Steps to Take When the Heat Goes Out

Jan 22, 2021 | Furnace, HVAC | 0 comments

With Ohio weather getting as cold as it does, the last thing anyone wants here in the Miami Valley is for their heat to go out.

Whether it’s from a power outage, or from a furnace malfunction of some kind, losing heat can be stressful!

If you are experiencing heat loss in your Montgomery County, Ohio, area home, our team of local HVAC technicians here at Kettering-Oakwood Heating & Air recommend the following:

Tips for Homeowners Who’ve Lost Heat in the Miami Valley, Ohio, area

Pinpointing the Problem

Check Power First

If you’re having a power outage, the first thing you need to do is contact your power provider. The sooner you call, the better, so don’t delay. Moreover, because many of these power companies restore power where they’re getting the most reports from first, it’s a good idea to call even when you know that neighbors have done so already.

Having said that, if your heat is out and you still have power in your home, make sure your furnace is turned on and make sure it still has power running to it. This usually involves checking switches, fuses and breakers.

Consider your thermostat

Once you’ve made a determination about your power situation, if the problem persists you should check your thermostat as well, making sure it has power and it’s working properly.

From there, we suggest opening it up and cleaning away any dust and then testing it by raising the temperature a few degrees to see if it makes the furnace kick on. 

Furthermore, you can use an outside thermometer to test its accuracy to make sure it’s reading the temperature in your home correctly and precisely, as it should be. If during any of this it appears the thermostat isn’t working correctly, give us a call. We are always more than happy to help.

Does your furnace have adequate airflow?

Because dirty furnace filters diminish air flow and, in extreme cases, block it altogether, your heating equipment’s air filters should be checked on a frequent and regular basis during the winter, like once per month. If the filter becomes dirty or clogged, as they easily do during the winter months, your home heating equipment won’t run like it needs to, if at all. In some homes, some furnaces have a safety feature that shuts the unit down when air filters clog up and cause it to overheat. Ultimately, this is a good thing because you don’t want to destroy your furnace or worse, have a furnace fire. Upon checking, if you feel the air filter is dirty, take it out and get a new one. Try to remember to replace it on schedule moving forward. Additionally, make sure all your air registers and air vents are open with nothing in the way. Make sure there isn’t anything, such as furniture, boxes, curtains or other items in the way that could hinder airflow.

Make sure the gas valve is open on the gas furnace?

For homeowners with gas powered furnaces, if you feel you aren’t getting adequate heat, or any heat at all, make sure it’s not your gas valve. With gas furnaces, it’s essential to ensure this valve is open all the way at all times to provide your unit with all the fuel it needs to heat your residence. Additionally, experts suggest also checking the gas control valve inside the unit. Make sure it is also open. 

Be mindful throughout this last step, as gas furnaces are dangerous. If at any point you catch the faintest hint of gas or anything that smells remotely like gas, exercise extreme caution and stay on the safe side. If you smell gas, stop what you’re doing. Leave the building immediately without touching any light switches or fixtures and without using your cellphone. Leave without touching anything until you get outside the home at a distance. From outside the property, use your cellphone or a neighbor’s phone to contact the gas company right away to notify them you suspect you have a gas leak near your furnace. They will give you instructions from there. In any case, don’t go back inside for anything until help arrives.

Still having problems with your home heating system?

If you’ve lost heat in your Montgomery County area home this winter — if you need a local, reputable HVAC technician you can trust to check your heating equipment when the power is restored — call Kettering-Oakwood Heating & Air today at 937-502-3842, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!