Picture this. You’re just about to sit down after dinner, and you notice something is off. Your furnace isn’t working. Since it’s outside of normal business hours and after hours, you’re not exactly sure what to do. Unfortunately, your furnace doesn’t plan its malfunction around your schedule. It could happen anytime, day or night. In this article, we’ll discuss some of your options for handling the unexpected.
What steps should I take if my furnace goes out after hours?
As you could probably expect, calling after hours to schedule an HVAC repair will come at a higher cost. Before picking up the phone, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue yourself. Sometimes, the problem is easy to fix. Things like replacing batteries or replacing the filter can be handled without calling in an expert. During the winter, blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers are relatively common. This is because of extra electronics in use or holiday lights plugged in. Before picking up the phone, it’s also a good idea to check to make sure your furnace switch is in the ON position. You can also take a look at the venting and intake pipes for anything obstructing them.
After checking for these common problems, the next question you have to think about is when to call for your furnace repair. Depending on the temperature and your home’s insulation, you may be able to schedule your appointment during regular service hours.
How much can I expect to pay for a service call?
The cost of any service call depends on two important factors: the technician’s expertise and when you call. An experienced technician with a stellar reputation will usually come at a higher cost than someone who’s less experienced. Additionally, timing is everything. It’s more expensive to schedule service during evenings, weekends, and especially on holidays. When our doors aren’t open, our technicians are at home with their families. Scheduling a repair during this time results in a higher cost.
Depending on these variables, you’ll have a base price of service anywhere from $50 to $250. Additionally, you’ll have to factor in the cost of labor and parts. Depending on the type of repair and your HVAC model, this could cost anywhere from $50 to $1,500.
What can you do if you decide to wait?
Depending on your comfort level and the severity of the issue at hand, you might decide to wait to make the call. If you do, electric space heaters are a great stand-in option. But, consider your safety above anything else. Make sure that you’re using space heaters that are made for indoor use only. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and avoid using older models. Your safest option is an electric heater that doesn’t have an open heating source.
The best piece of advice we have is to stay on top of routine maintenance for your HVAC system. This can help prevent an unexpected malfunction at an inconvenient time. Do you need to talk to someone about your options for furnace repair? K&S is here for you. Give us a call today at (507) 282-4328 for our Rochester location, and (952) 697-4328 for our Twin Cities location.
