On a cold winter’s night, the last thing you want is a broken furnace. For homeowners in Greenwood, Indiana, winter temperatures can dip below freezing—a warm and cozy home is a must, not just for comfort, but for safety.
What do you do when your heating system gives up on you? Don’t panic—there are ways to stay warm while you wait for furnace repair. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you keep your family safe and comfortable during this chilly inconvenience.
Seal the Warmth Inside
The first step to staying warm without a working furnace is to prevent the heat you have from escaping. Drafts and poor insulation can make your home feel colder than it actually is. Here’s how to combat that:
- Seal Windows and Doors: Use weather stripping or draft stoppers to block cold air from sneaking in. If you don’t have these on hand, roll up a towel and place it at the base of doors or windows.
- Close Off Unused Rooms: Shut the doors to rooms you’re not using to concentrate warmth in the spaces where you and your family spend the most time.
- Curtains Matter: Keep curtains open during the day to let in sunlight, but close them at night to trap the heat inside.
For Greenwood homeowners, insulating your home properly is a long-term solution. If your furnace breaks down often, it’s a sign to also check your home’s overall energy efficiency—poor insulation has a great impact on the performance of your heating and cooling systems.
Use Alternative Heat Sources Safely
When your furnace isn’t working, alternative heat sources can make a big difference. However, you need to prioritize safety while using them:
- Space Heaters: These portable heaters are a great short-term solution, but never leave them unattended or place them near flammable materials like curtains or furniture.
- Fireplace: If you have a fireplace, now’s the time to light it up. Use dry, seasoned wood to minimize smoke and maximize heat, and make sure the flue damper is open. Keep a screen in front of the fire to prevent sparks from flying out.
- Cooking Heat: Use your oven or stovetop for cooking meals. The residual heat can help warm your kitchen area, but never use these appliances as your primary heating source—they aren’t designed for that.
Using space heaters and other methods of heating should be a temporary solution while you wait for HVAC system repairs.
Layer Up for Warmth
Sometimes, the simplest solution is the most effective. Layering clothing traps your body heat and keeps you cozy even when your home’s temperature drops.
- Dress Smart: Start with thermal or moisture-wicking base layers, add insulating middle layers like sweaters, and finish with a warm, wind-resistant outer layer.
- Cozy Bedding: Swap out lightweight bedding for heavy comforters, wool blankets, or even electric blankets. Consider piling on multiple layers for extra warmth.
Pro tip: Check out Greenwood’s local home goods stores for thermal curtains, blankets, or heated throws. Many Central Indiana businesses stock up on winter essentials during this season, and using them can help keep your heating costs low even when your furnace is performing optimally!
Get Moving
When you’re cold, your body naturally craves activity to warm up. Use this to your advantage:
- Exercise Indoors: Simple activities like jumping jacks, yoga, or even cleaning can get your blood pumping and help you feel warmer.
- Group Activities: Gather your family in one room and play board games, watch movies, or do crafts together. The more people in a room, the more body heat is generated.
If you’re feeling adventurous, take a brisk walk around one of Greenwood’s beautiful parks, like Craig Park, to boost your circulation before coming back inside.
Block Out the Night Chill
Temperatures can plummet at night, making it harder to stay warm when gas furnace systems or heat pumps aren’t working properly. Here’s how to prepare:
- Create a Cozy Space: Concentrate warmth by camping out in a single room. Use sleeping bags, extra blankets, and pillows to create a snug sleeping area for the whole family.
- Warm Drinks: Before bed, enjoy a hot cup of tea, cocoa, or soup. This will warm you from the inside and help you relax.
- Warm Water Bottles: Fill a water bottle with hot water and tuck it under the blankets to keep your feet warm throughout the night.
Call for Furnace Repair ASAP
While these tips can help you stay warm temporarily, the most important step is to schedule a furnace repair. Greenwood winters can be brutal, and a functioning furnace is essential for long-term comfort and safety. In addition to our normal HVAC and plumbing services, Brewer Heating & Cooling offers emergency furnace repair services to get your system back up and running quickly. We service all types of HVAC equipment, providing HVAC repairs as well as quick installation services to set you up with a new heating system if your furnace has gone out for good.
How to Prevent Future Furnace Breakdowns
While dealing with a broken furnace is no fun, you can take steps to prevent it from happening again:
Watch for Warning Signs: If your furnace is making strange noises, cycling on and off frequently, or failing to heat evenly, don’t wait—call for a furnace repair before it completely fails and you need an expensive fix or even a furnace replacement.
Regular Maintenance Services: Schedule annual furnace maintenance tune ups with Brewer Heating & Cooling to catch potential issues before they become costly repairs (do this for your air conditioner as well to prevent summer cooling problems).
Change Filters: Replace your furnace filter every one to three months to keep it running efficiently, as clogged air filters can strain the system and lead to breakdowns.
Stay Warm in Greenwood, IN!
A broken furnace doesn’t have to spell disaster. By sealing in heat, using safe alternatives, and layering up, you can stay comfortable while waiting for professional HVAC services. And remember, Brewer Heating & Cooling is just a call away. Whether you’re in Old Town Greenwood or closer to Valle Vista, our local HVAC company is here to ensure your home stays warm and cozy all winter long.
Stay safe and warm, Greenwood! And don’t forget—prevention is the best cure for a broken furnace, so schedule annual furnace maintenance today and address furnace repair issues as soon as they start.
