OMG! Don't get me started! When we built our house (and it's still true in our area), we had to have heat pumps (all electric).
A heat pump does not work once the temp drops below 32 degrees, then the 'all electric' kicks in.
Recently I woke up to 63 degrees in the house. The thermostate was supposed (key work) to change over to electric and it didn't.
Anyway, the company maintaining the thing came over in the afternoon. I still don't know what the issue was. I'm pretty savvy when it comes to most things having to do with the house because my husband was often developing properties and developments in other states. I was the one standing next to the repair people, learning and asking questions.
Believe me, this has helped me so much over the years. A few months ago there was no hot water. As I've done before, I took off the plate protecting the 'reset' switch and reset the thing. Good as new.
I've done so many repair things, it's crazy.
Anyway, after a few years ago spending 4 days in this house with no electricity and no heat (wires had fallen across the driveway, couldn't get out), this Spring I bought myself a kerosene heater.
I used a portable one the entire time my daughters were growing up. I know all of the safety issues and how to use one.
If handled safely they can be safe to use in an emergency.
I also have another kind of heater that uses bottled gas, so I'm set.
Hopefully, I won't loose electricity, but if I do, I'm set.
After all, I managed in this house for 4 days. During the day I'd sit in my car and watch DVD's with my then cat. At night I had a large battery and used a heating pad.
We survived. I cooked on the gas grill. When the state finally cleared the roads the electric company rehung the wires and I could get out.
I also park in the garage only when the weather is going to be bad but I also know, if I have to I will manage to back out enough to sit (outside) in my car to keep warm.
I have two of those things that tell you if you have (in my case) left the car running in the garage. Cars are so quiet these days, sometimes it's crazy but ........can't take chances.
I am a believer that woman can do ANYTHING a male can do (unless it's very, very heavy). I also believe in life we need to pay attention.
I believe that all through those years when I had to manage the house and 3 daughters and my husband was traveling, it was training for the day when I'd be alone and need to do it all of the time on my own.
To all of you young women, ask questions of the repair people, learn in case you have to one day do it yourself.
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