Well, it looks like Old Man Winter has decided to stick around Ohio for a bit longer. No surprise there; it is only February, after all. But don’t let that catch you off guard; we believe every homeowner should have an emergency backup plan in place in case of a snowstorm, furnace breakdown, or power outage. No one wants to be left out in the cold (literally), so follow these tips from Fairfield-Hamilton Heating & Cooling to stay warm and safe this winter. Trust us, Old Man Winter won’t know what hit him.
WHAT BACKUP PLANS CAN YOU PREPARE TO GET READY FOR WINTER HVAC EMERGENCIES?
If you really want to be prepared for any winter HVAC emergency, the first thing you should do is invest in a generator. There are plenty of models to choose from, so you can find the perfect one based on your budget and household needs. And if you really want to be extra prepared, consider getting a couple of portable heaters. They may not seem necessary at the moment, but in your time of need, you will be glad you have them on hand.
If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace, you can ensure you’re prepared for any winter HVAC emergency by stockpiling some firewood and fire starters. The last thing you want is to be in the middle of a snowstorm with the power out and no firewood available. Setting aside a fair amount of firewood specifically meant for emergencies can prove immensely beneficial in the long run.
Let’s be real; who doesn’t love snuggling up under a warm blanket on a cold winter day? It’s the ultimate comfort. But have you thought about keeping a few extra blankets tucked away in an easily accessible location designated solely for emergencies? If you happen to have some extra blankets lying around, set aside a few in a designated spot. That way, when you need them, they are fresh and ready to be used! This may seem simple, but in the case of an HVAC emergency, you will be glad you had some stored away, and they will be fresh and ready to go. And last but not least, in the event of a power outage, don’t forget to close all your blinds and window coverings. Doing this will help trap all that warm air inside. Furthermore, those extra blankets you stored away can also come in handy for draping over windows to provide additional insulation in your home.
WHAT ARE SOME OPTIMAL WAYS TO MAXIMIZE HEAT EFFICIENCY IN YOUR HOME?
To really optimize the existing heat in your home, make sure all your indoor vents are left open and unobstructed; nothing should be blocking the airflow, not even your favorite armchair or that pile of boxes you’ve been meaning to sort through. Trust us; your HVAC system will thank you. And it’ll help you stay nice and toasty.
In addition, to really seal in the warmth in your home, don’t forget to close all your blinds and draw your window treatments together. By doing this, you’re creating a barrier to keep all that warm air from escaping.
As part of your snow shoveling routine, don’t forget to check on your outdoor heat pump. If you have one, that is. Most heat pumps come with a defrosting feature, but Ohio’s relentless weather can still lead to snow or ice buildup on top of the heat pump. So, if you happen to spot any buildup, go ahead and carefully brush it off with a broom.
Don’t forget about those outdoor vents – even though they’re located outside, they still need some love. If snow or ice is allowed to build up over them, it can reduce the efficiency of your HVAC system. But don’t worry; it’s easy to fix. Just gently clear away any snow or ice with a brush or broom.
And while you’re at it, don’t forget to include your gas meter in your snow shoveling routine. A broom or brush will also work well for clearing off the gas meter. Just clean it off with caution, as you don’t want to cause any damage. And whatever you do, don’t use a shovel or snowblower to remove snow or ice from any of these components. Just take it slow and be cautious when clearing off your heat pump, exterior vents, and gas meter.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be prepared for any winter HVAC emergencies. The good news is that we also offer 24/7 emergency services, so you can count on us if anything goes awry this winter! If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to Fairfield-Hamilton Heating & Cooling today at (513) 540-1716 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
