How to Handle a Broken Heater in the Middle of Winter

December 11, 2025

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. 

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What Size HVAC System Does Your Home Actually Need?

October 5, 2026
A bigger furnace or air conditioner might sound like a safer choice, especially when you’re preparing for a Nebraska summer or winter. But equipment that is too large can cause comfort problems of its own. Equipment that is too small can struggle when temperatures reach their extremes. The right size depends on how much heating and cooling your home actually needs. If you’re planning an HVAC installation in Lincoln, NE, understanding how that need is calculated can help you make a more informed decision about your investment. Square Footage Is Only the Starting Point Two homes with the same square footage may need different HVAC systems. One might have well-insulated walls, newer windows, and plenty of shade. The other might have older windows, a large sun-facing living room, and rooms that are difficult to keep comfortable. A professional sizing assessment considers details such as: The home’s size and layout Insulation and air leakage Window size, type, and direction Ceiling heights Lincoln’s heating and cooling conditions The condition of your ductwork matters, too. Even equipment with the right capacity may struggle to keep every room comfortable if the ducts cannot deliver air effectively. The Problems Caused by an Oversized System An oversized air conditioner can cool the air near the thermostat quickly and shut off before it has run long enough to remove much moisture. Your home may reach the temperature you selected but still feel clammy. Short, frequent cycles can also mean more wear on the equipment. An oversized furnace may create noticeable swings between warm and cool instead of maintaining a steady temperature. The exact effects depend on the equipment and how the system is installed, but extra capacity does not automatically mean extra comfort. ENERGY STAR notes that oversized heating and cooling equipment can switch on and off rapidly, causing excess wear. A larger unit may also cost more upfront without solving the comfort issues that prompted the replacement. The Challenges of an Undersized System A system that is too small may have trouble meeting your home’s heating or cooling needs during very hot or cold weather. You might notice long run times and rooms that never seem to reach the thermostat setting. Longer run times alone do not prove a system is undersized. Some modern systems are designed to operate for extended periods at lower output. Dirty filters , duct problems, poor insulation, and other issues can also cause similar symptoms. That is why it helps to evaluate the whole home before assuming the equipment size is the problem. Check Your Home Before Choosing a System Your old HVAC system may not be the right size for your home today. New insulation, replacement windows, or a finished basement can change how much heating and cooling you need. Before selecting equipment, have a professional assess your home and discuss any rooms that are hard to keep comfortable. Ask how they chose the recommended size and whether your ductwork can support the new system. Those answers can help you choose an installation that fits your home and budget. Frequently Asked Questions Is a bigger HVAC system better for my home? No, a bigger HVAC system is not necessarily better. Oversized equipment can cycle frequently and may leave your home less comfortable, particularly when an air conditioner does not run long enough to remove enough humidity. Can I replace my old HVAC system with the same size? You can, but the old system’s size alone does not show what your home needs today. A fresh assessment is especially useful if you have had comfort problems or made changes to the house. What are signs that my HVAC system may be the wrong size? Frequent short cycles, uneven temperatures, persistent humidity, or difficulty reaching your thermostat setting can be signs of a sizing issue. Other problems can cause these symptoms, so a professional evaluation is the best next step. Plan Your HVAC Installation with Custom Cooling & Heating Choosing a new system means looking beyond the size of your current equipment. Custom Cooling & Heating has served Lincoln and the surrounding area since 1982 and can help you review your installation options.  To discuss HVAC installation in Lincoln, NE, explore our new installation services , request a free estimate , or call 402-489-9227 .

Signs Your HVAC System May Be Costing You More Than You Think

September 4, 2026
When utility bills begin to rise, it is natural to blame extreme temperatures or changing energy rates. However, part of the increase may be coming from an HVAC system that uses more energy than necessary. Many homeowners searching for heating and cooling in Lincoln, NE, do not realize how much efficiency has been lost until comfort problems or unusually high bills become difficult to ignore. Aging equipment, restricted airflow, leaking ducts, and missed maintenance can all make a system work harder to heat or cool the same space.  Custom Cooling & Heating has served Lincoln and the surrounding area since 1982. Our team can help identify the less obvious problems that affect your home’s comfort and energy use. Signs Your HVAC System May Be Wasting Energy An inefficient system does not always stop working completely. It may continue running while gradually using more energy and delivering less consistent comfort. Watch for signs such as: Utility bills rising without a clear change in household use Some rooms feeling warmer or colder than others Heating or cooling cycles that seem unusually long Frequent starts and stops Weak airflow from vents New noises, odors, or excess dust A system that struggles to reach the thermostat setting These warning signs can have several possible causes, which is why a professional evaluation is often the best way to find the source. Aging Equipment May Be Losing Efficiency Heating and cooling equipment experiences wear over time. Motors, electrical components, coils, and other parts may no longer operate as efficiently as they once did. Age alone does not automatically mean a system must be replaced. A well-maintained unit may continue providing dependable service, while a newer system with unresolved problems may still waste energy. However, rising bills, frequent repairs, uneven temperatures, and declining performance can indicate that it is time to compare HVAC repair and replacement . A technician can assess the system’s condition and help determine whether a repair could restore performance or a more efficient replacement may provide better long-term value. Airflow Problems Make the System Work Harder Your HVAC system relies on steady airflow to distribute conditioned air throughout the home. When that airflow is restricted, the equipment may need to run longer to reach the temperature set on the thermostat. A dirty filter is one of the most common causes of restricted airflow. Closed or blocked vents, buildup inside the system, blower motor problems, and poorly designed ductwork may also contribute. Check filters regularly and replace them based on the filter manufacturer’s directions and your home’s needs. If airflow remains weak after these basic checks, schedule professional service rather than continuing to lower or raise the thermostat. Leaky Ductwork Can Waste Conditioned Air The furnace or air conditioner may be operating correctly while the duct system loses heated or cooled air before it reaches your living spaces. Loose connections, gaps, holes, and missing insulation can allow conditioned air to escape into an attic, crawl space, basement, or garage. According to ENERGY STAR , a typical home can lose approximately 20% to 30% of the air moving through its duct system because of leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts. Possible signs include uneven room temperatures, excessive dust, unusually high bills, or ducts located in unconditioned spaces that become very hot or cold. Proper sealing and insulation can improve comfort and reduce unnecessary system demand. Neglected Maintenance Allows Small Problems to Grow HVAC maintenance is designed to find developing issues before they cause a breakdown or a noticeable increase in operating costs. A system may continue running with dirty coils, worn parts, drainage problems, or incorrect settings, but it may use more energy in the process. During a maintenance visit, a technician can inspect the equipment, check electrical components, clean appropriate parts, evaluate airflow, and look for signs of wear. Custom Cooling & Heating offers maintenance memberships to help homeowners stay ahead of seasonal service needs and unexpected repairs. Find the Source of Rising Energy Bills A higher bill does not always mean you need a new furnace or air conditioner. Sometimes, replacing a filter, correcting an airflow issue, repairing a component, or sealing ductwork can make a meaningful difference. In other cases, aging or unreliable equipment may make replacement the more practical option. 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