With temperatures that can sink below zero, losing heat during winter in the Omaha metro area is a safety concern. If your heating system is fueled by natural gas, propane, or oil, you might wonder if it can continue providing heat during a power outage.
Knowing what to expect from your heating system during an outage is an important part of being prepared, so let’s examine how each heating system works.
How Each Heating System Is Affected by A Power Outage
In a power outage, not all heating systems respond the same way. Whether or not your heat will continue depends on the type of system you have and how it’s powered.
All modern heating systems typically need electricity to work, even if they are fueled by natural gas, propane, or oil. Understanding how your heating system works and what you can do to check its status can help you stay prepared during severe winter weather.
Furnaces
Most furnaces are powered by natural gas, propane, or oil, but even with these fuel sources, they rely on electricity to operate the blower fan, ignition, and safety systems. When the power goes out, the electric components of your furnace won’t function, which means it can’t provide heat. To check if your furnace is running, look at your circuit breaker panel; if your furnace circuit is inactive, the furnace won’t operate.
Ductless Mini-Splits
Ductless mini-splits use electricity to both heat and cool your home. Since they rely entirely on electricity, they won’t work when the power is out. Mini-splits are generally energy-efficient and excellent for Omaha’s fluctuating weather, but without electricity, you’ll need a backup plan for heating. You can double-check that the system is down by looking at your thermostat display — if it’s off, your mini-split won’t be running either.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
Geothermal heat pumps are known for their efficiency and eco-friendly operation, using the Earth’s natural heat to regulate indoor temperatures. However, despite their innovative design, geothermal systems also require electricity to operate the pump and distribution system. In a power outage, your geothermal heat pump will stop running. A quick way to confirm this is by checking your electrical panel — if the power is out, so is your geothermal heating system.
Which Heating Systems Still Work Without Power?
Some older heating systems and certain water heaters may continue operating during a power outage. Steam heat systems, for example, rely solely on gas to generate heat and aren’t affected by electrical disruptions.
Similarly, gravity heating systems — though rare and typically found in older homes — use a basement furnace to heat the house naturally, relying on the simple fact that heat rises. These systems also only require gas and will keep running without electricity. In water heaters, most traditional models will continue heating water during an outage, except high-efficiency models. These advanced units use a motor that requires electricity, so they’ll stop functioning if the power goes out.
Schedule Heating Services With Thermal Today
Since 1968, Thermal has been the trusted choice for reliable heating services in the Omaha metro area. Our licensed and insured technicians are on call for same-day and 24/7 emergency heating repair, so you’re never left in the cold.
We service all brands of furnaces, ductless mini-splits, and geothermal heat pumps and offer upfront pricing, financing options, and special discounts for military personnel, veterans, and seniors.
Contact Thermal to schedule expert heating services in the Omaha metro area and surrounding communities!
