Picture this: It is a freezing winter night in Calgary. You get up in shivers only to find that your furnace has broken down. Panic can easily take over in such a situation. But you need to remain calm. Understanding what to do can salvage the situation. A damaged furnace during the winter can be inconvenient. It is also a matter of life and death to you and your family in severe cold conditions.
But worry not. Here are the precautions to follow when your furnace breaks down unexpectedly during the night.
Check the basics first
Before you jump into panic, take a few minutes to check these simple items that may cause your furnace to go off.
- Does the thermostat work properly?
- Has a breaker tripped in your power supply?
- Is the furnace switch (which can resemble a light switch next to the unit) on?
In some cases, the answer is very fast, and there’s no need to call a repair company.
Inspect the air filter
A congested furnace filter can block airflow and even switch off the system as a precaution. Check your filter in case you have not changed it recently. Replacing the dirty one with a clean one may restart your furnace. It might not solve the problem, but it is nonetheless a good move towards maintaining a healthy system.
Look for warning signs
Note anything suspicious, like:
- Odd sounds before shutting off
- Strange odors
- Flickering codes in the furnace panel.
The information will help find out the issue quickly. However, do not attempt to disassemble the furnace yourself.
Request emergency furnace repair
You do not want to have to wait until morning to get assistance when the temperature is lower than the freezing point. This is where emergency furnace repair is necessary. Numerous Calgary HVAC companies provide 24/7 services to cope with cases of this nature. So, make the call and have a technician resolve the issue as soon as possible.
Stay warm safely
If your furnace won’t turn on again, consider other ways to heat your house until help arrives.
- Dress warmly
- Cover yourself with blankets
- Lock unused rooms to keep the heat where you need it most.
You can use space heaters if you have them. But you must adhere to safety measures and don’t leave them unattended. You might be tempted to generate heat using stoves or ovens. However, note that these are extremely dangerous sources of fire and carbon monoxide. So avoid that.
Plan ahead for next time
After the crisis is resolved in the short term, consider how to avoid another late-night meltdown. Here are some suggestions:
- Plan the maintenance of the furnace on a regular basis
- Change filters on time
- Be aware of the early warning signs that will make your system break down in the long run.
Summing up
It is inconvenient for your furnace to break down in the middle of the night. But being prepared to react to it can make your situation safe and comfortable until the professionals arrive. Check the basics, stay warm, and call for an emergency furnace repair. It is always good to have an emergency furnace repair contact just in case you encounter such a situation.