How Long Can My House Go Without Heat?

Facing a broken furnace in the dead of winter is stressful. When the heat goes out, your top priorities become keeping your family safe, staying comfortable, and protecting your home from damage. The uncertainty of how long it will take to get help can be the hardest part; how much time do you really have before the situation becomes critical?

For over 20 years, Naughton Mechanical has helped homeowners in Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland through heating crises. In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know when your home doesn’t have heating:

• Timeframes: You normally need to restore your heating within 24 hours.
• Risks of a cold home: The cold can cause expensive property damage and health issues.
• Immediate actions: Discover practical steps to manage your situation until professional help arrives.

How Long Can My House Stay Warm Without Heat?

Most homes begin losing heat within a few hours, and depending on outside temperatures, can drop to unsafe levels within 12 to 24 hours. Several factors determine how quickly your home becomes cold, including its insulation, overall size, window quality, and the severity of the outside weather. A well-insulated, modern home will hold warmth far longer than an older, drafty one. Likewise, a house in a milder climate may remain comfortable for a day or two, but subzero weather significantly shortens that window.

What Happens If My House Gets Too Cold?

When your home’s temperature drops, it poses risks to both your family and the structure itself.

• For People and Pets: Unsafe sleeping conditions and general discomfort are the first concerns. As indoor temperatures fall below 50°F, the risk of hypothermia increases, especially for children, the elderly, and pets.
• For Your Home: The biggest threat is frozen and burst pipes. When water freezes, it expands, which can cause pipes to crack and lead to major water damage once they thaw. This risk becomes serious when indoor temperatures dip below 55°F. You might also notice condensation on windows and walls, which can lead to mold problems over time.

What Can I Do to Stay Warm While Waiting for Furnace Repair?

While you wait for a technician to repair your furnace, a few practical steps can help preserve warmth and keep your family comfortable.

• Conserve Heat: Close the doors to unused rooms to contain heat in the spaces you’re actively using.
• Use Safe Heat Sources: If you have a fireplace or a modern space heater, use it cautiously. Keep flammable materials at a safe distance and never leave them unattended. Crucially, never use a gas oven or outdoor grill to heat your home, as this creates a serious risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Insulate and Layer: Cover windows with heavy blankets to reduce heat loss. Place draft stoppers or rolled-up towels at the bottom of doors. Layer your clothing, and use extra bedding or sleeping bags to stay warm, especially at night.

How Can I Protect My Home From Damage Without Heat?

Preventing burst pipes should be a top priority. A few measures can make a big difference.

• Keep Water Moving: Turn on faucets to a slow, steady drip. Moving water is less likely to freeze solid.
• Expose Your Pipes: Open cabinet doors under sinks in the kitchen and bathrooms to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
• Drain the Lines: If you expect a prolonged outage with dangerously low temperatures, consider shutting your water off and draining the pipes to prevent freezing.

Need Help? Naughton Mechanical is Here for You!

A furnace breakdown is a common problem, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Taking immediate steps can keep your family and home safe until your heat is restored.

Naughton Mechanical offers 24/7 emergency services to get your heat back on as quickly as possible. Contact us today for immediate assistance in Northwest Indiana.