No-Heat Emergency Checklist
If you discover your heating system isn’t working, there are a few steps you can take before calling for service. In the event of an emergency, please call your local office, even after hours.
Heating Equipment Troubleshooting Checklist
- Be sure the Emergency shut off switch is "On."
For oil heating systems, the switch is often located at the top of basement stairs and has a red switch plate.
For propane heating systems, the switch can be located at the top of the basement stairs or close to the unit itself. - Check to make sure there is fuel in your tank. If you need help, see how to read your tank gauge. If your tank is extremely low or empty, you will need to call us for a delivery as soon as possible.
- Ensure the thermostat is working and is set above the room temperature.
- Check for a blown or loose fuse or tripped circuit breaker.
- If your system has a wall vent outside, be sure the area is kept clear of snow.
- Press the reset button only once and wait for up to 45 seconds for the system to start. Central heat and hot water propane systems don’t always have a reset button, shutting off the power and turning them back on may reset them.
- If you smell propane, turn off the gas at your tanks and call your local office right away. If you cannot reach your local office, call 911 or your local fire department.
- If your system still doesn’t start, call for prompt service.
- If it’s after business hours, and you’re a current Dead River Company customer in need of emergency service, please call your local office. We guarantee that we’ll contact you within an hour of your after-hours service call.
No-Heat FAQs
If you are without heat, here are some answers to common questions to help keep your home comfortable.
A loss of heat can quickly move from a minor discomfort to a major problem. Pay attention to the interior temperature. If it drops to between 45 and 40 degrees, you need to begin working to keep your pipes from freezing.
If you have them, use space heaters near pipes. Professionally installed space heaters, portable oil filled radiator space heaters, and portable electric space heaters are all good options. Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warmer air to circulate around plumbing. Let cold water drip from faucets. Running water, even a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing.
Note: All portable space heater options need to be monitored at all times. Do not leave them unattended. Never use a kerosene or propane portable space heater indoors.
Note: All portable space heater options need to be monitored at all times. Do not leave them unattended. Never use a kerosene or propane portable space heater indoors.
- Avoid opening and closing exterior doors.
- Block drafts under doors with rolled towels or blankets.
- Open blinds to let sun in, close them when the sun goes down.
- For your personal warmth, grab blankets, dress in loose layers, and wear a hat & mittens if needed.
We offer 24/7 no-heat emergency service to current Dead River Company customers. No matter what time it is, please call your
local office.
If it’s outside of our business hours, you’ll be connected to our answering service who will be in touch with the on-call technician in your area. We guarantee to return your call within one hour.
