Make a Plan to Be Ready for the Unpredictable
No one likes to be bogged down by thinking about everything that might go wrong, especially during the holidays. Constantly worrying about the “what ifs” is no way to go through life! Proactive homeowners would do well to learn how to recognize potential issues and make certain any problems can be handled quickly and calmly.
Is the Situation Truly an Emergency?
In cities located in colder climates, homeowners are very aware of how vital a functioning heater is. When the temperatures drop into the single digits and below, keeping a family and home warm is of the utmost importance. Before calling for a costly service visit, be sure the situation warrants it. Consider these questions:
- What is the weather like? Is a cold front moving in?
- Are temperatures mild enough to be comfortable in the home until normal business hours?
- Are there loud noises coming from either the indoor or outdoor unit? Banging? Screeching?
- Is there a strange smell like gas or burning rubber?
If there’s no smell or loud noises and the temperature is bearable, the situation is probably not dire, and the call to a heating service provider can wait. If there is suspicion of a more severe or dangerous situation, call a professional immediately.
Prepare for the Heating Service Call
Now that the appointment has been set, what should homeowners do to prepare? First of all, safety is of the utmost importance for everyone in the home, including a visiting technician. If there are any concerns that a faulty heating system might become dangerous. In the case of fire, smoke, or fumes, homeowners should turn off the power to the unit or system and exit the house.
Call for immediate emergency service and do not attempt to fix serious problems. Be sure to keep the area around the heater clear of any obstacles, so the technician has a clear path and plenty of room to work. The technician’s goal is to fix the problem and provide peace of mind to the customer. By taking a few moments to prepare for a service visit, homeowners will ensure the technician is able to fully focus on the vital task at hand and remain safe while working in the home.
Prevention and Preparation Are Key
While it should be a goal of any homeowner to be prepared in the unfortunate event of a heating emergency, an even worthier endeavor is to work towards preventing crises in the first place. Safety should always be the first consideration.
- Ensure heating units (and all electrical systems) are routinely serviced and maintained by a licensed professional.
- Place smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home. Change the batteries every six months.
- Know where the breaker box is and keep the area around it clear.
- Know where the gas shutoff is if the furnace is gas-powered.
- Consider purchasing a standby generator just if the service provider is unable to respond to an emergency because of weather or other obstacles.
These simple actions may save not only time and money but possibly even lives.
About John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning
John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning has been serving the Lincoln, NE area since 1996. Determined to provide their neighbors with honest, reliable, professional service all year long, John Henry’s is a trusted plumbing, heating, and air company. Contact them for reliable emergency heater repair in Lincoln.
