As weather patterns change, many areas of the country are experiencing unusually cold winters. The sudden increase in demand for electricity can take down power grids for hours or even days. During these times, many homeowners in Broomfield and the Denver area are wondering if their gas furnaces will work or what steps to take during power outages. Here are some tips from the experts at True Heating & Cooling to help you keep your family safe and comfortable.
Do Gas Furnaces Need Electricity?
Like most modern appliances, your gas furnace does use some amount of electricity to operate. Unfortunately, this means that your gas furnace will not work during a power outage. You should know how to safeguard your furnace for those times when the power goes out. You should also have a backup plan for your home. The plan should address essential activities in your home such as heating water, storing food and preparing meals.
Residential Generators
Residential generators are excellent investments that give you peace of mind during the unpredictable weather patterns that are occurring more often in the Denver area. You can find generators to run only the necessities of your home, or you can have a whole-home generator installed. Think about the appliances that are absolutely necessary, such as your furnace, refrigerator, stove and hot water heater. Lighting is another consideration, although most families can manage with flashlights. Be sure to set aside rechargeable batteries that are only for emergencies.
Safety First
When the power goes out during a cold winter in the Denver area, you may consider ways to make your furnace work to keep your family safe. We understand that this can be a frustrating and overwhelming time, but you should always err on the side of caution. Do not attempt to modify your furnace for it to work during power outages. The best option is to invest in a generator for your home that has the capacity to operate essential electrical equipment for a few days.
Turn Off The Circuit Breakers
You may be wondering why you need to shut off the circuits to your furnace during a power outage. The reason is that power grids rarely come on instantaneously, and the power supply in your area may fluctuate as every household starts to turn on lights, HVAC systems and appliances. These changes to the power supply of your furnace can damage your equipment. It is best to leave the circuit breaker off until the power is stable for about 15 to 30 minutes.
Keep The Pilot Light Lit
You’ll want to keep the pilot light of the furnace lit during a power outage. If it does go out, turn off the gas valve, and relight it after the power is restored. It’s much easier to light a pilot when you have good lighting.
Do a Quick Inspection
After the power is restored, turn on the circuit breaker for your furnace. The unit should turn on within a minute or so. Listen carefully for any unusual sounds from the unit, such as rattling, hissing and knocking. You should also check for any unusual smells from the furnace as this may indicate electrical issues or gas leaks. If you notice any of these issues, turn off the furnace right away, and call the experts at True Heating & Cooling for an emergency service appointment with one of our technicians.
Schedule a Maintenance Appointment
You should have your furnace maintained by a professional technician from True Heating & Cooling in the fall before you need the furnace for the colder temperatures. It’s also a good idea to have your furnace looked at before you turn it off for the summer. We also recommend that you have a technician inspect the system after power outages that last for several hours or longer. The technician can verify that everything is working properly in your furnace.
Reliable Heating During Winter Power Outages
True Heating & Cooling offers homeowners in Broomfield, Northglenn and the greater Denver area with professional, high-quality services that keep their HVAC systems running safely and efficiently. We can ensure that your furnace is able to keep your family comfortable during the winter, and we offer emergency services to help when you lose power. Give us a call to schedule an appointment and learn more about our company. Be sure to ask about our other services, including garage heaters, indoor air quality, water heaters and carbon monoxide detectors.