Tag: winter

Preventing Home Heating Emergencies in Winter Weather

Texas winters are usually on the mild side. But, mother nature knows how to throw curveballs everywhere, including the Lonestar state. When winter weather strikes, homeowners need to be prepared. Being ready for a winter storm doesn’t just mean stocking up on toilet paper and dry food. The home itself needs to be prepped for cold weather, too. Setting the home up to withstand extreme weather will help keep the home and its occupants safe during surprise storms. 

How To Winterize a Home

Weatherizing a home takes a little elbow grease, but the reward is a functioning, safe home even in the worst of storms. How does someone get started winterizing the home? 

First and foremost, homeowners should make sure that the heating system is working. The last thing anyone needs is to wake up to a winter storm and a busted heater. Turning on the heater in the early fall and making sure it runs for a few days is the first step to keeping a home warm in extreme weather. One should check the thermostat, too. Without a working thermostat, the heater won’t know when to kick on. 

Once the heater is checked, homeowners should install new filters and clean the ductwork. A clean HVAC system runs better, uses less energy, and is less likely to fail without warning. Filters should be replaced every three months or so to keep the heater running smoothly. 

Finally, homeowners should keep the outside out. This means disconnecting water hoses, turning off outdoor water lines, and even insulating windows to keep cold air out of the home. Sealing windows with fresh caulk, covering up exposed wall-air conditioners with waterproof sheets, and even installing a draft stopper on the exterior doors will keep cold winter air out of the home and help prevent freezing pipes and temperature-related damages to the home.

How To Properly Insulate a Home

Without good insulation, a home’s heater and the air conditioner are practically useless. Insulation keeps a home comfortable and helps keep the home running correctly. Think of insulation as a type of shield that prevents the icy air of winter from invading the home’s walls. When insulation becomes spotty or deteriorates, it needs to be replaced to keep protecting the home. 

Insulation comes in several forms, some of which require professional installation. Homeowners can take some action on their own by using rolled insulation from a hardware store in the attic or even by insulating exposed pipes in the basement with plumbing foam insulation.

How To Heat the Home in an Emergency

When the power goes out, the last thing anyone wants to worry about is staying warm. Too often, though, the heater and electricity that powers it are taken for granted, and homeowners don’t have a backup plan. 

When emergency heating situations strike, the first thing to do is find a single room to keep warm. From there, homeowners can use a variety of heat sources and tools to keep their families warm.

• Keep a stock of portable heating solutions: Power failures can happen at any time. Portable heating solutions are ready to go at any moment. Canned heat, candles, and even air-activated hand warmers are excellent portable and quick heat producers for emergencies. 
• Invest in a permanent heating backup: Portable heating solutions are good in a pinch, but investing in a larger and more permanent solution will provide more comfort and reliable heat for emergencies. These solutions usually require professional installation and include wood-burning stoves and radiant propane heaters. These options may cost more, but in the long run, they’ll protect a home better from the cold during a power failure. 
• Use home items to stay warmer: Emergency heat sources can keep the bitter cold away, but they don’t always make everyone completely comfortable. Homeowners should consider adding reflective sleeping bags that use body heat to keep them warm, use a small portable tent to sleep in and conserve body heat, or keep a stock of warm winter clothing at the ready in emergencies. 

No one should get caught unprepared; homeowners should get started on winterizing the home with these tips today!

About Easco Air Conditioning and Heating

Easco Air Conditioning and Heating are proud to provide their Conroe, TX community with superb HVAC services. From maintenance to HVAC remodeling, the expert team at Easco Air Conditioning and Heating has the skills to handle it. Give Easco Air Conditioning and Heating a call today for heating services!

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