What to Do If Your Heat Goes Out During a Cold Snap

Guidance for Homeowners in Upstate South Carolina and Central Alabama

A sudden loss of heat during a cold snap is more than an inconvenience, it can quickly become a safety and property risk, especially in regions like Upstate South Carolina and Central Alabama, where homes are built for mild winters but still experience sharp temperature drops.

This guide is designed to help homeowners take the right steps in the right order, stay safe, and know when it’s time to call for emergency HVAC service.

Step 1: Confirm It’s Actually a Heating Failure (Not a Settings Issue)

Before assuming a major breakdown, check the most common causes homeowners overlook:

• Thermostat mode: Confirm it’s set to Heat, not Cool or Off

• Temperature setting: Raise it at least 5°F above current room temperature

• Fan setting: Use Auto (not On) to avoid blowing cold air

• Thermostat power: Replace batteries if the screen is dim or blank

Local insight: During rapid temperature drops in Greenville and Birmingham, thermostats may struggle if batteries are weak or calibration is off.

Step 2: Check Power, Fuel, and Airflow

Heating systems in this region commonly fail due to simple interruptions during cold snaps.

Electrical & Fuel Checks

• Verify the furnace or air handler switch is on

• Check the breaker panel for tripped breakers

• For gas systems, confirm the gas valve is open

Airflow Restrictions

• Replace a dirty air filter immediately

• Make sure supply vents and returns are not blocked

• Check for ice buildup on heat pump outdoor units

Why this matters locally:
Heat pumps which are ommon in both Upstate SC and Central AL, lose efficiency during freezing nights and are especially sensitive to airflow issues.

Step 3: Use Emergency Heat (Heat Pumps Only)

If your home uses a heat pump and outdoor temperatures fall into the 20s or low 30s, your system may rely on auxiliary (emergency) heat.

• Switch to Emergency Heat only if the primary heat pump isn’t keeping up

• Expect higher energy usage, but faster indoor warming

If emergency heat doesn’t produce warm air within 10–15 minutes, stop troubleshooting and move to safety measures.

Step 4: Keep Your Home and Family Safe While You Wait

If heat cannot be restored immediately:

Indoor Safety

• Close unused rooms to conserve heat

• Use space heaters only with safety shutoffs and never unattended

• Avoid ovens, grills, or propane heaters indoors

Protect Plumbing

• Let faucets drip slowly on exterior walls

• Open cabinet doors under sinks

• Keep indoor temps above 55°F if possible

Regional risk: Homes in Greenville foothills and older Birmingham neighborhoods often have pipes in exterior walls or crawlspaces that freeze quickly.

Step 5: Know When It’s an HVAC Emergency

You should call for emergency heating repair if:

• No heat during freezing or near-freezing temperatures

• Children, elderly residents, or medically vulnerable occupants are present

• You smell gas, burning, or electrical odors

• The system short-cycles, trips breakers, or won’t turn on at all

Cold snaps in these regions are often short but HVAC companies book up fast. Waiting can mean days without heat.

What Causes Heat Failures During Southern Cold Snaps?

Providing context beyond basic tips helps homeowners understand why this happens:

• Heat pump defrost failures during freezing rain or sleet

• Aging systems not designed for prolonged cold

• Electrical component strain from sudden demand spikes

• Deferred maintenance (dirty coils, worn capacitors, failing sequencers)

These issues are common across both Upstate South Carolina and Central Alabama, despite their different climates.

When to Call for Emergency Heating Repair Near You

If you’re in Greenville, SC or Birmingham, AL, a local HVAC professional can:

• Diagnose heat pump vs. furnace failures quickly

• Restore heat safely without temporary workarounds

• Prevent secondary damage to your system or home

Emergency service matters most during cold snaps, when even one night without heat can lead to frozen pipes, unsafe indoor temperatures, or costly repairs.

How to Avoid This Next Cold Snap

After heat is restored, consider:

• Annual winter HVAC maintenance

• Upgrading thermostats for better cold-weather response

• Evaluating whether your system is properly sized for rare but severe cold

These steps reduce emergency calls and improve reliability during extreme weather swings.

Emergency Heating Help Is Available

If your heat is out and temperatures are dropping, don’t wait. The local HVAC technicians at Air Repair AL serving Greenville and surrounding Upstate SC communities, as well as Birmingham and Central Alabama, are equipped to respond quickly during cold-weather emergencies.

Call 864-777-1111 near Greenville and 659-777-1111 in and around Birmingham for 24/7 service or contact us online with any additional questions.