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Few things feel more urgent than losing heat during cold weather—especially in Minnesota, where temperatures can drop quickly and stay low for days at a time. When a heating system stops working unexpectedly, knowing what to do next can help protect your home, your comfort, and your peace of mind.

Whether you’re a homeowner or managing a commercial building, a calm, informed response makes a big difference during a heating emergency.

Why Heating Emergencies Feel So Stressful

When the heat goes out, the situation can escalate quickly.

Cold weather heating failures can lead to:

• Rapid indoor temperature drops
• Frozen or burst pipes
• Unsafe indoor conditions
• Disrupted business operations
• Increased stress and uncertainty

Because heating systems are critical infrastructure in winter, even short outages feel urgent.

Step 1: Check the Simple Things First

Before assuming the system has failed completely, it’s worth checking a few basics.

Quick checks include:

• Confirm the thermostat is set to “heat”
• Make sure the temperature setting hasn’t been lowered accidentally
• Check circuit breakers or power switches
• Verify the furnace switch is in the “on” position

Sometimes the issue is simple—and resolving it quickly can save time and stress.

Step 2: Listen and Observe

If the system still isn’t working, pay attention to what is happening.

Notice:

• Whether the system tries to start
• Any unusual noises
• Error lights or codes (if visible)
• Airflow from vents (even if not warm)

These observations can help technicians diagnose the issue more efficiently.

Step 3: Protect Your Home or Building

While waiting for professional service, take steps to prevent secondary damage.

In cold conditions:

• Keep interior doors open to improve air circulation
• Open cabinet doors near plumbing to allow warm air in
• Avoid using unsafe heating sources
• Limit heat loss by closing blinds or curtains

In commercial buildings, focus on protecting critical areas and equipment.

Step 4: Know When It’s Time to Call a Professional

If basic checks don’t restore heat, it’s time for professional help. Heating systems are complex, and emergency conditions aren’t the time for trial-and-error fixes.

Serving residential and full commercial properties throughout Brooklyn Park and the Twin Cities, Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning responds to heating emergencies with a focus on restoring safe, reliable comfort as quickly as possible.

Why Emergency Repairs Are Often Preventable

Many winter heating emergencies stem from issues that were already developing:

• Worn components
• Dirty or restricted airflow
• Deferred maintenance
• Aging equipment under stress

That’s why seasonal inspections and proactive care play such a big role in preventing emergency situations.

Commercial Buildings Face Higher Emergency Risks

For businesses, heating failures can impact:

• Employee safety
• Customer experience
• Equipment and inventory
• Operational continuity

Having an emergency plan—and a trusted HVAC partner—helps reduce downtime and disruption.

Stay Prepared Before Emergencies Happen

The best way to handle a heating emergency is to reduce the chance of one happening at all.

Preparation includes:

• Regular maintenance
• Early system evaluations
• Addressing small issues before winter
• Knowing who to call when problems arise

The Bottom Line

When a heating system stops working in cold weather, quick action and informed decisions matter. Knowing what to check, how to protect your space, and when to call for help can make a stressful situation far more manageable.

Emergency situations are never convenient—but preparation makes them far less overwhelming