A broken furnace or radiator in the dead of winter is one of a homeowner’s worst nightmares. This is particularly scary if you have infants, elderly or infirm people in your family. Here emergency HVAC repair experts at Thomas J. Fannon & Sons tell you what to do if your heating system breaks down during the winter.
Call emergency services. Most reliable HVAC companies understand that there’s no good time for a breakdown, which is why many offer 24-hour emergency service. If your furnace or radiator breaks down, call your local HVAC contractor straightaway. If it’s not a problem with your heating system or there’s a power outage in your area, call your utility company.
Keep warm using other methods. Keep your family in one area of your house. The more body heat, the better. If you have a fireplace, now is the best time to fire it up. Make sure that you close all the windows and doors throughout your house, and avoid leaving the main area unless absolutely necessary.
Layer up in clothing, then pull out extra blankets and bundle up for a TV show or movie marathon while waiting for the technician to address the problem. Use your water heater to fill a tub full of hot water, which can help warm up your house. Using the oven can also generate heat and fill you and your family up with something warm to eat, which can also be a big help.
Prevention is key. Keep the contact information of your local HVAC company handy in case of an emergency. It’s also recommended that you have your heating system checked out regularly to make sure that it’s in good working condition. It’s also a good idea to purchase emergency heat sources like portable propane heaters, but make sure that they’re safe for indoor use, as many of these products are designed primarily for outdoor use.
Is your furnace or air conditioner broken? Thomas J. Fannon & Sons are the go-to guys when it comes to all things HVAC-related. Give us a call at (703) 549-5700 or fill out our contact form, and we’ll have your system up and running again in no time!
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