Whether your heat is out due to a power failure or furnace malfunction, you're probably wondering how to stay warm. Fortunately, there are several ways to stay comfortable while you wait for the power to come back on or technicians to arrive for furnace repairs. Aside from calling for furnace repairs, there are several effective ways to keep your family safe.

5 Ways to Keep Warm When Your Furnace Is Out

1. Block Drafts

The first step is to keep whatever indoor heat there is indoors. Grab a bunch of towels or blankets, roll them up, and place them at the base of exterior doors, around drafty windows, and other areas where the cold can get in. This will help keep the house warmer until power is restored or furnace repairs are complete.

2. Don Multiple Layers

If you have long underwear, put that on under your pants. Sweatpants or pajama bottoms will also work if you’re in a pinch. Wear a sweater and hoodie or a winter coat. Because heat loss occurs rapidly through the head, be sure to wear a hat. Gloves will help you stay comfortable, as well.

3. Use the Fireplace

The fireplace will keep at least one room warm and cozy while you wait for furnace repairs. Not only does it keep you warm while the fire is burning, but it also stores heat in the bricks, hearth, walls, and other thermal mass surrounding the fireplace. This stored heat gets released slowly over the course of several hours.

4. Cook a Meal

If your stove and oven are still operational, cook your family a big meal. The excess heat generated by simmering soup or roasting a chicken will help keep the house warm. Serve coffee and tea while you're at it. Caffeine has been shown to elevate the metabolism and increase body heat.

5. Space Heaters

An electric space heater is your best—and safest alternate heating equipment—option, unless you're suffering a power outage. In that case, consider buying or borrowing a kerosene, alcohol, or propane heater. However, be aware that anything that heats with a live flame can produce carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless toxic gas, so crack the windows at least two inches to allow proper ventilation.

For fast, reliable furnace repair, contact Ogeechee Heating & Air, a residential and commercial heating contractor and air conditioning company in Claxton, GA. They've been in business for over a decade and have 35 years of industry experience serving clients in and around southeast Georgia. Visit their website to see if you're in their service area or call (912) 739-4035 to schedule service.