Although you no doubt have already accomplished winterizing your house this past fall, it’s still important that, as a homeowner, you are prepared for any winter HVAC emergencies. Please know that you can always rely on Huber Heights Heating & Cooling to provide 24/7 emergency services all year round; however, in the unlikely scenario that an unexpected snowstorm occurs, resulting in blocked roads and power outages, how will you keep your family while waiting for the power to come back on or professional assistance to arrive?
For this reason, having a backup plan for if the power goes out is an essential part of winter preparedness. Continue reading to learn some ideas, as well as helpful tips and tricks you can use to make sure you will be ready for any unexpected occurrences.
Are You Prepared To Tackle Any HVAC Emergencies This Winter?
Forming an emergency plan and using some of these tips and tricks can help alleviate potential stress and ensure that your home stays warm in inclement weather.
- Your Gas Meter: If you have a gas-powered HVAC system, this is a good sign that you should know your gas meter’s location. During winter months with heavy snowfall, it is crucial that steps are taken to guarantee that no snow or ice accumulation has formed over this component. Thus, familiarizing yourself with its location is a great idea. Furthermore, all age-appropriate members in your household should also be aware of its location as well. A great tip to keep in mind is that, as you diligently clear your walkways and driveway of snow, don’t forget to perform a quick assessment of the gas meter too. Gently brush off any snow or ice build-up with a broom rather than using forceful kicks or heavy equipment, as this could cause damage. Taking these simple steps will help ensure that everything stays functioning in harsh weather.
- Your Heat Pump: To ensure your outdoor heat pump is running smoothly, include your outdoor heat pump in your regular snow maintenance routine as well. Ohio winters can be unpredictable and sometimes long and drawn out. So, checking regularly to verify that no excess ice or snow has built up on the unit itself should not be overlooked. Should you find any buildup on top of the heat pump, carefully brush away any snow/ice buildup and create a space around the component for proper drainage when it begins to thaw.
- Your Outdoor Vents: The outdoor vents of your HVAC system are also essential for its efficiency. If these get blocked or damaged, it can lead to decreased airflow and high energy expenses. The heat within your home on those cold frigid days could be negatively affected. So, make sure you inspect your outdoor vents when it has snowed so that they remain free from buildup! Incorporating them into your usual snow-shoveling routine is another simple way to ensure they don’t slip past unmonitored.
- Your Indoor Vents: It’s essential to keep your indoor vents free of any obstructions like furniture, rugs, and other household items to ensure proper airflow. Blocked airways can significantly reduce efficiency leading to potential damage to your HVAC system, so you definitely do not want to forget about them!
- Your Fireplace: A functioning fireplace is a great asset to have in the home, and it can be especially useful if you ever experience an emergency, like your furnace going out or power being cut off. If you do happen to have a fireplace, make sure that you keep an emergency stockpile of firewood, fire starters, matches, or a lighter on hand for quick access. This way, when disaster strikes, you will be able to huddle around the warmth of your fireplace while waiting! Allocate this stockpile specifically for emergency situations, as you don’t want to run out when it counts the most. We can assure you that going searching for firewood during a blizzard is far from ideal.
- Your Windows: This simple tip is beneficial despite power outages. On cold winter days, make sure to close your blinds and window coverings for extra insulation; it helps keep the warm air inside! For extreme weather conditions, consider hanging up towels or blankets across windows for added protection from the elements.
- Your Doors: When the power unexpectedly goes out, or your furnace stops working, it is important to be mindful when you open exterior doors. If opened too frequently during the winter months, cold air will enter, and warm air inside of your house will escape, thus, making it more difficult for heat to stay within its walls.
- Your Blankets: If you haven’t been able to figure out what to do with the extra blankets you have lying around the house, but don’t use regularly, try gathering them up and storing them in a designated space. This way, they can be tucked away and easily accessible for emergency use. In your time of need, you will find it quite helpful to have them ready to grab from one designated area.
- A Generator: If this is an option for you, owning a backup generator is a perfect solution to forming a foolproof plan for winter HVAC emergencies.
- A Portable Heater: Portable heaters are another great solution! In the case your furnace suddenly malfunctions, having a couple of portable heaters available to use can prove beneficial. As a plus, you can choose from a wide range of affordable options.
Let’s be proactive and prepare our homes for the unexpected. Team up with Huber Heights Heating & Cooling so that regardless of whatever winter HVAC emergencies are thrown your way, you’ll be ready! We would love to be of service to you, your home, and your family! Call (937) 226-9675, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
