If your furnace gives out during the winter and you can’t troubleshoot it yourself, it can be stressful and uncomfortable. To combat cold indoor temperatures and the potential for burst pipes, schedule furnace repair as soon as possible. Stay warm with the following tips while you wait for service.

How to Stay Warm When the Heat Goes Out

1. Boil Water

While waiting for furnace repairs, boil some water on the stove or in a kettle. You can use that water to make tea, coffee, or soup to keep you warm. If you aren’t hungry or thirsty, pour the hot water in a heat-safe water bottle, wrap it in towels, and keep it close to your body.

2. Seal Off Rooms

Pick a room in the house to stay in and use blankets, pillows, or plastic to block any gaps around the doors and windows temporarily. Pick a room with low ceilings—the smaller the space, the less you have to work to warm it. Huddle together with others to generate and maintain body heat.

3. Stay Moving

If you’re alone in the house, or if you and your family have gotten cold, move a little. Put on some of your favorite songs and have a karaoke night. Exercise equipment comes in handy here, as the increased blood flow keeps you warm as you wait for furnace repair.

4. Bundle Up

Gather all the blankets in your house, including the ones in your bedroom, to create a cocoon of warmth. Layer on clothes, a hat, and socks—the body loses heat fastest through the feet and head. Lighting candles can add a few degrees and establish a cozy ambiance.

5. Use Space Heaters

Hook up a space heater and stay close, or plug in an electric blanket and snuggle in. If you don’t have backup heat sources in your house now, stock up in case this happens again.

If you want to learn more about furnace repair, geothermal heat pumps, or AC installation, contact Cowboy’s Heating & Air in Ohio’s Miami Valley. Their attention to detail, 24/7 emergency services, and expertise in all aspects of heating make them one of the top HVAC companies in the Tri-State area. Visit their website to learn about their services, or call (937) 604-1541 to schedule an appointment.