Have you ever thought about HVAC emergency preparedness? Truthfully, it’s not a common thought among many. But it’s important not to let unexpected winter HVAC emergencies take you by surprise! In the case of furnace malfunctions, power outages, or blocked roads due to inclement weather, it’s crucial to be proactive and form a backup plan now. With these tips from Wilmington Heating & Cooling, you can act now to have a backup plan in place to safeguard your home.
How can you ensure your home remains toasty and pleasant even on the coldest winter days?
- Windows: As temperatures drop, pesky drafts can quickly rob your home of any warmth. To retain heat and protect against energy loss, remember to shut the curtains or blinds!
- Indoor Vents: Keep your HVAC system running optimally by ensuring that all interior vents are clear of any obstructions. To ensure maximum airflow, it is important to make sure no furniture or other items are blocking the vents. Additionally, you want to make sure that the vents are left in the open position and are never closed.
- Outdoor Vents: During snowy weather, be sure to check your exterior vents. If they become clogged with snow and ice, it will lead to inefficient operation of the vent system. To preserve proper ventilation levels, make sure that you remove any accumulation from the surface of these vents as soon as possible. Do this by gently clearing off any ice or snow buildup with a broom.
- Gas Meter: When you’re out shoveling the driveway and checking on those outdoor vents, that is the perfect time to check off inspecting your gas meter, too – you don’t want any potential hiccups during frigid weather! Be sure to clear snow or ice from its surface as a precaution. Winter gets pretty ruthless around here; the last thing you want is a frozen gas meter.
Are you prepared for HVAC-related emergencies?
If not, here are a few steps to take in order to ensure that your home is ready when those unforeseen moments occur.
- Extra Blankets: Having extra blankets in a readily available container, basket, or closet will make all the difference in your time of need. It may seem like an unnecessary step now, but in case your furnace or power goes out, you will be grateful your spare blankets are tucked away in one place, ready to grab and go.
- Windows: Keep your home toasty and warm during power outages by using towels or extra blankets for insulation on your windows. Simply draping them over windows will help to provide an extra layer of insulation to keep the remaining warm air in your home.
- Doors: If you are experiencing a furnace malfunction or outage, be sure to minimize the number of times you open any exterior doors as much as possible. Otherwise, all the warm air you’ve been trying to keep in your home will run straight out the door!
- Generator: If possible, investing in a trustworthy backup generator is a great idea – that way, you will still have a source of energy if the power is out for an extended period of time.
- Portable Heater: Having a couple of portable heaters can be your saving grace. With several designs to pick from, you’re sure to find one that finely fits both your budget and needs. It may not seem like you need them at the moment, but if your furnace suddenly goes out, you may find yourself thanking you had a couple on hand as you wait for professional assistance to arrive.
- Fireplace: Do you have a fireplace in your home? If so, having an emergency firewood supply in your home is a great backup plan for keeping your family warm. In addition, fire starters and a lighter or matches would be good to set aside in the emergency pile as well. Setting this supply aside for the sole purpose of emergency use is highly recommended. We don’t think running out in the middle of a power outage during a snowstorm for more firewood sounds appealing.
Wilmington Heating & Cooling offers emergency services around the clock! That means we are available to aid you in any HVAC emergency 24/7, 365 days a year. You can call us for all your HVAC needs at (937) 764-3575 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
