Serving Lincoln, NE & Surrounding Areas Since 1982

When temperatures plunge and your home suddenly feels more like a walk-in freezer, a broken heater can be more than an inconvenience, it can be an emergency. The middle of winter is the worst time to be without heat but knowing what steps to take can help protect your home, your family, and your comfort. At Custom Cooling & Heating , we help homeowners restore warmth quickly and safely. Here’s what to do if your heater stops working when you need it most. 1. Check the Basics First Before assuming the worst, start with a few simple troubleshooting steps. Many heating failures are caused by basic issues that can be resolved without a service call. Check your thermostat: Make sure it’s set to “Heat” and that the temperature is set higher than your home’s current indoor temp. If it’s a battery-powered thermostat, swap in fresh batteries. Inspect your circuit breaker: A tripped breaker can shut your furnace down completely. Reset it if necessary. Ensure your furnace switch is ON: Furnaces often have a standard light-switch-style power switch on or near the unit. Make sure it wasn’t accidentally turned off. Look at your air filter: A severely clogged filter can restrict airflow and cause your system to shut down for safety. If the filter looks dusty or blocked, replace it . If these quick checks don’t restore heat, the issue may be deeper inside the system and require professional attention. 2. Avoid Overworking Your System When heat stops flowing, it’s natural to keep adjusting the thermostat, hoping the furnace will kick back on. Try to avoid repeatedly turning the system on and off, as this can make the situation worse or cause damage. Instead, turn the system off if you smell burning, hear unusual noises, or see signs of overheating. These can signal electrical issues or mechanical failures that need a technician. 3. Use Safe Temporary Heating Solutions While waiting for repairs, you'll need to keep your home comfortable, but safety should always come first. Avoid using your oven or grill to heat your home, as these methods are extremely dangerous. Safer alternatives include: Electric space heaters: Keep them on a stable surface, at least three feet from flammable items. Fireplaces: Ensure the flue is open for proper ventilation. Layered clothing and blankets: A simple and safe short-term solution. If indoor temperatures drop too low, consider staying with a friend, family member, or in a hotel to avoid the risk of frozen pipes or health issues. 4. Prevent Your Pipes from Freezing A broken heater doesn’t just affect comfort, but it can also put your plumbing at risk. Frozen pipes can burst and cause significant water damage. To help prevent freezing: Keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air around plumbing. Let faucets drip slowly to keep water moving. If your home has multiple stories, keep doors open between rooms to allow even air circulation. If temperatures in your home drop below 55°F, your pipes may be at risk, so monitor them closely until the heat is restored. 5. Call a Professional HVAC Technician If basic troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the issue, it’s time to call a certified expert . Heating systems have complex electrical, mechanical, and safety components, so attempting repairs without training can be dangerous. At Custom Cooling & Heating, our technicians diagnose heater breakdowns quickly and offer reliable solutions to get your home warm again. Whether it’s a faulty ignitor, blower motor issue, dirty flame sensor, or aging furnace components, we’ll pinpoint the problem and recommend the most cost-effective fix. 6. Consider the Age of Your Heater If your heater is over 12–15 years old, repeated breakdowns may be a sign that it’s time for replacement. Older units lose efficiency, struggle to maintain consistent temperatures, and can increase your energy bills. A new high-efficiency heating system can: Reduce monthly utility costs Improve indoor air quality Deliver more consistent comfort Provide safer, more reliable performance Our team can help you compare repair vs. replacement options, so you can make the best choice for your budget and home. 7. Prevent Future Breakdowns with Regular Maintenance Once your heat is restored, the best way to avoid another winter surprise is to schedule annual furnace maintenance . Preventive service keeps your system running smoothly and can catch small issues before they turn into emergencies. Routine maintenance from Custom Cooling & Heating includes: Full system inspection Cleaning and lubrication Filter replacement Safety checks Efficiency testing Not only does this reduce the risk of winter breakdowns, but it also extends the life of your equipment. Stay Warm with Reliable Winter Heating Support A broken heater in the middle of winter can be stressful, but you don’t have to handle it alone. The experts at Custom Cooling & Heating are here to restore your comfort quickly and safely. Whether you need emergency repairs , routine maintenance , or a new system installation , our team is ready to help. Need fast heating service? Contact Custom Cooling & Heating today and let us bring the warmth back to your home.