Staying Warm When the Furnace Is on the Fritz

by Kevin Smith Author

Almost all of us have been there, particularly if you own a home. The heat pump or the furnace goes out in the winter due to any number of reasons. If it is mechanical, the quick answer is to look for heating services in Vinings, but what if you will be stuck without heat for an extended period of time? Here are some suggestions.

Call for Repair

This is obvious but should be your first step unless you know for certain your furnace or heat pump failure is not due to a failure.

Lock Her Down

Close and seal all windows, external doors and basement doors. Prevent anyone from entering or exiting or opening closets or the refrigerator unless they absolutely have to do so. If you can, seal individual rooms to as little a space as you can. If possible, make that space your kitchen.

Cook

Cooking requires heat and heat can help you stay somewhat warm. Food preparation will also get your blood flowing and help warm you up. Do not do this if you have a gas oven, but if you do and the electricity is on, start cooking. Cook anything that strikes your fancy, including baking as that generally requires a longer cooking time than something you make on your stove top.

Layers, Layers, Layers

Every wonder why people still live in freezing climes when we have pretty much conquered much friendlier and warmer climes? Layers. Even if you life in an area that is not bitter cold, going without heat can be very uncomfortable. Layer clothes, starting lighter layers on your skin and work your way up with thicker layers of clothing until you get the point you are warm.

Eat a Ton

As your environment cools, your body will use more calories to stay warm. Eat a lot to make sure you have the calories you need to keep your energy up. This is the one time where calories are more important than nutrition. Eat all the junk you want.

As a Last Resort, Use Space Heaters

Space heaters should be a last resort. They are effective at warming a confined space, but they eat energy at a pace that is staggering. If you have to use them, try and keep them to one room and make sure that room is sealed off.

A furnace or heat pump on the blink in winter is one of those awful experiences that most of us at some point will encounter. Until you can get someone out to work on your unit, you will have to make due. If you are in need of heat or heat services in Vinings, these tips will get you through until help arrives.