Don’t wait for an HVAC winter emergency to hit before you start proactively preparing a backup plan for your household. We still have some time left of the winter season; therefore, we believe that it is best to remain prepared for any undesirable scenario that may arise. Taking the initiative and getting a plan ready now in case of sudden furnace malfunctions or prolonged power outages may not feel necessary now, but in your times of need, will make all the difference for you and your household. To make sure your home stays warm even in avoidable circumstances, check out this helpful advice from Upper Arlington Heating & Air.
HOW CAN YOU RESERVE HEAT IN FRIGID WEATHER?
- Indoor Vents: Keep your HVAC system running at its optimum all winter long by never blocking or obstructing any interior vents. Furniture and other items should not be placed near them or in front of them, as unrestricted airflow is key for the best performance!
- Outdoor Vents: During snowy weather, it is essential to monitor your home’s exterior vents closely. Snow and ice can easily obstruct them, leading to poor performance, so be proactive in eliminating any accumulation from the vent surface when snowfall occurs. Furthermore, doing this will ensure that your outdoor ventilation works as intended, keeping you warm and comfortable all winter long!
- Gas Meter: Don’t forget to take a few extra moments to inspect your gas meter too! When there is snowfall, it’s also important to make sure that snow or ice is brushed off the gas meter’s surface too.
- Windows: During bitterly cold weather or snowy conditions, you can keep your curtains and blinds shut; this basic step can reduce the amount of heat escaping your home, ultimately insulating your home further.
HOW CAN YOU PREPARE FOR WINTER HVAC EMERGENCIES?
- Generator: You can have peace of mind by investing in a dependable backup generator. Regardless of if it’s stormy weather or any other unforeseen situation that triggers an unexpected power outage, having a generator at the ready provides you with assurance knowing that electricity (and warmth) will be accessible when it counts most.
- Portable Heater: When experiencing an HVAC emergency like a power outage or a furnace malfunction, having access to trustworthy portable heaters can be lifesaving. Fortunately, you have the option of selecting from different designs that are tailored to fit into any budget and fulfill your needs!
- Fireplace: If you have a fireplace in your home, having an emergency stockpile of firewood, lighters, and matches at your disposal, can guarantee that you are never caught off guard by an unexpected HVAC emergency in the winter. Having these items prepared ahead of time is worth the peace of knowing you will have a heat source in the event something goes awry with the power or your heating system.
- Extra Blankets: Put your spare blankets to work! Store them in a container or basket that you can easily access in case you need to utilize them quickly if needed.
- Windows: To minimize icy drafts, use towels or blankets to drape and insulate your windows, simply drape them over the windows in your house. Doing so will provide an additional layer of insulation against the cold elements.
- Doors: To ensure a consistent level of warmth in your home, be judicious about how often you open external doors. Otherwise, every time an external door is opened, cold air will rush into the living space, leaving your home with less and less heat. Therefore, reducing these openings to an absolute minimum is key for sustaining inner heat while waiting for the power to come back on or for professional help to arrive.
When you turn to Upper Arlington Heating & Air, you can rest assured that we are available 24/7 for your emergency needs. We don’t just promise reliable repairs and efficient installations; we guarantee it! Our commitment is to deliver the highest quality of work paired with exemplary customer service. You can contact us at (614) 490-7507 or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!
