Are you adequately prepared for a potential HVAC emergency as winter approaches? Each homeowner in Ohio should have a backup plan to avoid heating catastrophes if an unexpected outage occurs due to extreme weather conditions. Having backup solutions in place can be invaluable should something go wrong, so start planning today! Don’t wait until a winter emergency catches you off guard; be proactive and get ready now! At Blue Ash Furnace & Air Conditioning, we have gathered these expert tips to help equip you for the next snowstorm. Don’t let yourself become overwhelmed; store our hand-picked advice away today so you can stay prepared all season long.
WHAT ABOUT YOUR GAS METER?
Maintaining your gas meter is essential to using a natural gas system. Never kick or hit it with heavy objects, as this can cause damage! Using snow blowers should also be avoided; instead, use a brush or broom to delicately sweep away any ice and snow accumulation around the unit. This basic practice should become part of our regular snow-shoveling or snow-blowing routine.
WHAT ABOUT YOUR HEAT PUMP?
To ensure your outdoor heat pump can perform in harsh weather conditions, remember to periodically inspect and remove any accumulated snow that may be sitting on top of the unit. Additionally, it would be best if you used a broom to brush away snow buildup from its side and top surfaces. Finally, to further protect it from damage due to an excessive load, ensure there is enough clear area beneath the unit to allow space for melted snow runoff.
WHAT ABOUT YOUR OUTDOOR VENTS?
It is easy to overlook your home’s outdoor vents during brutal winter weather. So, please include them in your snow-removal routine as well. A simple sweep with an outdoor broom will clear away any snow and ice buildup. This helps to ensure your HVAC system’s efficiency.
WHAT ABOUT YOUR INDOOR VENTS?
When the temperature drops, it’s essential to ensure all your vents indoors are left open and unrestricted. Failing to do so will limit air circulation throughout your home, making it difficult for the heating system to keep up with demand. In addition, make sure no furniture or objects block any vents.
WHAT ABOUT A BACKUP PLAN FOR HEAT?
- Generator – Ensuring your home is equipped with a backup generator will provide peace of mind; even in the case of a power outage, you’ll still have access to essential electronic items.
- Portable Heater – To keep yourself warm, make sure you have a few portable heaters around. However, ensure that you never leave them on without supervision to prevent any accidents from occurring!
- Fireplace – To ensure your safety and peace of mind, keeping an emergency stockpile of firewood and fire starters near your fireplace is wise. Furthermore, having matches or lighters on hand can provide extra protection in the event of a power loss.
- Extra Blankets – Save those extra blankets you seem to always have on hand for future moments of surprise. Gather all the blankets up into an easily accessible emergency bag or tote so they are easy to grab in case of a winter HVAC emergency.
- Window Coverings – To insulate your home further, you should shut and pull together all blinds and window treatments. This will help keep the air cozy inside, shielding you from those chilly winter days! To maximize performance even more, consider layering blankets or towels across the windows for additional coverage.
- Exterior Doors – Make sure to limit the number of times you open and close exterior doors. Doing this will help keep the warm air inside where it should be!
Don’t get left in the cold this winter! Our heating and cooling experts at Blue Ash Furnace & Air Conditioning have you covered with these helpful tips to beat the chill. You can trust us for all your HVAC needs during any season of the year. So, don’t wait until it’s too late! Keep yourself well-equipped by following these tips and tricks. You can reach Blue Ash Furnace & Air Conditioning today! So, call today at (513) 216-5664, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!