When Is No Heat an Emergency? 

Losing your home’s heating is considered an emergency when it’s 40 degrees or colder outside. Within just a few hours, a lack of heat can cause indoor temperatures to become uncomfortable and ultimately unhealthy, especially for the young and elderly or those with underlying health conditions.

When Broken Heating Systems Become an Emergency 

A no-heat emergency can put your health at risk quickly on cold winter days. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), homeowners should maintain an indoor temperature of 62-64 degrees Fahrenheit for healthy indoor air quality and reduce the risk of respiratory problems. Households with infants or older adults should set their thermostats to 70 degrees.

Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can lead to cold-related health issues, including hypothermia.

Related: What is the Ideal Room Temperature for an Elderly Person?

Not Too Cold? No-Heat Emergencies Pose Other Risks 

No heat is considered an emergency, even on a mild day, because the loss of heat could indicate severe HVAC problems that could threaten the safety of your home.

Gas leak – A gas, propane, or fuel-oil furnace leak is a life-threatening emergency. A slow or severe gas leak might be the cause of your heating failing and require immediate repair. If your boiler or furnace stops working and you notice the smell of rotten eggs, leave your home and call 9-1-1 immediately. Natural gas companies add a chemical called mercaptan to make it easy to sniff out a heater gas leak.

Carbon monoxide – Malfunctioning heating equipment can leak elevated levels of carbon monoxide into your home. Any combustion source, including gas-fired furnaces, water heaters, stoves, and dryers, is a potential source of carbon monoxide. Always keep your carbon monoxide monitors in good working order and watch for initial symptoms of exposure like elevated heart rate and a headache.

Signs of Potential Home Heating-related Problems 

Losing heat should also be considered an emergency if it causes indoor temperatures to fall to uncomfortable levels. No heat isn’t the only time to call for immediate repairs, though.

Seek emergency repairs if you notice any of the following:

  • The smell of burning plastic or metal, which could be the result of overheating
  • Rotten egg smell from a natural gas leak
  • Mold or mildew smell (you could need professional mold and mildew services)

When in doubt, play it safe and contact your local One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning technician.

No Heat, No Hesitation: Call One Hour 

Consider heating failure an emergency and seek immediate repair services. Addressing the problem right away will identify any dangerous leaks, reduce the potential damage to heating equipment, and make your family comfortable again.

As the industry’s most professional and punctual HVAC service provider, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning is available 24/7 to serve you. Request an appointment or call (800) 893-3523 for emergency repair services.