Emergencies Can Happen When You Least Expect
The holiday season is here, and icy winter weather is already descending on many parts of the country - and Pennsylvania is among the states that always seem to get hit the hardest. During the harsh winter months, no resident of the Keystone State can afford to go without heat for very long. But when the furnace or the heat pump decides to break down in the middle of the night, that's exactly the dreadful situation they'll find themselves in. Here's a brief guide to help homeowners stay safe, warm, and calm in the event of a heating emergency.
What Constitutes a Heater Emergency?
Any issue with a home's heating system that poses an immediate risk to people or property should be considered an emergency. Some heater malfunctions have the potential to severely damage the unit itself if the heater continues to run in such a state - such as a dry or loose bearing in the blower assembly or a cracked heat exchanger. A heater that's making loud, unusual sounds like banging or metallic shrieking may be on the brink of destruction.
Some heater issues present dire health risks and require swift intervention. On a frigid winter night, a heater failure can make a home's indoor temperature drop rapidly, putting everyone inside at risk for hypothermia or other illnesses. A leaky exhaust vent or gas line can poison the home's air, and the latter may also result in a devastating explosion or fire. Even an electric furnace can catch fire due to faulty wiring or overheating.
What To Do Before the Technician Shows Up
If the heater is smoking, emitting a burning smell, or making loud and unnatural noises, it should be shut off completely, if this can be done safely (flipping the circuit breaker is usually best). If the smell of gas is present, the home should immediately be evacuated, and a gas company should be called. Then the trick is to find a warm place to wait until the situation is resolved.
Likewise, if the heater fails and the situation calls for a repair technician rather than the fire department or gas company, the most important thing is keeping the family warm. If the home has no fireplace, it's best to choose one room in the house (preferably near the center) to hole up in, equipped with plenty of warm clothes and blankets.
Tips To Help Prevent Future Emergencies
Regular maintenance is truly the best way to prevent an unexpected heater crisis. It's best to get it taken care of before the winter chill creeps in, but if it wasn't done in autumn, there's no time like the present. Unsurprisingly, heaters typically break down in the middle of winter, and it's almost always due to insufficient maintenance. A pro can address any latent issues before they have a chance to develop into something serious.
Since a healthy heater can still be knocked out by a power outage or other large-scale crisis, it doesn't hurt to invest in a portable space heater. Homeowners should also see that the carbon monoxide and smoke detectors work properly and make sure the fire extinguisher is handy and up to date.
About City Plumbing
Philadelphia's City Plumbing is a full-service plumbing & HVAC company with over 20 years of award-winning service. Their licensed and insured technicians are punctual, friendly, and fully equipped for any job. They provide around-the-clock emergency service, up-front pricing, and a rock-solid satisfaction guarantee. Call now for amazing furnace services!
