When your furnace unexpectedly malfunctions, especially during the cold winter months, it can be a stressful situation. While waiting for a professional technician to arrive for emergency furnace repair, there are several steps you can take to ensure your safety and potentially address minor issues. Here’s a guide that we at New York Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing would like to share on what to do before the technician arrives.
How Do You Keep Your House Warm when the Heat is Broken?
1) Safety First: The safety of your household is the top priority. If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, evacuate your home immediately and call your gas company. Gas leaks are serious and require immediate attention from professionals. Additionally, if you have a carbon monoxide detector and it signals a leak, leave your home and call for help.
2) Check the Thermostat: Verify that your thermostat is set to the desired temperature and mode. Sometimes, a simple adjustment to the thermostat settings can resolve issues. If you have a programmable thermostat, make sure the schedule is correctly programmed.
3) Inspect Circuit Breaker: A tripped circuit breaker could be the reason behind your furnace troubles. Check your electrical panel for any tripped breakers and reset them if necessary. If the breaker continues to trip, it’s a sign of a more significant electrical issue, and you should refrain from resetting it repeatedly.
4) Change Air Filter: A clogged or dirty air filter can impede the airflow and strain the furnace. Check the filter and replace it if it’s dirty. Improved airflow can sometimes alleviate the strain on the system and help it function more effectively.
5) Verify Heating Fuel Supply: For gas furnaces, ensure that the gas supply is not interrupted. If you have an oil furnace, check the oil tank to ensure an adequate oil supply. Lack of fuel is a common reason for furnace malfunctions.
6) Inspect Vents & Registers: Ensure that all vents and registers in your home are open and unobstructed. Blocked vents can lead to an imbalance in the system, causing the furnace to overheat or shut down.
7) Attempt a Furnace System Restart: Try restarting your furnace. Turn the system off, wait a few minutes, and then turn it back on. This simple action can sometimes reset the system and resolve minor issues.
8) Gather Information for HVAC Technician: Before the technician arrives, jot down any observations or details about when the issue started, any unusual noises, or other relevant information. This information can assist the technician in diagnosing the problem more efficiently.
9) Avoid DIY Furnace Repairs: While there are some troubleshooting steps you can take, it’s essential to avoid attempting major repairs without professional expertise. Furnace systems are complex, and DIY repairs could lead to further damage or safety hazards.
Boiler & Furnace Heating Maintenance, Repair, Replacement & More in Bedford Hills, Manhattan, Flushing, Queens, Brooklyn & The Bronx, New York
In the event of an emergency furnace breakdown, taking these preliminary steps can help mitigate issues and ensure the safety of your home. However, it’s crucial to remember that these are temporary solutions, and professional intervention is necessary to address the root cause of the problem. Contacting a certified furnace repair service promptly will ensure a thorough assessment and reliable solutions to get your furnace back up and running efficiently. If you are in need of emergency furnace repair, contact New York Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing and we will help solve your heating problems.
