How to Stay Warm when Your Boiler Breaks

There’s nothing like waking up on a freezing morning and realising the heating has fully given up. Did you know the signs that the boiler was about to go out? A lot of people don’t know the signs, and so once the boiler stops, well, that’s when you need to get one ASAP. While of course it’s always better to get one before an emergency, at this moment, the priority is just staying warm. But yeah, it’s like boilers always seem to choose the worst possible moment to have a breakdown.

Now, it’s basically an emergency mission to get the house warm so you and your family stay alright. But while you’re waiting for a replacement, what can you do in the meantime?

Close Off Rooms and Keep Heat where it’s Needed

Well, at this moment in time, big spaces are the enemy right now. Now, of course, heating the entire house isn’t happening, so the smart move is focusing on the room actually being used. Meaning, you need to shut the doors, pull the curtains a bit earlier than usual (as some cold air can get through doors and windows). Also, you need to keep everyone gathered in one place. Honestly, the smaller the room, the better at keeping everyone. It’s about creating a tiny warm world in the middle of a cold house. Even throwing down an extra rug or towel on the floor can help keep the chill from seeping up through the floorboards. The goal is to trap every bit of heat before it escapes into the frozen void.

It’s Time to Call for Help

Just keep in mind that boiler issues aren’t always solved with a quick reset button, and ignoring the problem won’t magically make it start working again. And no, hitting isn’t helpful either (some people swear by this). Sometimes the boiler is officially done with its job. It just happens, they all have a “shelf life”. And if that happens, arranging a new boiler installation means nobody has to go through this frozen nightmare again next winter. Sure, it’s not fun having to spend a bunch of money on an emergency, but if you need one ASAP, well, you need to pay and arrange for it to come ASAP. 

Use Smaller Heat Sources Wisely

After calling/ while waiting for the boiler, you’ll need to look into a heat source if you haven’t already. So, even without central heating, there are ways to warm up. An electric heater, used safely and not left unattended, can make a big difference. Ideally, everyone should have one in their home. Heating pads can help; electric blankets can help. 

Of course, if you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace, then you should use it. Candles technically have warmth; some people use their computers for warmth, but try to stack up some warmth, every bit helps here. 

Layer Up

Well, it’s as simple as that, really, you just need to layer up if you need to wear several socks and a coat in your house, well, you’ll need to do it until the boiler is fixed. Make sure everyone else is doing the same, too.