Tips From a Plumber: What to Do If You Lose Heat While Waiting for Service
Check the Basics First
Before assuming a major breakdown:
Make sure the thermostat is on HEAT and set above the current room temperature.
Replace thermostat batteries if it has them.
Check the emergency switch (usually a red switch by the basement door or near the boiler/furnace). Make sure it’s ON.
Check your breaker panel — heating systems often have their own breaker that can trip.
Look at Your Fuel Source
Oil heat: Look at your tank gauge. If it’s at or near empty, call for an emergency oil delivery.
Gas heat: Make sure the gas meter isn’t shut off. If you smell gas, leave immediately and call the gas company.
Reset Carefully… Once
Most systems have a reset button:
Boilers & furnaces: Press the reset button ONE time only.
If the system doesn’t start, do NOT keep pressing it. Multiple resets can flood the system with oil or damage components.
Keep Pipes From Freezing
This is huge, frozen pipes can cause thousands in damage.
Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warmer air reach the pipes.
Run faucets at a trickle (hot and cold) to keep water moving.
Place a space heater in the basement if you have one and it’s safe.
Know where your main shutoff valve is in case a frozen pipe bursts.
Use Secondary Heat Sources Safely
Electric space heaters: Keep 3+ feet away from anything flammable.
Fireplaces/wood stoves: Use with proper ventilation.
Never use ovens, grills, or propane heaters indoors, they produce deadly CO.
Layer Up & Close Off Rooms
Close doors to unused rooms.
Roll towels at the bottom of drafty doors.
Layer clothing, use blankets, and sleep in one room if needed.
Check for Error Codes
Modern boilers, furnaces, mini-splits, and tankless heaters often show:
Flashing lights
Error codes
Blinking LEDs
Snap a photo — it helps the tech diagnose faster.
If You Have a Heat Pump / Mini-Split
Check for ice buildup on the outdoor unit.
Make sure the unit has 4–6 inches of clearance from snow.
Do NOT chip ice off; just clear airflow and let defrost mode work.
Keep a Safe Temperature
Try to prevent the house from dropping below 55°F (12°C) to minimize freezing risk.
Prepare for the Technician
This saves the tech time, and gets your heat back faster:
Clear a path to the furnace/boiler.
Have pets secured.
Write down what happened, any noises/smells, and what you already tried.
Still without heat? Don’t wait it out.
We’ll be right over…
👉 Ask about joining the TBros Customer Care Plan for priority plumbing support
