What to Do If You Lose Heat This Winter

December 15, 2017

If you’ve ever been faced with an unexpected heat loss during the winter months in New Hampshire, you know just how alarming the situation can be. While an issue with your heating equipment may be the source of the problem, be sure to rule out other common causes—that don’t require an emergency service visit and bill—with this helpful checklist.

No-Heat Checklist for New Hampshire Homeowners

Is your fuel tank empty? Yes No
Check the gauge to see if you need heating oil, and if you do, call your local energy provider.
Is your thermostat setting correct? Yes No
Make sure your thermostat’s setting is on HEAT and that the cooling function is not on by mistake.
Are all switches on? Yes No
Check that all furnace and emergency switches are on.
Have you reset your furnace? Yes No
Press the RESET button on your furnace ONCE ONLY.

If you’ve performed all of the above steps and you still don’t have heat, call your local energy company right away for assistance.

Ways to Help Prevent a Heat-Out Emergency

Taking measures to reduce the risk of a heat-out emergency is easier if you purchase your fuel from a full-service provider. Take a look at these ways to help minimize the chance of fuel run-outs and heating equipment failures.

Sign up for automatic delivery. If you’re still calling your oil company to place each individual fuel order, make the switch to automatic delivery. With this service, your fuel company keeps track of your oil usage for you and makes deliveries exactly when you need them.

Schedule annual tune-ups. A maintenance visit from a licensed HVAC technician just once a year—ideally right before the heating season begins—can do wonders for your heating system’s efficiency and your peace of mind all winter. If there are any issues with your heating system at the time of your tune-up, you’ll have time to correct them before the coldest days of the year.

Upgrade equipment when needed. Whether it’s time to replace your boiler or furnace with a newer, high-efficiency model or repair a few system components identified at the time of your tune-up, make sure to keep up with necessary upgrades. Don’t risk operating old, inefficient, and potentially unsafe equipment for another winter.

Select a service plan. If your energy company offers service plan coverage, take advantage of the bundled services for your savings and convenience. Options commonly include your annual tune-up and discounts on system repairs. The better you take care of your heating equipment, the better it will perform for your home and family each winter.