Winter is in full effect, and with it comes the possibility of winter HVAC emergencies. But don’t let Old Man Winter get the best of you and catch you off guard. It’s always a good idea to have a backup plan ready if you are snowed in, your furnace goes out, or the power goes out altogether! Luckily, Chillicothe Heating & Cooling has some tips to help you weather the storm and stay warm in the meantime.
HOW CAN YOU KEEP WARM IN CASE OF AN OUTAGE Or furnace malfunction?
First things first – you should consider investing in a generator before a snowstorm happens. Portable heaters are another great option too! Fortunately, they are relatively affordable, and a wide range of options exist. Just be sure to use them safely, according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and keep in mind that you should never leave portable heaters unattended for long periods.
If you happen to have a fireplace in your home, keeping an emergency stockpile of firewood and fire starters for your fireplace on hand is another fantastic idea. And last but not least, you should also keep some extra blankets tucked away. We suggest storing them in an easily accessible area so you can readily grab them as needed. Furthermore, don’t forget to close all your blinds and window coverings; it’ll help insulate your home and keep all that lovely warm air inside.
HOW CAN YOU MAXIMIZE THE HEAT IN YOUR HOME?
Even if the power doesn’t go out, you can and should still maximize the heat in your home. Make sure all your indoor vents are open and unobstructed, then move any furniture or other objects that might be blocking them. Don’t forget about your blinds and window coverings too! It’s extra cold outside, so close those blinds and draw the drapes together to provide an extra layer of insulation even if your power has not gone out.
Your indoor vents are not the only important vents. Your outdoor vents on your house’s exterior need a little TLC too. Maintain your outdoor vents by gently clearing any snow and ice from your outdoor vents with a brush or broom.
Now on to the heat pump. If you happen to have an outdoor heat pump, it likely has a defrost feature included. However, we all know how quickly Ohio’s frigid temperatures can escalate. So, it would be in your best interests to check it occasionally and make sure no built-up snow and ice have accumulated on top of it. Should you find any buildup, carefully brush it off using a brush or broom.
While you’re at it, checking your gas meter is also a good idea. It’s vital that your gas meter doesn’t have buildup as well. Upon checking it, if you find it needs to be cleared off, avoid using heavy objects that could damage the meter – this eliminates the use of snow shovels or snow blowers. Furthermore, you should not kick the meter, hoping it does the trick. As mentioned above, a brush or broom is the best tool of choice in this situation. Finally, keep an eye on your gas pipes during the winter; if you notice any issues, shut off the gas supply and call a professional to assess the situation.
By following these tips, you’ll be prepared for any winter HVAC emergencies that come your way. But if you need extra help, don’t hesitate to call Chillicothe Heating & Cooling at (740) 281-2186 or click here to schedule an appointment now!