Nobody wants to think about the heating system in their home breaking down on a chilly winter night. Unfortunately, that’s when it seems like it most often happens – and that can mean a few hours without heat in your home. While your HVAC contractor will be doing their best to get to your home and get repairs made for you quickly, it’s still likely that you will need to endure some less-than-cozy indoor temperatures for a bit.
Of course, your best bet to avoid a breakdown is to get regular preventive maintenance for your furnace, boiler, or heat pump. Usually, during the annual check-up, your HVAC contractor will find any small problems with your system that could lead to a breakdown down the road. However, if you find yourself with a heating system failure, there are a few ways you can keep your family more comfortable while you wait for help to arrive.
5 Pointers for Staying Warm While You Wait for Help to Arrive
Before you do anything – even before you call your HVAC contractor for repair services – make sure your heating system is not posing a danger to you and your family. If you smell or see smoke, or if your heating system is emitting any foul odors, the best thing you can do is exit your home immediately and contact your local fire department. Do not remain in your home.
However, if you’re just experiencing an old-fashioned heating system breakdown, there are a few things you and your family can do to stay warmer while you wait for your HVAC contractor.
- Dress in warm clothing. Layers are your friend – consider thermal underwear, sweat pants, thick sweaters, hoodies, socks (the thicker the better), and maybe even knit hats. This will help keep your body heat in.
- Enjoy some snuggle time. Why not catch up on that show you’ve been wanting to binge on? Make some popcorn and cocoa, gather some warm blankets, and snuggle with the family in front of the TV while you wait for your technician.
- Gather for a family exercise session. Physical activity will help you stay warm, so why not work out to an aerobics video or put on some favorite upbeat music and dance? Moving around will warm you up, and warm the room up slightly as well!
- Use your kitchen appliances. Now is the time to fire up the stove and make a delicious pot of soup, and use the oven to bake some bread, cakes, or cookies. This will help generate a little bit of warmth, and keep your tummies full too!
- Keep the heat from escaping. You’ll want to make sure that the heat already generated in your home can’t escape. Close any rooms that aren’t in use, gather in a common area, and make sure your doors and windows are kept closed as much as possible.
Stafford Mechanical Services, Inc. can help you in a heating emergency.
As soon as you notice anything going on with your heating system – even if it’s still running – give Stafford Mechanical a call. Our technicians will be able to troubleshoot your heating system and make the necessary repairs, so you won’t have to endure the cold. And, we’re pleased to offer 24/7 emergency service. Just give us a call at (860) 684-9485, and we will be more than happy to help. We look forward to helping you with all of your heating needs.