Winter brings extreme temperatures, and nothing is worse than being stuck in cold weather without a functioning heating system or possibly even being in the middle of an extended power outage. To help you dodge the stress that comes along with these sometimes-unavoidable situations, we highly recommend taking precautionary measures now to prepare for HVAC emergencies before it’s too late! It’s important that your home is well-equipped; that way, your home will remain cozy even when misfortune strikes, ultimately giving you peace of mind all season long.
Follow Newark-Heath Heating & Cooling’s useful tips on how to keep your house warm during cold days and prepare for winter HVAC emergencies now!
IN FRIGID WEATHER, WHAT CAN YOU TRY TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL WARMTH?
- Indoor Vents: To ensure your HVAC system runs at maximum efficiency during frigid temperatures, keep all interior vents unobstructed. Placing furniture or mats over them should always be avoided, and it’s best to leave the vents open for optimal results.
- Outdoor Vents: If you want to ensure maximum airflow in your home, always watch out for blocked vents outdoors as well. This is because when snow or ice accumulates around them, they will become obstructed and work inefficiently. So, you should inspect these regularly while you are outside shoveling snow. They can be cleaned off by gently brushing or sweeping away any blockage (snow or ice) from the vent’s surface.
- Gas Meter: Winter can quickly disguise your gas meter beneath a blanket of snow, so it is essential to know its exact location before snow falls. As you tend to the driveway and check exterior vents for ice buildup, make sure that you also take some time to inspect the gas meter – if necessary, gently brush off any snow or ice from its surface. You may clear a path around the meter as well.
- Windows: In addition, remember that closing curtains and blinds can greatly help reduce heat loss in your home.
IN CASE OF POWER OUTAGES OR FURNACE ISSUES, WHAT ARE SOME BACKUP EMERGENCY PLANS YOU CAN SET IN PLACE?
- Generator: When you invest in a reliable backup generator, you are ensuring the safety and comfort of yourself and your family. In any situation that may lead to an unexpected power outage, having this type of generator will guarantee that you still have power, even in inclement weather or other disruptive events.
- Portable Heater: Portable heaters are the perfect solution to an unexpected heating emergency! Not only do they provide almost instant warmth, but there is a variety of affordable models on the market, so you don’t have to break your budget in order to stay comfortable. Therefore, having one or two handy can be hugely beneficial.
- Fireplace: In the event of a crisis, being equipped with the right materials like firewood, lighters, and matches for your fireplace can be an absolute lifesaver. To guarantee you’re always ready for any emergency situation, having these resources on hand is absolutely essential. Knowing that you are completely prepared to handle unexpected scenarios will bring peace of mind — this kind of assurance could make all the difference in times when it matters most!
- Extra Blankets: If you’re in search of a creative storage solution for your extra blankets, then try placing them in a bin or basket to put aside for emergency situations. Having extra blankets available will prove handy in HVAC emergencies.
- Windows: If you are left without heat, use blankets or towels to hang over the windows in order to help retain warmth indoors and prevent any frigid drafts from invading your home.
- Doors: In cold temperatures, bear in mind, when you open an exterior door, that a gush of cold air will swoop through the space, and any remaining warmth inside may leave too. Therefore, you should restrict the amount you open these doors as much as possible to conserve the warm air.
If you are in need of reliable HVAC services, look no further than Newark-Heath Heating & Cooling. We offer emergency services 24/7! From installation to repairs, we guarantee your satisfaction 100%. Contact us at (740) 212-5849, or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!
