When winter weather hits hard in Massachusetts, a sudden loss of heat can feel overwhelming—especially as temperatures drop and winds pick up. If you find yourself in this situation, stay calm. Before calling for emergency heating repair in Boston, MA, there are a few simple checks you can make that may resolve the issue quickly and safely.
Electrical Checks
First, take a look at your circuit breaker panel. Snowstorms can cause brief power fluctuations that trip breakers without warning. If you see that the furnace or HVAC system breaker is in the “off” position—or somewhere in between—reset it by switching it fully off, then back on. Give your system a moment to restart and listen for the blower or ignition system kicking on. If it doesn’t, move on to the next step.
Thermostat Checks
Next, check your thermostat settings. It’s surprisingly easy for a thermostat to get bumped, switched off, or reprogrammed, especially if you’ve been adjusting settings frequently to stay comfortable during the storm. Make sure it’s set to heat and that the temperature is set above the current indoor temperature. If your thermostat uses batteries, swap in fresh ones—low battery power can disable heating controls entirely. If you recently updated a thermostat schedule or switched to a smart thermostat, double-check that it didn’t revert to an energy-saving mode or a preset program.
Furnace Checks
A clogged air filter is another common cause of heating problems—especially during winter when equipment runs longer and harder. A severely blocked filter can cause your system to overheat and shut down as a safety measure. Pull out the filter and hold it up to a light source. If almost no light passes through, it’s time for a replacement. Installing a clean filter can sometimes bring your furnace back to life within minutes.
If you have a gas furnace, look to see whether the system’s safety switch or shutoff valve was triggered. Many furnaces have a switch that resembles a standard light switch nearby; if someone accidentally turned it off while storing items or clearing snow gear, flipping it back on may solve the problem. However, if you smell gas, leave your home immediately and call your gas company—never attempt to relight or troubleshoot a gas issue on your own.
Heat Pump Checks
For heat pumps, check whether snow or ice is blocking airflow around the outdoor unit. During a heavy snowstorm, buildup can prevent the system from running properly. Gently clear away snow around the unit, but never chip away ice—heat pumps have a defrost cycle that should melt ice on their own. If it’s not defrosting or continues to struggle, professional service is needed.
Professional Help
Finally, if you’ve tried these steps and still don’t have heat, don’t wait. Massachusetts snowstorms can push indoor temperatures down fast, and the longer a system struggles, the greater the chance of additional damage. Our team is on call 24/7 and we’ll arrive quickly to diagnose the issue and get your home warm and comfortable again.
Reach out to Cooling Unlimited, Inc. for emergency heating repair in Boston, MA.
