Now that your home is winterized and prepared for a warm, cozy season, it’s essential to be ready if any emergency situations involving your HVAC system arise. At Lancaster Furnace & Air Conditioning, we’re available 24/7 all year round! In the unlikely event of an unforeseen snowstorm with blocked roads or loss of power –you don’t want to be caught unaware and unprepared. So, make sure to establish a contingency plan and equip yourself with some handy tricks to combat the frigid weather. With these techniques at your disposal, you will have peace of mind knowing that even if disaster strikes, you’re ready for it.
Are You Ready to Face Any HVAC Emergencies This Winter?
Now is the time to set a backup plan in place. Doing so will help you avoid any potential stress in the future that comes from being ill-prepared for winter HVAC emergencies.
- Your Outdoor Vents: To ensure your HVAC system achieves peak performance in winter weather, it’s essential to keep outdoor vents clear at all times. These are easily forgotten in the process, but they shouldn’t be! Therefore, regular inspections of the external vents must be done, too – especially during winter when snow piles up quickly. To guarantee easy upkeep, add vent-clearing to your routine every time you shovel snow! Just be careful to clean them off gently with a broom or brush. No heavy equipment should be used.
- Your Indoor Vents: Your power or furnace may not have gone out, but it’s important to keep your HVAC system functioning and running smoothly. So, it is essential that you clear the indoor vents of obstruction as well. This includes furniture, rugs, or any other items blocking airways.
- Your Gas Meter: In households with gas-powered HVAC systems, it’s vital that everyone of age in your household knows the location of the gas meter. If ever there is a risk of leakage, it’s essential to know what steps must be taken immediately. Particular care should be taken during wintertime when snowfall can easily block the meters; therefore, you should pay special attention when clearing away snow and ice from pathways to also inspect your gas meter! To avoid any issues or potential harm, use a broom to clear off any snow or ice buildup from the gas meter.
- Your Heat Pump: As Ohio’s winters can be unforgiving, it is essential to include snow removal in your outdoor heat pump maintenance plan to guarantee its effectiveness. Monitor the unit for any excessive ice or snow accumulation and brush away these accumulations carefully. Also, ensure there is safe drainage space so when temperatures begin to rise, there is a clear path for snowmelt to flow.
- Your Fireplace: Having a fireplace in your home can be immensely helpful, especially if an unexpected power outage occurs or your furnace stops functioning. To make sure you don’t get stuck in the cold during such scenarios, it’s wise to stockpile firewood and materials like matches, lighters, and fire starters for access whenever necessary. Preventing yourself from experiencing a shortage of this resource during critical moments is essential. So, store firewood specifically for emergencies and only emergencies. You will be grateful you did if the need ever arose.
- Your Windows: During extreme weather conditions (such as a blizzard or power outage), you can hang blankets or towels between windows as a further defense against harsh weather. In addition, on cold winter days, curtains and blinds should be closed to create an extra layer of insulation from the chilly air.
- Your Doors: During cold days or power outages, you should always be mindful when opening external doors. Careless closing and opening of exterior doors can make it difficult to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home.
- Your Blankets: If you need ideas on what to do with all your additional blankets you have in the house, but don’t use regularly, try storing them in one designated space – like a basket, tote, or closet. By doing this, they can be tucked away and easily accessible for emergency use. In your time of need, you will be thankful they are ready to grab and use.
- A Generator: If this is an option for you, having a backup generator in your home is a perfect solution to forming a foolproof plan for winter HVAC emergencies.
- A Portable Heater: Portable heaters are another excellent solution to consider! In case your furnace suddenly starts to act up, having a couple of portable heaters available to use could prove rather handy! As a plus, you can choose from a wide range of affordable options.
Stay ahead of Old Man Winter and prevent any shocks with the help of Lancaster Furnace & Air Conditioning! Don’t sit back and wait for what this season may bring; be proactive now to ensure you’ll have no regrets later on. And in the case, a winter HVAC emergency surfaces, call us for assistance! You can reach us at (740) 625-2320 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
