In the frigid winter months, it’s important to realize that the heating system in your home can go out when you least expect it, either from inclement weather conditions or from a technical glitch in the system.
At any time when you suspect that your heating or air conditioning system isn’t working properly, it’s imperative to put in service calls to your local air and heating repair service as soon as possible. This is especially important during the wintertime because other households nearby could be affected by the same problems as yours! You’ll definitely want to have the phone number handy for your local emergency air repair service, but here are a few tips to keep you comfortable and safe while you wait:
Before the heat goes out, have a professional heating repair service inspect your HVAC system air ducts — at least once every three to five years — to ensure that the ducts are clean.
Having extra blankets on hand is always a good idea! You’ll also want to make sure you have extra batteries, flashlights, and a charged cell phone for emergencies if the power goes out.
If your heat goes out, make sure to open any cabinet doors where pipes are located; this will expose the pipes to warmth from the inside of your home and keep them from freezing. If water freezes in the pipes, the ice could expand until the pipes break, causing plenty of expensive damage to your home.
In terms of alternative light sources, candles, fireplaces and wood-burning stoves are good options. Make sure to designate a three-foot area around any of these areas where kids and pets will not be allowed.
Having a back-up generator is a good idea too, so that you can get your heat running again as quickly as possible. — especially if you have little kids who will feel calmer with a nightlight! A large generator can produce anywhere between 5,000 to 15,000 watts, which is enough to provide heating and air conditioning for a whole house.
Make sure you have gasoline available to fuel your generator — between eight and 22 gallons a day will be required. (For more information on generators, check out our post, “6 Reasons Why You Need a Backup Generator This Winter.”)
If you use a space heater, make sure it is approved for indoor use. Space heaters usually require electricity so they might not be as useful as generators during a power outage, but it’s still a good idea to have a space heater on hand for home heating repair emergencies. (For more information on space heaters, check out our post, “5 Quick Tips on Space Heater Safety and Efficiency.”)
Somehow, it seems like home heating system emergencies always occur at the worst possible times. Having the contact information of a nearby emergency HVAC repair service is one of the best ways you can prepare for any emergencies this winter — and with the seven tips listed above, you can make sure your family is safe before your heating repair service arrives.
Contact Pioneer Heating and Air at 865-922-2817 or email [email protected]
