How To Stay Warm While Waiting For Furnace Repair

On October 4, 2024

It happens more often than you think. People decide to forego their regular furnace maintenance or forget to test their heating system before cold weather sets in. Then, as it does, the weather suddenly switches from cool summer temperatures to straight fall chill.
And that’s when you know there’s no chance of another heat wave to let us keep on living the summer dream. It’s time to turn up the heat, and put on our gloves and scarves as we head out the door.
The HVAC professionals at CJS Heating and Air have many times been called to homes where the gloves and scarves are being kept on, even within the home. A broken or poorly functioning heating system means people need to get a little creative on how to keep warm and return to some of the methods used in pre-furnace days.
If your furnace is blowing cold air or isn’t coming on, call our team for an appointment, and then read on to employ some of the tips below on how to keep warm while you’re waiting for furnace repairs.

How to stay warm when you’re waiting for repairs

There are two courses of action to follow when trying to stay warm without heating. You can make your body warm and toasty and you can do things within your home to prevent the cold air from coming in and the warm air from escaping outside. Let’s first start with fortifying your home.

Open or close curtains and blinds based on the time and weather

If the sun happens to be shining brightly and warmly, you can open your blinds to let the sunshine and warmth come into your home. However, if it’s evening or cloudy, you’ll want to keep the curtains and blinds closed. They’ll act as a form of insulation, preventing the cold from sneaking inside and warm air from leaving your house.

Increase the humidity of your home

Think of a hot, dry summer day out in the country. It’s somewhere around 80°F: a perfect day. Now, think of a hot, humid summer day in a city. It’s the same temperature, but it feels more like 86 degrees: less bearable and more sweaty.
Bad science lesson aside, you know what we’re saying: Humid air feels warmer. So, when your heating isn’t working, you can increase the humidity of your home to stay warmer. Do this by using a humidifier and leaving your fan off while you shower.

Use your ceiling fans

Speaking of fans, make sure any ceiling fans are running in reverse. This pushes warm air back down to the ground and keeps you cozier.

Block drafts and prevent heat from escaping

If your home is drafty, you’ll immediately know if your furnace stops working. So this is truly an ideal time to figure out where you’re losing heat from your home. Doing this will save you money when your heating system is back up and running, too, so you might as well make your home a bit more efficient in the meantime.
Check windows, electrical outlets, and doors. You can fill any gaps where cold air is getting in by using weather stripping, caulk, rolled-up towels, or some other homemade MacGyver rigging.

Use some other heating device

We saved the most obvious home solution for last: Use a space heater or a fireplace, if you have one. Electric blankets and hot water bottles also work.
Now let’s move onto how to keep yourself warm.

Put on more clothes

This time, let’s start with the most evident idea: Put on a sweater. Dress in multiple thin layers. Wear wool. Dig out your bunny ear slippers. Wear ear warmers or a hat. You get the idea.
Also, it’s obvious to add extra blankets to your bed and put on some flannel sheets if you have them. Double up on the amount of heat you’re getting by throwing your clothes or blankets in the dryer and then snuggle up in them.

Warm your body from the inside out

You have a number of options here. Many people will drink hot tea, coffee, soup, or some other warm food or beverage. Others (of legal drinking age) can responsibly enjoy a fine whiskey or rum to warm themselves up.
Those with some real motivation and discipline will use this time to start their home workout routine. Get your body moving to raise your body temperature — and look fabulous come this holiday season.

Increase cuddle time

Finally, perhaps the best way to keep warm during your heating crisis is to be around others. Snuggle with the one you love, or invite a group of friends over. The more bodies in the room, the warmer it’ll be inside your home.
That’s it! Those are some of the best ways to stay warm while waiting for furnace repairs. If you’re uncertain whether or not your home heating is ready for the coming winter season, get in touch with CJS Heating and Air for an inspection and maintenance check.
Schedule your furnace appointment now; call (614) 482-2470