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What to do if your heater breaks down during cold weather?

by | Feb 17, 2022 | Heating

 

During winter, you’ll be reliant on your heater to stay warm. Have you ever thought of what would happen if your heater breaks down during winter? 

There is no need to panic. We’ll now take you through what you should do when the heater breaks down, and they include:

 

1. Use an Alternative Heat Source 

The furnace can break down any time of the day, which is why you need to use an alternative heat source. If you have a fireplace, make use of it since the cold weather may be unbearable, and you need to keep warm. You can also use portable heaters, but make sure that they are safe and certified.

 

2. Can You Feel the Scent of Gas? 

Furnaces use different sources of energy, and gas is one of them. If you can smell gas, turn off the gas immediately and use another form of heating. Contact a professional for further assistance. Although gas has no scent, there is a compound known as mercaptan, and it is added to gas so that you can easily detect a leak.

 

3. Troubleshoot

HVAC Professional Troubleshooting

There is no gas leak. Which is the next step to take here? You can start by checking whether the fuse is still in good condition. If the fuse has blown out, you need to replace it. If the circuit breaker tripped, you’ll do the necessary; this can be reset by flipping the switch on and off.

If there is still no change, you’ll have to call a professional. But before that, make sure you turn off the power supply to the furnace.

 

4. Contact a Professional 

Contact a professional offering furnace services. The HVAC professional will assess the situation and develop a suitable solution. Keep taking control of the situation by checking the furnace regularly. Use an alternative source and troubleshoot if there are any problems.

 

Understand the Significance of Proper Maintenance 

To avoid any issues with the heater during winter, you need to ensure it is well maintained. Ensure that the pilot light is removed and then fill it with water; this will ensure there is no chance of the heater breaking down. Keep in mind if the heater isn’t running efficiently, your utility bills will also be higher than usual.

You can hire an HVAC contractor who will be handling the maintenance process, and you won’t have to worry about the heater breaking down unexpectedly. 

Keep your home well-maintained during winter. The less you have to worry about, the better it is for you. You can also check out the furnace reviews so that you can find an HVAC contractor who offers top-quality furnace care services. 

Some of the factors to consider when hiring an HVAC professional for repairs or maintenance include:

 

1. Are They Experienced?

Skilled HVAC Contractor 

Experience is a major factor to consider. The HVAC contractor you hire should have experience in the industry. They should be well-known for offering top-quality work and services. You can check out their website to see how long they have been in the industry and check their reviews to know what previous customers are saying.

 

2. Are They Licensed? 

HVAC professionals need to hold a license before they can offer their services. Check the license of your HVAC contractor before hiring them for furnace repairs or maintenance services.

 

3. Do They Offer a Warranty? 

If the HVAC professional offers a warranty, that’s a good sign, and it means they believe in their expertise and offer quality services. You can also get a warranty when you are buying the furnace.

 

4. Do You Trust Them? 

Is the HVAC professional trustworthy? Do they have a reputation in the industry? Check their background, and you’ll see if they are trustworthy. You can also ask your friends, relatives, or neighbors these questions. If they’ve recommended them, you should go ahead with them.

 

5. Do They Have References? 

You should at least check out the references to determine if the HVAC contractor has ever done similar projects before. Your family and friends can also give you references online or offline that will guide you in hiring them for furnace repairs or maintenance services.

 

6. Are They Insured or Bonded?

Licensed & Insured HVAC Contractor

The contractor can incur some injuries when repairing the HVAC system, and this is where the insurance policy comes in. If they’re insured, the insurance company will foot all the medical bills. But it won’t cover the amount of money that you’re going to pay for their negligence. 

The main reason you should always hire a licensed HVAC contractor is that they are insured. You can also check online to find trusted and licensed HVAC companies; this will help keep you from incurring unnecessary costs during winter. It’s also a good idea to know what type of furnace system your house has installed so that you can know about the risks involved in hiring a certified HVAC contractor.

 

Conclusion 

During winter, you can’t worry about your furnace breaking down. We have a lot to learn about furnace repair and maintenance. The tips here should help you avoid any issues with the heater and keep the space warm.

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