Winters in Thousand Oaks can get surprisingly chilly, so when your furnace kicks the bucket, it won’t take long for your home’s temperature to plummet. If you’ve called for help but the technician won’t arrive for a couple of days, what furnace repair steps can you take in the meantime?
Below, learn what to do if a furnace stops working in winter, then call us for furnace repair services in Thousand Oaks, CA.
Do You Smell Gas?
Before doing anything else, smell the air around your furnace. Does it smell like rotten eggs or sulfur? If so, you may have a gas leak. Some furnaces shut down if they detect a gas leak and won’t work again until you address the problem.
Gas leaks are incredibly dangerous, and this is not a problem you can fix on your own. Leave the house immediately and stay someplace else, such as a hotel or friend’s house, while you wait for emergency repair.
Tips for Troubleshooting Furnace Issues
You’ve called for furnace repairs, but the repair company says it’s backed up and can’t come to help you for a day or more. That’s a long time to go without heat. Fortunately, you may be able to fix the problem yourself. Follow these emergency heating tips to get your system back in working order:
- Ensure that you haven’t accidentally turned the furnace off. Many furnaces have a power switch on the side that’s easy to bump. Try flipping the switch and see if the system starts to work again.
- Reset the furnace. The reset button is typically located inside the blower compartment by the motor. Depending on your model, you may need to press the button or hold it down for a few seconds. Note that if your unit has a more serious problem, resetting it will only work temporarily. The system may run for a few minutes and then shut down again.
- Check the electrical panel for a tripped breaker or blown fuse. If you notice, either resetting the breaker or replacing the fuse should fix the problem.
- If you have a gas system, check the pilot light to determine whether it’s on or off. If the pilot light has turned off, you can relight it. However, if something is wrong with the unit, the pilot light may shut off again to prevent damage.
- Ensure that the thermostat is set to “heat” mode. You or a family member may have accidentally set it to “cool” mode while adjusting the temperature.
Staying Warm While You Wait for Heating System Repair
Now that you know what to do if a furnace stops working in winter, how can you stay comfortable while waiting for the repair crew to arrive? These tips will help you beat the chill:
- Wear several layers of clothing, including thick pants, a sweater, warm socks, and a coat.
- Stay inside for as long as possible. Every time you open the door, you’re letting cold air into the house.
- If you have a fireplace, now is the time to use it. Remember not to leave the fire unattended.
- Set up a space heater in a central room and try to stay in that room most of the time.
- Close all blinds, drapes, and curtains. If you don’t have window treatments, hang blankets or thick towels over your windows.
- Cook a meal and leave the oven door open when you’re done.
- Adjust your ceiling fans so they turn in the opposite direction. This will move warm air from the ceiling to the floor.
- Enjoy some exercise or a dance party with your family. Getting your blood pumping and body moving will make you feel warmer in no time.
Winter Heating Solutions From Fix It Fast Plumbing Heating & Air
The best way to avoid furnace breakdowns during winter is to schedule regular preventive maintenance at least once a year. During maintenance, our pros will look for issues such as dirty air filters, clogged lines, and worn parts that could cause your system to fail if not addressed. We also perform thermostat checks to ensure the device is communicating properly with your system.
If it’s too late for maintenance now and you’re wondering what to do if a furnace stops working in winter, call our crew for help. We offer speedy repairs and will be there ASAP to fix whatever is ailing your heating system. If your unit is beyond repair, we also offer furnace replacement. Call Fix It Fast Plumbing Heating & Air today to schedule service or keep reading to learn more heater not working troubleshooting tips.