Emergency Heating Tips: What to Do When the Heat Goes Out

When the heat shuts off in the dead of winter, the world suddenly feels a lot colder. The chill creeps in, and so does a wave of worry—especially during a holiday or on a freezing night. We know how stressful this feels because, at Mills Heating & Air, we’ve helped countless families through it.

Whether you’re facing an unexpected outage or prepping for the worst, having a clear plan can keep your household safe and comfortable until help arrives. Let’s walk through the steps you should take, from immediate actions to smart preparation.

Immediate Steps to Stay Safe and Warm 🧣

First things first: don’t panic. Acting quickly, but thoughtfully, makes all the difference.

• Check your thermostat. Sometimes the issue is as simple as dead batteries or a setting bumped by accident.
• Inspect your circuit breakers. Look for any tripped switches. If you spot one, reset it once. If it trips again, stop—this could signal a bigger problem.
• Listen and sniff. Notice strange sounds, burning smells, or the sharp scent of gas? If you suspect a gas leak, leave your home and call emergency services immediately.
• Bundle up. Layer clothing, hats, and socks. Gather everyone—including pets—into one room, preferably with sunlight or a fireplace, and close the doors to trap heat.
• Block drafts. Use towels, blankets, or even duct tape to seal gaps under doors and along windows.

Short on time? Here’s a rapid checklist:

• Stay together in one room
• Dress warmly in layers
• Block drafts at doors/windows
• Use safe, approved space heaters only—keep away from curtains and furniture
• Never use a stove or grill for heat (carbon monoxide danger)

Safety Warnings: Carbon Monoxide and Space Heaters

Never run gas ovens, stovetops, or generators indoors for heat. These create deadly carbon monoxide—a silent, invisible threat. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that even brief exposure can be fatal.

If using a portable space heater:

• Keep it at least three feet from anything flammable.
• Never leave it unattended.
• Plug directly into wall outlets, never extension cords.

Install a battery-powered carbon monoxide detector if you don’t have one already. It’s a lifesaver—literally.

Protecting Pipes and Pets

When the heat’s off, your home’s pipes can freeze and burst, causing massive water damage. Here’s how to limit the risk:

• Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air reach pipes.
• Let faucets drip slowly (both hot and cold).
• Keep garage doors closed.

For your pets:

• Move cages or beds away from drafty windows and doors.
• Offer extra bedding.
• Never leave animals outside or in unheated areas.

When to Call for Emergency Service 📞

Some heating issues can’t wait. Call for emergency HVAC Repair near you if:

• Temperatures inside drop below 55°F, especially with babies, elderly, or ill persons at home.
• You smell gas or suspect a carbon monoxide leak.
• You hear loud, unusual noises from your furnace or heating system.
• There’s visible leaking, sparking, or burning odors.

Mills Heating & Air provides 24 hour emergency service. When you call, have this info ready:

• Your address and phone number
• Make/model of your heating system (if known)
• What happened before the heat went out
• What you’ve tried so far

This helps our technicians arrive prepared to fix the problem fast.

Temporary Ways to Stay Warm

While waiting for professional help, try these simple tricks:

• Use heavy blankets or sleeping bags. Pile them on beds or sofas.
• Drink warm fluids. Hot tea, cocoa, or soup warm you from the inside.
• Move a safe space heater into your main room. Follow all safety tips above.
• Let sunlight in by day. Open curtains to capture solar warmth, then close them at dusk.

If you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove, use it safely. Keep screens closed, and never burn anything but seasoned firewood.

Prepping for the Technician’s Arrival

Here’s how to smooth the path for HVAC pros:

• Clear access to your furnace, thermostat, and breaker panel.
• Secure pets away from work areas.
• If possible, jot down error messages, blinking lights, or anything unusual.
• Be ready to describe what you’ve seen, heard, or smelled.

The more details you share, the faster your home can get cozy again.

Prevention: Keep the Heat On Next Time

While some outages are unpredictable, many can be prevented with routine maintenance. Consider:

• Annual heating tune-ups
• Regular filter changes
• Home energy audits to spot trouble areas
• Upgrading old thermostats or outdated systems

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends having your heating checked every fall—before the first cold snap. Small fixes now often prevent big emergencies later.

Costs & Time Factors: What to Expect

Emergency heating repairs can range from quick fixes to major overhauls. Factors that affect timing and cost include:

• The type of system (furnace, heat pump, radiant heating, etc.)
• The age and condition of your equipment
• The availability of replacement parts, especially on holidays or weekends

A typical visit may take 1–3 hours, but complex repairs sometimes require follow-up or specialty parts. Expect after-hours rates during nights or holidays—something to consider when planning your next maintenance visit.

When It’s an Emergency

Some situations can’t wait:

• Indoor temps below freezing (pipes at risk)
• Medical needs (oxygen, medication storage)
• Infants, elderly, or those with health concerns

If you’re ever in doubt, call for help. No one should risk their health or safety in the cold.

FAQ: Common Questions About Heating Outages

Q: Can I use my oven for heat?
A: No. Never use ovens or stoves for heating—this is a serious carbon monoxide hazard.

Q: How long can a house stay warm after the heat goes out?
A: It depends on insulation, outside temperature, and home size. Most homes lose significant heat within 8–12 hours, faster if it’s windy or extremely cold.

Q: Should I close all interior doors?
A: Not necessarily. Focus on keeping one living area warm by closing doors to unused rooms, but keep access open to any plumbing that could freeze.

Q: What about portable generators?
A: Use only outdoors, far from windows or doors. Never bring one inside for any reason.

Local & Seasonal Considerations

Winter storms, ice, or power outages can make heating failures more likely. In our region, quick temperature drops are common—so always keep extra blankets, batteries, and flashlights on hand. Consider a whole-house fan or dehumidifier for year-round comfort, and schedule heating maintenance before the coldest months.

For authoritative safety guidelines, consult the U.S. Fire Administration and the CDC for best practices during winter emergencies.

Don’t let a heating outage catch you off guard. If your heat goes out, Mills Heating & Air is ready to help—day or night. Call Mills Heating & Air now — or reach us anytime at  844-484-8493 . Stay safe, stay warm, and know you’re not alone.