Don’t wait for an emergency HVAC winter situation to occur before you start getting your home prepped. Be proactive and get ready now before an HVAC emergency hits. You never know if a prolonged power outage will come about or if your heating system will randomly malfunction. Of course, we hope this does not happen to you, and in the event it does, rest assured; we will be by your side as soon as we can! But it never hurts to stay prepared for the unexpected. To ensure your home stays toasty even in the face of unforeseen circumstances, check out White Oak Heating & Cooling‘s handy tips.
HOW CAN YOU RESERVE THE HEAT IN YOUR HOME DURING HARSH 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, in front of them, or on top of them, as unrestricted airflow is key for the best performance!
Outdoor Vents: During periods of snowfall, it is essential to monitor the 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. Doing this will ensure that your outdoor ventilation works as intended, keeping you comfortable all winter long!
Gas Meter: Snow shoveling and regular exterior vent inspections are great ways to proactively protect your home, but don’t forget to take a few extra moments to inspect your gas meter (if you have one) too! Taking the time to do this when you’re already outside clearing your walkways and driveway can save you some time and a potential headache – so be sure to carefully brush off any snow or ice on the gas meter to optimize efficiency.
Windows: During bitterly cold weather or snowy conditions, remember to keep your curtains and blinds shut; this basic step can dramatically reduce the amount of heat escaping your home.
HOW CAN YOU PREP FOR WINTER HVAC EMERGENCIES?
Generator: Shield your family and property and have better peace of mind by investing in a dependable backup generator. Regardless of whether 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 will be accessible when it counts most.
Portable Heater: When experiencing an HVAC emergency like a power outage, having access to trustworthy portable heaters can be a huge asset. Fortunately, you have the option of selecting from different models that are tailored to fit into any budget and fulfill your needs!
Fireplace: If you happen to own a fireplace in your home, an emergency stockpile of firewood and matches at your disposal is also a great idea. By doing so, you can guarantee that you are never caught off guard by an unexpected HVAC emergency in the winter and completely left without heat.
Extra Blankets: Put your spare blankets to work! Tuck them away in a container or basket that you can easily access. That way, if something were to happen with your HVAC system and you need some additional warmth, all you have to do is grab one of the blankets from storage.
Windows: For those who are without heat, the cold can be extremely uncomfortable and inconvenient. To minimize icy drafts, use towels or blankets to insulate your windows. Achieve this by simply draping them over the windows in your home. Doing this helps keep the warm air in your home while you are awaiting power restoration or for a service professional to arrive.
Doors: To ensure a consistent level of warmth in your home, be prudent about how often you open external doors. Every time the door is opened, cold air will rush into the living space and lower your household temperature even further. Reducing these openings to an absolute minimum is key for sustaining inner heat without using too much energy.
When you turn to White Oak Heating & Cooling, you can rest assured that we are available 24/7 for all your emergency HVAC needs. Call White Oak Heating & Cooling today at (513) 342-8434, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
