Recently, the weather in the South has been unseasonably cold. Some states like Texas lost power and people were unable to power their homes to keep themselves warm. How should you prepare your home for freezing weather in case another freeze happens?
How To Prepare For Freezing Weather
Get your HVAC checkups and maintenance done.
Although there isn’t much you can do to prevent power grid failures, you CAN make sure that your HVAC system is prepared for cold weather. HVAC seasonal maintenance can help find potential problems before they cause complete breakdowns of the system.
When you get your HVAC maintenance done for the winter, you want to make sure that your furnace is in full working order and that your thermostat is receiving and sending signals properly. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and it is certainly true when it comes to HVAC maintenance. Your best bet is to purchase a service plan that includes maintenance, such as Moncrief Heating & Air Conditioning’s Total Comfort Service Plan.
Make sure you have a backup generator installed.
Not all homes have backup generators. However, a backup generator can keep your home warm for just long enough to survive a freeze.
A backup generator should NEVER be installed inside your home, as it can cause carbon monoxide to build up. This can result in a fatal accident. If you have a backup generator running, make sure you have working CO detectors in your home.
Keep the backup generator protected from rain and snow by placing it underneath a canopy. Ideally, hire an electrician to install a transfer switch for your backup generator.
Turn off outside faucets and cover your pipes with insulators.
Freezing temperatures can cause the water in your pipes to freeze. As water freezes, it expands, causing damage to the pipes. Prevent this by covering your pipes with insulators and turning off any outside faucets.
Cold Weather Tips for Home Comfort
Install and use a programmable or smart thermostat.
A programmable thermostat can help keep indoor temperatures warm without causing you to spend a lot of money on electricity. It can change indoor temperature settings based on the weather outside, the time of day, and your work schedule. A smart thermostat is an even bigger upgrade, as it’s an Internet of Things (IoT) device that can integrate with the rest of your home automation systems. You can control a smart thermostat from your phone, using voice controls, or you can program it yourself.
Make sure your windows and doors are sealed.
One of the biggest contributors to energy waste is poorly insulated homes. Make sure your windows and doors are sealed to prevent drafts from coming into the home. These drafts can cause indoor temperatures to drop and signal your furnace to work overtime.
Moncrief Heating & Air Conditioning has been serving the Atlanta area for over 120 years and is a top heating company in Dunwoody.
