How to Heat Home When Furnace Goes Out

Are you feeling cold after your furnace goes out? Do not worry—there are several ways to heat your home and keep yourself warm.

When the furnace unexpectedly goes out, particularly during the colder months, it can quickly turn a cozy home into a chilly retreat. However, there are several strategies you can adopt to keep warm and maintain a comfortable temperature in your home until the furnace can be repaired or replaced.

This guide will outline a variety of methods on how to heat home when furnace goes out, ensuring you and your family stay comfortable even without the main heating system operational. Whether you’re looking for a quick, temporary fix or a more sustainable solution during a prolonged outage, you’ll find practical and effective tips to help you beat the cold.

What are the Causes of Furnace Failure?

Before we dive into how to heat your home when the furnace goes out, let’s understand some common causes of furnace failure. This will help prevent future breakdowns and ensure your heating system operates efficiently.

1. Lack of Maintenance: Lack of regular maintenance is one of the leading causes of furnace failure. Neglecting to schedule routine check-ups and cleanings can lead to dust buildup, clogged filters, and other issues that can cause your furnace to malfunction.
2. Thermostat Issues: Sometimes, the problem may not lie with your furnace but with your thermostat. Faulty wiring or incorrect settings can prevent the furnace from turning on or maintaining a consistent temperature.
3. Pilot Light or Ignition Problems: If your furnace has a pilot light, it may go out due to a faulty thermocouple or gas valve. Similarly, an electronic ignition system can malfunction and prevent the furnace from turning on.
4. Dirty or Blocked Vents: Airflow is essential for your furnace to operate effectively. If your vents are dirty or blocked by furniture or other objects, it can reduce the amount of warm air circulating in your home.
5. Age and Wear: Over time, furnaces experience wear and tear, which can cause various issues, such as worn-out belts or bearings, cracked heat exchangers, and more. If your furnace is old or not well-maintained, it may be more prone to breakdowns.

Now that you understand the common causes of furnace failure let’s explore ways to heat your home when your furnace goes out.

What Will You Need?

Before we jump into the different methods, here are a few essential items you may need to heat your home when the furnace goes out:

• Blankets and Layers: Keeping yourself warm should be your top priority. Have plenty of blankets and layers of clothing on hand to stay comfortable.
• Alternative Heat Sources include space heaters, fireplaces, or wood-burning stoves. Make sure to have extra fuel or wood on hand.
• Insulation Materials: Seal drafty windows and doors with insulation materials such as plastic sheets, towels, or newspapers to keep the warm air in.
• Emergency Supplies: To stay informed and prepared in case of a prolonged outage, it’s essential to have emergency supplies like flashlights, candles, matches, and a battery-powered radio.
• Safety Precautions: Always prioritize safety when using alternative heat sources. Keep them away from any flammable materials, use carbon monoxide detectors, and never leave them unattended.

Once you have these items, you’re ready to explore the different heating methods when the furnace goes out.

10 Easy Steps on How to Heat Home When Furnace Goes Out

Step 1. Utilize Space Heaters:

Space heaters can be a lifeline in the absence of your primary heating system. They’re portable, relatively inexpensive, and can quickly heat up a small area. When using space heaters, focus on warming the rooms you use the most, such as living rooms and bedrooms. It’s crucial to follow safety guidelines to prevent any accidents. Keep the heater on a flat, hard surface away from flammable objects, and never leave it on unattended or while sleeping. Consider using electric space heaters as they are more efficient and pose less risk of carbon monoxide poisoning compared to fuel-based heaters.

Step 2. Maximize the Use of Blankets and Warm Clothing:

Besides heating the space around you, another effective way to keep warm is by dressing in multiple layers of clothing and using blankets. Wool or thermal materials are particularly effective at retaining body heat. Wear a hat and socks to bed, as much body heat is lost through the head and feet. Additionally, blankets can be utilized to create a warmer sleeping area, layering them for insulation. This method is simple, cost-effective, and ensures you remain comfortable while conserving energy.

Step 3. Seal Drafts and Insulate Windows:

One of the quickest and most cost-effective ways to retain heat in your house is by sealing off drafts and insulating windows. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal gaps in window frames and doorways where cold air might enter. Covering windows with heavy curtains or applying a clear plastic film over them can add an extra insulation layer. You can also block drafts under doors with towels or draft stoppers. These steps will help keep the warm air inside and reduce the heat needed to keep your home comfortable, making it an essential strategy without a working furnace.

Step 4. Take Advantage of Solar Heat:

During the day, open curtains and blinds on windows facing the sun to allow sunlight to enter your home. The natural heat from the sun can significantly warm your house, reducing the need for additional heating.

Make sure to close the curtains as the sun goes down to keep the warmth inside. This method uses free solar energy, making it both eco-friendly and cost-effective. Utilizing solar heat is an effortless way to increase your home’s temperature without relying on external heat sources.

Step 5. Cook and Bake at Home:

Using your oven to cook or bake can help increase the temperature in your kitchen and surrounding areas. This provides you with warm meals, and the heat generated from cooking can warm your home. After you’re done using the oven, leave its door slightly open to allow the heat to disperse through the room (only do this if it’s safe and inaccessible to children or pets). This method makes your living space more comfortable and offers the added benefit of enjoying home-cooked meals, making it a practical solution during colder periods without furnace heat.

Step 6. Close Off Unused Rooms:

To conserve heat in the areas of your home where it’s needed most, consider closing off unused rooms. This prevents the spread of warm air to spaces that are not in use, thereby maintaining a higher temperature in the common areas.

Keep the doors shut, and if gaps are under the door, use towels or draft stoppers to block them. This method effectively directs heat only where it is required, making it a straightforward strategy to optimize the warmth in your home without the furnace.

Step 7. Use a Wood-Burning Stove or Fireplace:

If you have a wood-burning stove or a fireplace, these can become the central heating source for your home in the absence of a furnace. Burning wood is an efficient way to generate a significant amount of heat quickly. Ensure you have a good supply of dry, seasoned wood to keep the fire going. It’s important to ensure your chimney is clean and properly ventilated to prevent any smoke or carbon monoxide issues. Gathering around the fireplace can also create a cozy atmosphere, making your home warm and inviting during cold spells. Always remember never to leave the fire unattended and use a fire screen to protect against sparks.

Step 8. Invest in Thermal Curtains:

Thermal curtains are designed to block out cold air and retain heat, making them an excellent investment for keeping your home warm without a furnace. These curtains are made from heavy fabrics and sometimes have a special thermal lining that adds an extra layer of insulation to your windows.

By swapping out lightweight curtains for thermal ones, you can significantly reduce heat loss through windows, one of the biggest culprits of energy drain in homes. Hanging thermal curtains is a simple yet effective step to enhance your home’s ability to stay warm during cold weather, reducing your reliance on other heating sources.

Step 9. Engage in Physical Activity:

Staying active indoors can help raise your body temperature and keep you warm without needing a furnace. Simple exercises, like stretching, yoga, or even light cardio activities such as jogging in place, can increase blood circulation and generate body heat. Encouraging family members to participate in these activities can also make this a fun and healthy way to stay warm together. This helps maintain a comfortable temperature in your home and contributes to your overall physical well-being during the colder months.

Step 10. Use Space Heaters Wisely:

While central heating might be out of the question, portable space heaters can fill in the gap nicely, warming up a small area efficiently. When using space heaters, safety is paramount. Always place them on a stable, flat surface away from flammable materials like curtains, bedding, or furniture. Never leave a space heater running unattended, and avoid using it in bedrooms while sleeping. Choose models with automatic shut-off features and overheat protection for added safety.

By strategically placing space heaters in the areas you use most and following these safety guidelines, you can ensure a warmer home environment during the coldest days without over-reliance on your furnace.

5 Additional Tips and Tricks

1. Utilize Space Heaters: Space heaters can be a quick and efficient way to warm up a room. When using them, prioritize frequently used rooms and ensure they’re placed away from flammable materials.
2. Maximize Sunlight During The Day: Open curtains and blinds during the daytime to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home. Close them as soon as the sun sets to retain the warmth inside.
3. Seal Drafts and Leaks: Use weather-stripping, caulking, or even heavy curtains to block drafts around doors and windows. This simple action can significantly reduce heat loss.
4. Reverse Ceiling Fans: If your ceiling fans have a reverse switch, use it during the colder months. By doing so, the fans will push warm air that rises to the ceiling back down into the room.
5. Layer Up and Use Warm Bedding: Adding layers to your clothing can significantly increase your body’s warmth. Similarly, warmer bedding like flannel sheets and heavy comforters can keep you comfortable through the night without needing external heating sources.

With these additional tips and tricks, you can further improve your home’s energy efficiency during the colder months.

5 Things You Should Avoid When Heating Your Home After Your Furnace Goes Out

1. Using Open Flames Unattended: Avoid leaving candles, fireplaces, or any open flames without supervision. These can quickly become fire hazards if not carefully monitored.
2. Ignoring Ventilation When Using Alternative Heating Sources: When using devices like portable heaters, ensure the room is adequately ventilated to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning or other gas build-ups.
3. Overloading Electrical Circuits: Avoid overloading your home’s electrical circuits with multiple space heaters. This can lead to electrical fires or damage to your home’s wiring.
4. Using Outdoor Heating Equipment Indoors: Never bring outdoor heating equipment inside, such as barbecue grills or propane heaters. They emit carbon monoxide and other gases that can be deadly when used in unventilated spaces.
5. Blocking Emergency Exits with Alternative Heating Devices: Ensure that none of your alternative heating solutions block or obstruct emergency exits. In the event of a fire or another emergency, clear access to these exits can be life-saving.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure the safety and well-being of yourself and your household when heating your home without a functioning furnace.

What Happens if You Never Heat Your House?

Choosing not to heat your house can have both short-term and long-term consequences. In the short term, you and your family will experience discomfort and possibly even health issues due to exposure to cold temperatures. This is especially true for vulnerable individuals such as children, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions.

In the long term, a consistently cold house can lead to structural damage and mold growth. The cold can cause pipes to freeze and burst, leading to costly repairs. Mold can also thrive in damp, cold environments, which can not only damage your home but also pose health risks.

Furthermore, not heating your house can significantly decrease its value if you plan on selling it in the future. Potential buyers may be turned off by a house with a history of being poorly heated and may want to avoid taking on the potential problems that come with it.

It is important to heat your house for comfort and safety reasons. If you are experiencing issues with your furnace, addressing them promptly before they lead to further consequences is best.

Is There a Solar Powered Heater?

Yes, there are solar-powered heaters available on the market. These heaters use solar panels to collect and convert sunlight into energy, then heat a room or space. They can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for heating your home.

However, they may not be suitable for colder climates or areas with limited sunlight. Before investing in a solar-powered heater, it’s important to research and consider your specific heating needs. Additionally, it’s essential to have a backup heating source in case of prolonged periods of cloudy weather or low sunlight.

Overall, a solar-powered heater can be a great option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save on energy costs, but there may be more reliable options for consistent heating.  So, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding. 

Do Tealight Heaters Work?

Tealight heaters, known as “candle-powered heaters,” are a popular DIY alternative heating option. They involve placing tea lights under an upside-down terracotta pot to create radiant heat. While this may seem like a cost-effective and innovative solution, limited scientific evidence supports its effectiveness.

Some users claim that tealight heaters can effectively warm small spaces, while others believe they don’t work at all. Additionally, there are safety concerns with using open flames indoors and potentially releasing harmful gases from burning candles.

Overall, it’s important to exercise caution when considering tealight heaters as a heating source and have a backup plan in case they do not provide adequate warmth. It may be more reliable and safer to invest in a certified alternative heating device or address any issues with your furnace. 

Conclusion:

Navigating the inconvenience and discomfort of a furnace outage during the colder months demands a strategic approach to ensure you and your loved ones remain warm and safe.

By adopting a multifaceted strategy that includes utilizing space heaters judiciously, leveraging the natural warmth of sunlight throughout the day, sealing off drafts and leaks, adjusting ceiling fans to redistribute heat, and dressing in appropriate layers, you can effectively mitigate the absence of central heating. It’s also critical to observe safety measures rigorously, especially when employing alternative heating methods, to prevent accidents or health hazards. Remember, while these solutions can provide temporary relief, addressing the root cause by repairing or replacing the furnace is imperative for long-term comfort and safety.

Hopefully, the article on how to heat home when furnace goes out has provided you with helpful tips and information to navigate this challenging situation. Stay warm and stay safe!