency will seriously inconvenience you. You will also be faced with several safety issues. If you don’t have heat, you will have the following problems:
- Discomfort: If your heating unit breaks down during winter, you are going to experience some discomfort. It is very uncomfortable living inside your house when the temperatures are extremely low. As long as there is no heat source, the chances of you having respiratory problems, the flu or a cold are very high. Extremely cold temperatures can also make it very difficult to get a good night’s sleep.
- Health Risks: If you are exposed to extremely low temperatures, you are at an increased risk of hypothermia. Your capacity to think and move can be affected by low body temperatures. The chances of having frostbite or respiratory issues are also very high when you are exposed to very low temperatures. Extremely low temperatures are also not good for those who have arthritis and heart conditions. People who are most sensitive to extremely cold temperatures in terms of age are babies, young children, and the elderly.
- Frozen Pipes: One of the reasons why you have to make sure that any problem with the heating unit is solved fast is because a constant supply of heat ensures that water in the pipes does not freeze. Water cannot flow in frozen pipes. When water freezes in the pipes, it can expand and the pipes can burst as a result.
How To Stay Warm Until The HVAC Contractor Comes
It can happen that after you have examined the heating unit, the problem continues. If that is the case, make sure that you call an HVAC contractor for an emergency heating unit checkup and heater repair so that the furnace can start functioning again. But, as you wait for the contractor, you have to take the necessary steps to ensure that you keep warm. Below are several steps you can take as you wait:
Switch Off Your Heating System
If your heating unit has broken down, the first thing you need to do is to switch off the thermostat and the power. For those with a gas furnace, also switch off the supply line. This isolates the heating unit, keeping your home safe.
Safely Make Use Of A Space Heater
You never know when your furnace might develop a problem. So, one of the best things you can do is to also invest in several space heaters. A space heater is a portable heater that warms up ambient air. The heater also has a small fan that distributes warm air. You can opt for a heater that has a 2 to 3 kW capacity as this can keep a single room warm. For medium to large-sized areas, you will need a heater with as much as 30kW capacity.
Make certain that you use the heaters safely by adhering to the guidelines of the manufacturer. It must never be left unattended. If you just have one space heater, everyone must stay in one room,. Also, ensure that the doors to all the rooms you are not using are closed.
Drink Warm Drinks
Warm drinks are known to keep our faces and hands warm. But they do more than that, they are also a source of gentle comfort. Make sure that you don’t consume just any type of warm drink. There are drinks that have been proven to keep you warm, like herbal teas and coffee. Take ginger tea, for instance. It is known to enhance blood circulation so that blood keeps flowing to one’s extremities. Coffee on the other hand contains caffeine which boosts the metabolism, causing our bodies to heat up in order to burn fuel. A warm bowl of soup can also do the trick. Make sure that you avoid alcohol.
Work Out
When you exercise your heart rate increases, and this improves blood circulation. So, if you want the blood to continue to flow to your extremities and avoid the cold, make sure that you also work out.
Put On Layers Of Clothing
One of the best ways to preserve body heat is to bundle up. Make it a point that you have layers of clothing such as coats, jackets, socks, shawls, and socks to keep warm. Especially consider young children and the elderly when it comes to putting on layers of warm clothes. Also, make it a point that you don’t wear clothes that are too heavy or tight.
Ways To Avoid Heating Emergencies
There are certain steps that can be taken to avoid problems with your furnace. You can avoid potential issues by doing the following:
Get Heating System Maintenance Every Year
In order to prevent heating system breakdowns, make sure that your unit gets an annual HVAC inspection and maintenance. If you want potential issues to be detected and fixed early, frequent inspections are necessary.
Contact An Expert HVAC Contractor
As soon as you notice that there is a problem with your furnace and you are not able to fix it yourself, call an HVAC contractor immediately. These professionals have been trained to fix any problem with your furnace.
Change HVAC Air Filters
As long as your air filters have obstructions, your heating system cannot distribute warm air evenly around your house. Clogged filters also make the furnace work harder. Working harder means your heating system consumes more energy, and you will ultimately have a higher energy bill. Be sure to inspect your HVAC air filters every month and replace them if necessary.
Conclusion
The best way to ensure that you enjoy the benefits of your heating unit and that you avoid an emergency is to have it inspected and maintained on a regular basis. Also, have a reputable HVAC company do the necessary check-ups and repairs.
Contact Tevis Energy For Your Home Heating Requirements
Tevis Energy provides the most affordable heating and cooling services in the area. We hire highly skilled certified technicians who can provide you with outstanding HVAC tune-ups, repairs, installations, as well as replacements. All our techs have the required expertise to service your HVAC unit appropriately.
Do you require a heating system repair or replacement? Don’t stress. With Tevis Energy, you are definitely in good hands. We guarantee the cheapest heating system repair and replacement services in the area. Tevis Energy is here to assist those who need a replacement system, and we will recommend the best system for every budget.
We have always prioritized things such as comfort, quality indoor air, and energy efficiency. If you happen to experience an unexpected breakdown, we also offer quick and reasonably priced emergency, no heat services. To schedule an appointment, contact Tevis Energy today for a free, in-home estimate.
You can click here to contact us now or call us at (410) 876-6800 to find out more!
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