What to Do If Your Home Loses Heat Suddenly During Winter

Immediate Safety Steps Before Calling Heating Repair in Bozeman

During winter, it can be unsafe to lose heat in the middle of the day, particularly when the temperatures are unusually low. The most important thing that you should do is to stay safe with your family and pets. The following are the steps that you could take before you call furnace repair professionals.

1. Check for Gas Leaks

When you smell rotten eggs, it may be because of a gas leak. In this situation, one of the most important things is to move fast. Get out of your house and contact your gas company or the emergency services, but at a safe distance. A suspicious odor should never be neglected, as gas leakage may result in fire or explosion.

2. Verify Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless gas with no odor and is a potential killer gas. Be sure your CO detectors are functioning correctly. In case you do not have CO detectors, you should install them as early as possible to prevent a possible tragedy. If your heating system is malfunctioning or using fuel, there is an increased risk of CO buildup.

3. Turn Off the Heating System

If the problem seems mechanical or electrical, such as a tripped circuit breaker, turn off the power to your heating system. It will avoid additional harm and decrease the threat of electrical fire or other risks. Do not put your hand on the system to fix it yourself; it is better to wait until a professional technician comes.

4. Call for Professional Help

A breakdown of heating in winter is an emergency. Contact a local home heating services in Bozeman, Montana, immediately. There are numerous HVAC firms that provide emergency services, and a professional technician will be capable of diagnosing and fixing the problem effectively. Some DIY repairs could lead to more damage or deterioration of the situation.

Tips to Prevent a No-Heat Situation in Your Home in Bozeman

The winter in Bozeman is harsh, and the last thing you want is to get cold when it is freezing outside. These are some of the basic ideas that will help you avoid a no-heat situation at home.

1. Don’t Skip Your Annual Heating System Tune-Up

Fall is the most appropriate moment to have your heating system checked before it goes on overtime. During your tune-up, any small issues with your heating system can be spotted and fixed before winter sets in. It is not too late to get a tune-up, especially in this season. Schedule one now with local furnace service in Montana, while there’s still time to get ahead of the cold weather.

2. Switch to Automatic Fuel Delivery

When you are fed up with ordering fuel manually each time you run out of Bioheat fuel oil or propane, you can try switching to automatic fuel delivery. Your heating oil consumption is monitored automatically with this smart heating installation in  Bozeman, and deliveries are automatically made at the time you require them. By doing so, you would not be worried about the fuel running out in the coldest months.

3. Consider a Heating System Upgrade

When your heating system is aging or it is beginning to wear out, it may be time to replace it. You may also need a new and high-efficiency system, or you may just need to change worn-out parts, but do not run the risk of using old and inefficient equipment. Request a free estimate from an emergency heating service and make sure that your house is warm and safe throughout the winter.

4. Use Alternative Heat Sources Safely

In case you can access a fireplace or wood stove, ensure that it is in good condition before using it. Ensure the chimney is clear of obstructions, and always use a sturdy screen to prevent sparks from escaping.

Small rooms can also be heated effectively with space heaters, though you have to be cautious about it. Keep them at a minimum distance of three feet (never leave them alone) and do not leave them close to flammable materials. The absence of a fireplace or space heater can be filled by a hot water bottle or a heating pad that can be warmed up in the microwave oven to bring direct heat to the body.

Note: Never use an oven or an outdoor grill to heat your house. Such practices are potentially dangerous in the fire department and will create more risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

5. Prevent Frozen Pipes

Low temperatures make your pipes more susceptible to freezing, thus they may burst, resulting in massive destruction of your house. To help prevent this, open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warmer air to circulate around your plumbing. Another thing is to leave faucets running a little so that water remains in the pipes.

6. Local Resources for Heating Assistance

If you're unable to stay in your home due to the heating issue, Bozeman has resources available to help. You can contact local warming centers, such as those operated by the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), for a safe place to wait out the cold. Additionally, programs like Energy Share of Montana provide emergency heating assistance to households in need.

For more information, you can dial 2-1-1 for referrals to local services and support systems.

Final Thoughts

Losing heat in the middle of winter only creates havoc in the house. Here, you need initial steps to ensure your family, pets, and surroundings are safe. After that, contact your nearest heating repair in Bozeman to address this problem properly. Moreover, you can follow some additional steps to keep your home safe and comfortable during a heating emergency.

Don’t let the cold catch you off guard! At Premier Systems Heating, Air Conditioning & Boilers, we’re here to keep your home comfortable all year round. Serving families across Bozeman, Montana, we’re the #1 HVAC provider in Bozeman with over 600 5-star reviews. Get a FREE estimate today and see how easy it is to stay warm this winter.

Call 406-518-0709 or Book Online to schedule our HVAC Services in Montana now! We’re ready to help!