Don’t Fear the Breakdown: South Shore Heating Breakdown Guide
Something goes bump in the night. You wake up, reach for the covers, and realize your South Shore house is freezing. It’s not a ghost. It’s not a slime monster. It’s something scarier: your heating system stopped working. Before you panic, take a breath. We’ve got you covered.
Step 1: Check the Basics First
Before you call anyone, run through this quick no-heat checklist:
- Fuel Tank: Check the gauge to see if you need a heating oil refill, and if you do, give us a call.
- Thermostat: Make sure your setting is on HEAT and not cooling.
- Switches: Check that all furnace and emergency switches are on.
- Reset Button: Press the RESET button on your furnace ONCE ONLY.
If everything checks out and your system still won’t fire up, it’s time to make the call.
Related Post: The No-Heat Checklist Every Homeowner Should Know
Step 2: Call the Pros
This is where Bridgewater Fuel comes in. Our team serves the South Shore and is available to help when your heating system goes down. Don’t try to diagnose a complex mechanical issue on your own. A licensed technician can identify the problem quickly and safely, and get your home warm again as fast as possible.
When you call, be ready to share a few details: your fuel type, the make and model of your system if you know it, and a quick description of what’s happening, or not happening.
Related Post: Ask The Expert: What Type of Heating Equipment Is in My Home?
Step 3: Know When It’s Time for a Replacement
Some systems can be repaired. Others have been hanging on longer than they should have. If your technician tells you a repair isn’t worth the cost, here are a few signs that a replacement is the smarter move:
- Your system is over 15 years old.
- Repair costs are more than half the price of a new unit.
- You’ve had multiple breakdowns in a short period of time.
- Your energy bills keep climbing without explanation.
A new, high-efficiency system will cost less to run and is far less likely to leave you in the cold.
Step 4: Plan Ahead So It Doesn’t Happen Again
The best way to deal with a heating emergency is to prevent one. Scheduling an annual tune-up before winter sets in gives a technician the chance to catch small issues before they turn into a middle-of-the-night nightmare.
Nobody wants to be haunted by a broken heating system every winter. Let Bridgewater Fuel help you stay warm and worry-free. Contact our team today at (508) 588-5255 ext. 250 to schedule a service call or ask about our service and replacement options.