Surviving a Furnace Outage: 7 Essential Tips

Imagine it’s the middle of a bone-chilling winter, and your furnace unexpectedly breaks down — an absolute nightmare, right? If you’ve experienced this, you know just how essential a functioning furnace is for your comfort and well-being. While 24-hour furnace repair services exist, it could take some time before help arrives, especially during peak demand periods. So, how do you keep warm and safe during a furnace outage? This post will provide you with seven indispensable tips for surviving a furnace outage. 

Layer Up 

The number one rule during a furnace outage is to stay warm, and there’s no better way than to layer up! Put on your thickest, warmest clothes, including sweaters, socks, and hats. Don’t forget to have extra blankets ready for added insulation. Remember: The more layers you have, the more body heat you’ll retain. 

Use Alternative Heating Sources 

Besides layering up, another way to stay warm during a furnace outage is by using alternative heating sources. These may include space heaters, electric blankets, and even your fireplace (if you have one). Before using these sources, read the instructions carefully and practice proper safety precautions. Also, never leave them unattended or use them near flammable objects. 

Close Off Unused Rooms 

During a furnace outage, it’s essential to conserve heat as much as possible. One way to do this is by closing off unused rooms in your home. This will help contain the heat in the areas where you spend most of your time, making it easier to stay warm. 

Keep Your Curtains Closed 

While natural light is great for your mood and mental health, during a furnace outage, it’s best to keep your curtains closed to retain heat. This will help prevent cold drafts from entering your home and reduce heat loss through windows. When the furnace is repaired, you can open those curtains and enjoy the sunlight again. 

Stay Active 

The more you move, the warmer you’ll feel. So, instead of huddling under a blanket all day, try to stay active. Do light exercises or house chores to keep your body moving and generate heat. You can also take warm baths or hot showers to raise your body temperature and soothe your cold muscles. 

Don’t Forget About Your Pipes 

During a furnace outage, it’s not only you who needs to stay warm but also your pipes! Frozen pipes can lead to costly repairs and even water damage, so insulate them during an outage. You can wrap them in blankets or towels, open cabinet doors for warmer air circulation, and keep a small trickle of water running to prevent them from freezing. 

Have a Plan Ahead of Time 

Last but not least, have an emergency plan in place ahead of time for furnace outages. This includes knowing how to shut off your furnace safely, having contact information for 24-hour furnace repair services, and stocking emergency supplies like food, water, and flashlights. It also helps to have a backup generator for power outages during furnace repairs. 

Remember: A little preparation can go a long way in surviving a furnace outage! With these seven tips, you’ll be better equipped to handle unexpected breakdowns and stay warm until help arrives. And remember to schedule regular maintenance for your furnace to prevent future outages.