A winter storm is brewing, and temperatures have been frigid lately. Having your heating system checked annually is the perfect way to ensure that you keep your HVAC in great shape; however, there are small things that could trigger an outage that can still happen regardless of your annual maintenance check. Therefore, at Middletown Heating & Cooling, we want to give our customers all of the information they need to stay ready for any situation. Including if your heating goes out this winter season. Overall, it’s all about playing it safe and having a plan in place if your furnace goes out on you.

If My Heat Goes Out, What Is the First Thing I Check? 

You will need to check and see if your pilot light went out. If your furnace is still powered on but isn’t blowing out warm enough, this would mean your pilot needs to relight. After that, you can check your thermostat settings to ensure that the settings didn’t change by accident. It could also be your circuit breaker tripping; If you have too many things in the house, your circuit breaker may just need to be checked and flipped back in the “on” position. 

How Can I Keep My Home Warm? 

Some homes have a fireplace; if this is the case, then the first thing you can do is turn the fireplace on. However, we know not every home in Ohio has a fireplace. So, you can use the oven to generate heat while making a home-cooked dinner, dessert, or both! Just remember to turn it off after you’re done cooking; an oven being empty and on is a fire hazard. On top of that, you can buy a few drafter stoppers or caulk at your local hardware to help seal the warm air in. 

How Can I Prevent a Fire With my Space Heater?

The best way to prevent a fire with a space heater is not to have one. However, if you use a space heater, preventing a fire may seem like rocket science to many. Nevertheless, the most minor thing can happen and cause a fire. So to help combat that, keep the heater at least 3 feet away from anything flammable. Next, choose a space heater with a thermostat and overheat protection and make sure to place all heaters on a solid and flat surface. Then make sure your heater has an auto shut off to turn the heater off in case it tips over. These best practices will ensure a safe home while your space heater is running. 

How Do I Avoid Cold Air From Coming In?

First, check to see if your blinds are open. If not, shut all your blinds, and close your windows and doors. Also, if you notice any cracks, cover them with a towel, or you can buy a window seal to keep the drafts from slipping in. In addition, you can insulate your windows with film. It does a fantastic job of protecting your windows all year round.  

And of course, our excellent technicians and customer service representatives are always here to help you with all your HVAC needs. So call Middletown Heating & Cooling today at (513) 268-3789, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here! Remember, being prepared doesn’t have to be complicated, and having a plan in place makes things run smoother in the case of an emergency. We want to keep our customers safe, informed, and, most importantly, warm. Especially before one of our knowledgeable and friendly technicians arrives.