5 Steps to Take If Your Heating Equipment Fails This Winter

Winter in Washington can be beautiful… but it is still quite cold!

Although it is said nearly every year, winter in King County could be more intense than in previous years. According to the Climate Prediction Center (CPC), there is a 40%-50% chance of lower-than-average temperatures statewide from December through February. 

If your heating equipment unexpectedly fails during one of these expected colder nights, your cozy night at home can quickly become a freezing emergency. Whether you rely on a furnace, heat pump, or another heating system, knowing how to respond promptly and effectively can make all the difference.

Ballard Natural Gas Services understands how stressful it is to be without heat during the cold months. That’s why we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to help you handle a heating system breakdown and restore comfort to your Shoreline, home as quickly as possible.

5 Steps If Your Heating Equipment Fails

If your heater quits mid-cycle or refuses to turn on during the Shoreline, winter season, these steps will help you keep your cool and know when to call Ballard Natural Gas Services for emergency heating repair.

Step 1: Troubleshoot the Issue

Before assuming your heating equipment needs professional repair, take a moment to troubleshoot common issues. Sometimes, at the start of the season, our heating equipment isn’t ready to get to work, and simple, quick maintenance is all that is needed.

• Check the Thermostat: Ensure the thermostat is set to “heat” and the temperature is set higher than the current room temperature. Dead batteries or incorrect settings are often the culprits of many suspected heating issues.
• Inspect the Power Supply: If you have an electric furnace or heat pump, check that the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped; for gas systems, verify that the pilot light is lit and the gas valve is turned on.
• Look for Blockages: Dirty filters and obstructed vents can restrict airflow, causing your system to work inefficiently or shut down altogether.
• Attempt a Reset: Resetting your furnace may be needed to clear any safety codes triggered by issues that prevented it from starting.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, it’s time to move on to the next step.

Step 2: Call a Trusted Heating Equipment Repair Company

Once you’ve ruled out simple fixes, contacting a professional heating repair service in local, can help you get back to comfort quickly. Attempting complex repairs on your own can lead to further damage or even safety hazards, especially with gas-powered systems.

At Ballard Natural Gas Service, we specialize in heating equipment repair throughout Northwest Washington. Our experienced technicians can diagnose and fix a wide range of heating system problems, ensuring your King County home stays warm and safe all winter.

When calling for assistance, be prepared to provide details about your heating system and the issue you’re experiencing. This information helps prepare your Ballard Natural Gas Service technicians to address the problem efficiently.

Step 3: Stay Warm While You Wait for Repairs

Depending on the extent of the issue, it may take some time to repair your heating equipment. In the meantime, here are some tips to stay warm:

• Layer Up: Wear thermal clothing, hats, socks, and blankets to retain body heat.
• Close Unused Rooms: Focus heat in the areas you use most by closing doors to unused rooms.
• Use Alternative Heat Sources: If possible, turn on portable space heaters or fire up your wood stove or fireplace.
• Use Natural Heat Sources: Open curtains during the day to let in sunlight, and close them at night to trap the warmth.
• Just Move: Not homes but your body! Staying active can keep your body feeling warm.

If the temperature inside your home becomes dangerously low, consider staying with friends or family or a nearby hotel until your heater’s repairs are completed.

Step 4: Take Safety Precautions

A heating failure in winter can create more than just discomfort—it can lead to health and safety concerns. Follow these precautions to protect your family:

• Use Alternative Heat Sources Safely: If you’re using space heaters, ensure they are placed on flat, non-flammable surfaces and are not left unattended. Never use your oven or stove as a heat source.
• Monitor Indoor Air Quality: Without proper heating, humidity is not removed from the air, so your home may become damp, increasing the risk of mold and poor air quality. Open windows periodically to improve ventilation, but don’t overdo it in freezing weather.
• Prevent Frozen Pipes: Keep faucets slightly open to allow a trickle of water. This will reduce the risk of pipes freezing and bursting, in addition to your heating issue.

By staying proactive, you can avoid compounding the stress of a heating failure with other preventable emergencies.

Step 5: Schedule Preventative Maintenance to Avoid Future Failures

Once your heating equipment is repaired, take steps to ensure it runs smoothly for the rest of the winter and beyond. Preventative maintenance is the best way to avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs.

Ballard Natural Gas Services offers comprehensive maintenance plans to keep your system running efficiently and reliably. Regular inspections can help identify small issues before they become major problems, saving you time and money in the long run.

Maintenance typically includes:

• Cleaning or replacing air filters
• Checking for loose or worn components
• Ensuring proper airflow and system efficiency
• Verifying safety controls

By scheduling an annual tune-up, you can extend the life of your heating system and enjoy peace of mind during Washington’s chilly winters.

Should You Attempt DIY Repairs on Your Heater?

When faced with a heating equipment failure, it might be tempting to fix the issue yourself. While you can safely perform a few basic troubleshooting options, like those mentioned above, most repairs should be left to licensed professionals to avoid further damage or safety risks.

Misdiagnosing the problem or attempting a repair without the proper tools can lead to further damage, requiring more extensive (and expensive) repairs down the line. Additionally, tampering with your heating system may void your manufacturer’s warranty.

To avoid these risks, rely on a professional HVAC technician in King County, to properly diagnose and repair your heating equipment. At Ballard Natural Gas Services, we have the training and experience to safely and efficiently restore your system so you can enjoy reliable heat all winter long.

Don’t Let Heating Equipment Failures Ruin Your Winter

A sudden heating system breakdown can be frustrating and inconvenient, but with the right steps, you can minimize its impact. From troubleshooting common issues to calling trusted HVAC professionals for heating equipment repair in Shoreline, each action you take helps restore comfort and warmth to your home.

Ballard Natural Gas Services is proud to serve homeowners throughout King County with expert heating repair, maintenance, and installation services. If your heating equipment fails this winter, don’t wait—call us today at 206-784-8101 or schedule an appointment online.

Stay prepared, stay warm, and trust Ballard Natural Gas Services to keep your home cozy all season long!