Unless you’ve been living in a closet, you might have noticed that this winter is a bit harsher than the past several years. Actually, for a long, long time. We’re setting all kinds of record-breaking low temperatures in the Canal Winchester area. Makes you really think about that global warming thing…
If you haven’t taken the time to prepare you home and especially your home heating system (i.e. furnace, heat pump) you could be in serious trouble. As we mentioned before, the time to repair or replace a furnace is before you need it, before it’s under heavy load. Unfortunately, we are deep into heavy load time and going without a heat source in your home in this type of extreme low temperature weather is just not an option.
You’ll probably notice that your furnace is working harder and longer to maintain the temperature in your home. If you suspect any problems, hear weird noises, your blower fan doesn’t run, or your home just isn’t maintaining a comfortable temperature, it’s time to call for professional help. It’s best to call sooner than later, as we may be able to save you from having to replace your current heating unit.
How to Survive a Canal Winchester Furnace Failure
Here are tips to survive and prevent major damage to your home until the calvary arrives.
- Be sure to close all windows and doors tightly. A small leak could allow your inside temperature to plummet quickly.
- Turn on a faucet to a trickle to keep the pipes from freezing. Best practice is to turn on the faucet furthest away from the furnace (usually an upstairs bath) and one on the main floor. Keep a slow steady stream flowing. Flowing water can’t freeze as quickly.
- If the sun is shining, cover the windows on the sunny side with a cheap shower curtain. That let’s the warming sun in, and keeps what heat there is from escaping. Better yet, before it gets too cold install shrinkwrap window covering to help insulate the windows.
- If you have heavy curtains, blinds or a shade, leave them closed unless the sun is shining in directly. The heavier the better — the air between the window and the curtains acts as a layer of insulation, along with the thickness of the fabric.
- Close off any unused rooms.
- Cook. Bake cookies or a pie, but be sure to avoid cooking foods that give off steam that will raise the humidity level in the home.
- DO NOT USE THE OVEN TO HEAT YOUR HOME. This is one of the most dangerous things you can do and should be avoided at all costs.
- If you have electricity, small space heaters work well. Be sure to choose a heater that is UL-tested and approved for maximum safety.
- Turn on incandescent lights, if you still have any in your home. Those old-fashioned round lightbulbs lose 95% of their energy to heat (you would know that if you’ve ever tried to change a light bulb just after it’s been lit). Compact fluorescent and LED bulbs add nothing in terms of heat, so don’t waste the energy of those. (One good reason for keeping those bulbs around, by the way).
- Drink warm beverages, but avoid caffeine and alcohol. Those tend to lower your body temperature, so have a good hot chocolate or caffeine-free tea.
- It goes without saying that sweaters, sweats, warm socks, quilts and blankets are a must. If you have a sleeping bag meant for lower temperatures, that can make the difference between getting uncomfortably cold and staying reasonably warm.
- Find a friend or pet to snuggle with. Just keep in mind if it’s your mate — that birth rates tend to increase sharply about 9 months after a blizzard or cold snap. No idea why.
If you are concerned about paying the bill, we will be happy to work with you. The important thing is that you and your family are safe and warm.
Fortunately, Pickerington Heating & Cooling has you covered. Our service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Just call our office at (614) 837-4026 and we’ll answer at all hours, day or night. We have repair and installation techs on call just waiting for handle your emergency.
Be safe and stay warm and we’ll get through this.
