It took a while, but winter has finally settled in here in Kansas City.
One of the most common concerns of extreme temperatures is the failure of major HVAC equipment. The average furnace lasts about 15 years. Higher quality models maintained regularly can last longer, but none will last forever.
At some point, every furnace quits. Given the fact that you only use it when it’s cold, it will probably fail when it’s cold. Here are a few things to know if it happens to you:
INITIAL TROUBLESHOOTING
Your furnace is controlled by your thermostat. At the risk of sounding obvious, be sure it is set to heat. For most of us, especially here in Kansas City, the temperatures tend to fluctuate – a lot. It’s easy to forget to turn the heat on or assume it automatically resumed programming. Checking to make sure your thermostat is operating properly is the best place to start.
Have you ever had a problem with an electronic device and found that it worked once you restarted it? Restarting is a pretty handy troubleshooting technique with your furnace too. Most furnaces have a light switch looking power control located on the side. Simply toggle the switch and see if it comes back on.
While you’re there, make sure that your pilot light is still on and your gas valve is open. Both problems are easily solved, but could be the source of your furnace’s malfunction. If all of this hasn’t brought your furnace roaring back to life, check your electrical panel. Most furnaces operate on their own breaker. That means if it flipped there may be no other indication that the power is not flowing to the furnace without checking the panel.
STILL NOT WORKING?
The first thing you’ll want to do is call a professional HVAC technician to come out and assess your system. (We know a guy.) If your unit needs to be replaced, here’s some helpful information about the process.
Once help is on the way, your biggest challenge is staying warm. Here are some ideas:
- Layer up. Bring out that old faithful college hoodie and the fluffy Christmas socks! This is their day to shine.
- Stay inside. Dressed like that you’ll probably scare people. Keeping the doors closed will trap the warmth you have.
- Use your fireplace or a space heater. Fireplaces may not have a huge range, but they are often located in larger spaces where you can gather. Pull out the smores and call it a camp out! Space heaters can be useful because they are easily relocated to spread warmth throughout the house.
- Cook something. Using your oven to heat your home is not safe, but baking is. A casserole, a roast, bread or even cookies, will help get you moving and create a little extra heat in the kitchen.
Here at Blue Heating and Cooling, we work hard to replace failed equipment as quickly as possible. Once you’ve found a way to stay warm, be sure to turn your faucets to a low drip to keep water moving and prevent freezing. Prolonged exposure to extreme cold is a threat to plumbing. If you have additional space heaters, place them near vulnerable pipes (those located in basements and exterior walls).
The nature of appliances is that they ultimately fail. You don’t need to worry; we’ve got your back. Call our emergency service line at 816.719.1099. We’ll get a technician dispatched before you can figure out where you put that old college sweatshirt.
