No Heat? 6 Ways to Stay Warm and Safe This Winter

If your furnace is going to stop working, there's a good chance it'll pick one of the coldest days of the year to do it. 

And while nobody plans on losing heat in the middle of winter, it's one of those situations that's a whole lot easier to handle when you know what to do.

And around Greater Binghamton, that's especially important. Our winters aren't exactly forgiving, and when the temperature outside is well below freezing, you don't have the luxury of waiting around to figure out how to stay warm. You need a plan to keep everyone safe and comfortable while you get the heat back on.

At ANC Heating & Air Conditioning, we've spent more than 60 years helping local homeowners get their heat back on. But even when you've got a professional coming to fix the problem, there's still the matter of staying warm and safe in the meantime.

So whether your furnace has already called it quits or you're just preparing for the possibility, here are seven ways to keep your family comfortable, protect your home, and avoid making a bad situation worse.

First, Make Sure It's Actually the Furnace

Before assuming the worst, there are a few things worth checking.

Sometimes the problem is as simple as an incorrect thermostat setting. Other times, the furnace really does need professional attention.

Take a few minutes to rule out a few simple things:

• Check the thermostat: Make sure it's set to HEAT and the temperature is higher than the current room temperature. If it uses batteries, check those too.

• Check the power: If the furnace isn't responding at all, see whether the rest of your home has electricity. If the furnace breaker has tripped, don't keep resetting it.

• Look at the air filter: If it's accessible without opening equipment panels, check whether it's heavily clogged. A dirty filter can restrict airflow and contribute to furnace shutdowns.

If none of these checks solves the problem, don't start opening furnace panels or trying to figure out which internal part failed.

That's our job.

If your furnace still isn't heating your home, ANC can come out to diagnose the problem and get to work on the heating repair as soon as possible. Meanwhile, you can work on staying comfortable while we help you figure out the next step.

1. Pick One Room and Keep the Warmth There

When the heat goes out, your first instinct might be to walk around the house checking how cold every room is getting.

You’re wasting time doing that.

Instead, pick one room where everyone can spend time together while you wait for help.

If possible, choose a room that's easier to keep warm, preferably one with fewer windows and a door you can close. Getting everyone settled in one space can help you stay more comfortable without losing as much heat to the colder parts of the house.

Here's what to do:

• Close doors to rooms you aren't using.

• Shut curtains and blinds at night to reduce heat loss through windows.

• Place a rolled towel along the bottom of drafty exterior doors.

• Bring blankets, pillows, extra clothing, medications, and other essentials into your chosen room.

• Keep everyone together so you can check on each other.

If the sun is shining, open the curtains on sunny windows to let some natural warmth in and close them again when the sun goes down.

None of this will replace your furnace, obviously. But it can help slow down how quickly your living space gets uncomfortable.

2. Dress for the Weather, Even If You're Indoors

Wearing a winter hat in your living room isn't ideal, but neither is freezing.

If your house is getting colder, don't wait until you're shivering to start adding layers.

Wear a long-sleeve shirt, sweater or fleece, warm pants, and thick socks. Add a hat if needed, and keep blankets nearby when you're sitting still.

A few things to remember:

• Wear layers: Several loose-fitting layers can help trap warmth.

• Keep your feet covered: Cold floors aren't helping anybody.

• Stay dry: Change out of damp clothing, and avoid working up a sweat.

• Move around occasionally: Gentle movement can help you feel warmer without overexerting yourself.

• Check on everyone: Babies, older adults, and people with certain health conditions may have more trouble maintaining body temperature.

If you have pets, make sure they're staying warm, too. Bring them into the room with you and give them a comfortable spot away from cold floors and drafts.

3. Have a Fireplace? Put It to Good Use

If you have a working fireplace, this is one of those times when you're probably glad you have it.

A properly installed and maintained fireplace can provide supplemental warmth while your furnace is out. Some models can even operate during a power outage.

Just make sure you're using yours safely:

• Wood-burning fireplaces: Only use yours if the fireplace and chimney have been properly inspected and maintained.

• Gas fireplaces: Check your owner's manual to see whether yours can operate without electricity.

• Keep the area clear: Follow the manufacturer's safety clearances and keep anything flammable away.

• Check your alarms: Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working.

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions, and never leave a fire unattended or burning while you sleep.

If you don’t already have a fireplace, it might be worth considering before the next heating emergency.

Stop by ANC's Endicott showroom to check out our fireplace options. Our team can help you find one that fits your home, your heating needs, and your budget.

After all, having a backup source of warmth isn't a bad idea when you live in Upstate New York.

4. Use a Space Heater, but Use Your Head

If you still have electricity, a portable electric space heater can help keep your chosen room comfortable while you wait for repairs.

Just remember that space heaters can be a fire hazard when used incorrectly. And the last thing you need right now is another emergency.

A few safety rules:

• Choose a safe heater: Use an indoor electric model with tip-over and overheating protection.

• Plug it into the wall: Never use an extension cord or power strip.

• Keep your distance: Leave at least three feet between the heater and anything flammable, including furniture, curtains, and blankets.

• Watch where you put it: Keep it on a stable, level surface away from children and pets.

• Turn it off: Never leave a space heater running unattended or while you're sleeping.

And here's something we shouldn't have to say, but we will anyway: Never use your oven or stovetop to heat your home.

The same goes for charcoal grills, camp stoves, and outdoor heaters. They can create serious fire and carbon monoxide hazards. Portable generators also belong outdoors, at least 20 feet from doors, windows, and vents.

Staying warm is important, but staying safe is nonnegotiable.

5. Make Something Warm to Eat or Drink

Hot coffee won't fix your furnace, but it's still worth making some.

If you have electricity, warm up some soup, make a cup of tea, or prepare a hot meal. It's a simple way to make a cold house feel a little more comfortable.

If the power is out, stick to foods that don't require cooking, like sandwiches, fruit, nuts, or crackers. The important thing is to keep everyone fed and hydrated while you wait for the heat to come back on.

And skip the alcohol. It might make you feel warmer, but it actually makes it harder for your body to maintain its temperature.

6. Know When It's Time to Find Somewhere Warmer

A house without heat can become unsafe pretty quickly during a Binghamton winter. Blankets, extra layers, and supplemental heat can help, but there's a point when staying home just isn't worth the risk.

Keep an eye on your indoor temperature, and consider heading somewhere warm if:

• The temperature keeps dropping and you don't know when the heat will be restored.

• Your home is approaching 60°F, especially if you have young children, older adults, or anyone with health concerns.

• You don't have a safe way to stay warm, or the outage may last overnight.

• Someone is struggling to stay warm despite extra clothing and blankets.

There's no single temperature that's safe for everyone, so don't wait for the house to reach 60°F if someone is already having trouble staying warm.

Watch for signs of hypothermia, including:

• Uncontrollable shivering

• Confusion or unusual behavior

• Slurred speech

• Extreme tiredness or drowsiness

• Poor coordination

• In babies, unusually low energy or cold, reddish skin

If you suspect hypothermia, call 911 immediately and move the person somewhere warm while help is on the way.

If your home is getting too cold, stay with family or friends, find a hotel, or check local Broome County emergency announcements for available warming centers.

Don't put your safety on hold while waiting for furnace repairs. Getting somewhere warm is always more important than staying home for the appointment.

When the Heat Goes Out, ANC Is Ready to Help 

Losing heat during a Binghamton winter is stressful enough. Focus on keeping your family warm and safe, and leave the repairs to us.

With more than 60 years of experience serving Greater Binghamton, ANC Heating & Air Conditioning knows how important it is to get your heat back on when temperatures drop.

If your furnace has called it quits, don't wait for the house to get colder. Request an appointment with ANC, and we'll help you get on the path to a warm, comfortable home again.

Because winter in Upstate New York is cold enough without your furnace making things worse.