What to do when your furnace goes out.

Some tips and steps to follow if your furnace stops functioning.

While a furnace malfunctioning under certain conditions can be considered a maintenance emergency, sometimes fixing the issue may take time. In those circumstances, it's important to be prepared. Here are some helpful steps to follow if you are affected by this issue:

• Submit a work order.

  1. Notify us of this situation by creating a work order. 
     1. You can also contact our 24/7 emergency service line (314-325-8328)

• Have a healthy expectation.

  1. Maintenance should arrive soon to help you prevent further damage, but there may be circumstances that affect their ability to resolve the issue right away, such as:
     1. Labor shortages
        1. Since 2020, the heating and cooling industry has experienced a shortage of qualified laborers. This means companies are functioning on a deficit, and work takes longer to complete.
     2. Material & supply chain shortages
        1. Since 2020, the global production industry has experienced a shortage in available supplies and delays in shipping and delivery. This means it can take longer for companies to receive everyday replacement parts and materials.
     3. Area outages
        1. As the temperature fluctuates, these issues can affect an abundance of properties at once. When hundreds or more properties are affected by similar issues, it means it will take qualified laborers more time to address each issue.

• Have a plan in place

   
  1. It's best to be prepared for the issue to take time, so you are not impacted more negatively than needed.

• 1. 1. Purchase temporary heating appliances.
     2. Keep the area well-insulated by shutting doors and windows whenever possible.
     3. Keep curtains open in the daytime and shut at night to trap warm air inside.
     4. Keep towels in door jams to trap air inside rooms.
     5. Close the fireplace flue.
     6. Keep cabinets open to prevent pipes from freezing (when 30°F inside or lower).
     7. Run a small water drip in sinks and tubs to prevent pipes from freezing (when 30°F inside or lower).
     8. Reverse the ceiling fans to allow any heat to move appropriately. 
     9. Bundle up with rugs, blankets, and sweaters! 

• Coordinate a temporary place to stay when needed.

  1. You can always coordinate a temporary place to stay if the situation is uncomfortable or unsafe.
     1. Try contacting friends and family or finding a hotel room or Airbnb until you know it is safe to re-enter the residence.
     2. Be advised that the management company cannot guarantee recompensation for any expenses the tenant takes on voluntarily, especially when management had not made a prior agreement to compensate the tenant before the tenant made a purchase.

Our team will keep you updated on the matter as we have more information and attempt to remedy the situation as soon as possible.