Unexpected HVAC breakdowns on the coldest nights can leave you scrambling for blankets and portable heaters. A few simple steps before winter arrives can limit the impact of a broken furnace or frozen pipes.
Create a Clear Emergency Contact Plan
You need fast, reliable help when your heating system stops working in bitter weather. Start by compiling phone numbers for your regular HVAC technician, a 24-hour emergency service, and your utility company. Keep this list on the fridge, in your phone’s speed dial, and in your car’s glove box. Let family members know where to find it so that they can call for help if you’re away. A clear plan could mean the difference between a same-day repair and a wait in freezing rooms. Share notes about your system, make, model, and any recent repairs. This helps the technician arrive prepared with the right parts.
Stock Up on Temporary Heating Options
A furnace failure can leave you relying on backup heat for hours or even days. Choose a portable electric heater rated for indoor use and with built-in safety shutoffs. Keep it in a central room with good ventilation and clear space around it. For gas furnace backups, propane or kerosene heaters offer stronger output but require strict adherence to ventilation guidelines to avoid carbon monoxide buildup. Store fuel outside, away from direct sunlight. Test your backups before winter; a heater that fires up now saves you from fumbling with knobs when you’re chilled to the bone.
Insulate Exposed Ducts and Pipes to Prevent Heat Loss
Ductwork that runs through unheated spaces can freeze condensate lines or lose heat before it reaches living areas. Have a professional wrap exposed ducts in closed-cell insulation sleeves and seal any gaps with foil tape and guard steam or hot-water pipes with cushioned foam sleeves rated for higher temperatures. A well-insulated system holds warmth where you need it and cuts the chance of condensate freezing in a forced-air compressor or drain pan. As an example, treating duct runs through a garage can raise output air temperature by 10 degrees at the vent, easing strain on your furnace during subzero nights.
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Test and Service Your Backup Generator or Power Source
Power outages often accompany ice storms that stress heating equipment. If you own a standby generator, schedule a service check to confirm oil and coolant levels, battery charge, and automatic transfer switch function. If you rely on a portable generator, practice safe setup and connect only essential circuits through a transfer switch, position the unit outdoors, and maintain a proper distance from doors and windows. Run the generator under load for at least 30 minutes to verify it can handle your furnace’s starting current. Knowing your backup power works removes one more worry when a storm knocks out the grid.
Inspect Vents and Registers for Blockages
Carpets, curtains, and furniture can shift during cleaning and settle over supply or return vents without you noticing. Walk through each room to confirm warm air flows freely when the heat kicks on. Remove rugs, toys, or pet beds covering floor registers, and replace any damaged grill covers. For wall-mounted vents, press lightly on the adjustable louvers to verify they move. Even a single blocked return can reduce system airflow, triggering high-temperature safety cutoffs in a furnace or freezing coils in a heat pump.
Store Emergency Supplies for Extended Outages
A multi-day outage in frigid weather demands more than just a portable heater, so stock extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm clothing in an accessible location. Keep flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered radio on hand for news updates. If you have infants or elderly family members, consider a generator large enough to run the whole HVAC system for short periods. Include bottled water and non-perishable food that won’t spoil without refrigeration.
Plan a Winter Emergency Service Agreement
Waiting lists for HVAC repairs fill up quickly when temperatures plunge. A winter emergency service contract guarantees priority scheduling and often includes waived trip fees. Read your service agreement carefully to confirm response times and the components covered. For example, some plans include thermostat repair or condensate pump replacement, which can sideline a heat pump in freezing weather.
Protect Your Home From Winter HVAC Emergencies
Bone Heating & Cooling offers winter tune-ups, emergency repair plans, and equipment inspections that wrap your home in a layer of reliability. From filter changes to generator checks, we help you prepare now so cold snaps stay comfortable. We also offer a maintenance agreement to ensure you always have access to our reliable care.
Schedule your winter-ready service with Bone Heating & Cooling in Festus, MO.
