No heat in your home? Relax: We got you!

MoveBuddy’s guide to dealing with common household issues

In a winter country like Canada, it’s important to know what to do when you have no heat in your house.  

After all, a home without heat in the winter isn’t just uncomfortable. It can be dangerous.  

Bottom line: If you have no heat in your home in the cold weather months you should immediately call a professional to address the issue. If you are renting, start by calling the property owner or manager. Your very first priority should be to ensure that the issue is getting resolved.  

Once a repair process is in place, you should focus on making sure that you have a safe place to stay until the issue is solved. In some cases, it may be possible to remain in your home even if you have no heat, but you will still need to make sure there is a plan in place if the temperatures drop to the point that it no longer remains possible to stay at home.  

A rare event

It is quite serious to find yourself in a situation where you have no heat in the winter. Thankfully, it’s also rare.  

You may find yourself with fewer heating options than you would like. Additionally, you may lose heat at a time a year when it is uncomfortable, but not dangerous to the point where you need to immediately repair or find alternative accommodation.

In those cases, here are some suggestions on what to do if you are chilly, but can’t turn up the heat in your home.

8 tips to keep your space warm in the winter

1. Seal gaps with weatherstripping

Identify air leaks by using a piece of toilet paper near window and door frames. Apply weatherstripping to seal gaps and consider adding foam insulation to outlets. Caulk is also effective for stationary cracks and gaps.

2. Optimize ceiling fan direction

Switch your ceiling fan to clockwise rotation to create an updraft, pushing warm air toward the walls and back into the room. This simple adjustment enhances the room's warmth.

3. Insulate windows with bubble wrap

To combat heat loss through windows, cut bubble wrap to fit the window frame. Spray a thin layer of water on the glass and press the bubble wrap in place. This affordable solution allows sunlight in while keeping warmth inside.

4. Close off unused rooms

If certain rooms are rarely used, close them off by drawing shades and shutting doors. Remind family members to avoid these rooms to save on heating costs.

5. Harness natural sunlight

Open blinds and curtains during sunny days to allow sunlight in, especially on south-facing windows. Close curtains at night to retain warmth until the sun returns.

6. Ensure unblocked air vents

Check air vents to ensure they are not covered by furniture or window treatments. Rearrange furniture away from vents to facilitate free heat circulation. Vent extenders can also redirect air around obstructions.

7. Draft-proof doors with foam pipe insulation

Combat drafty doors by wrapping foam pipe insulation around the bottom of doors, even interior ones, to prevent heat escape. Alternatively, purchase affordable draft dodgers for an easy, budget-friendly solution.

8. Reflect radiator heat

Enhance radiator efficiency by placing reflective plates made from aluminum foil behind each unit. The foil reflects warmth back into the room, maximizing the radiator's output.

If you follow the above suggestions, you’ll not only be ready if your home loses heat, but you’ll also be more energy conscious at all times.  

Make sure to bookmark the MoveBuddy Learning Centre for articles on other common household concerns.