As an HVAC company operating in central Indiana, we know a thing or two about long, hard winters. But those winters don’t have to be hard on you—so long as you’re prepared. Below are a few tips to help make sure your HVAC system keeps you nice and toasty all season long, as well as some tips for being prepared in the event of a winter power outage.
Prepare Your HVAC System
When the weather is at its worst, your HVAC system needs to be at its best. So, here are a few ways to make sure your equipment is up to the task of keeping you warm through the coldest part of the year:
- Take Care of Your Outdoor Components – Every HVAC system is a little bit different, but you’ll usually have outdoor components that need to be maintained. Most of that maintenance is technical and should be handled by the pros. But part of it you can do yourself. Your system’s outdoor components need room to “breathe” in order to function properly, so make sure they’re clear of branches, leaves, snow, and ice. While you’re at it, check the gutters to make sure they’re clear and won’t drip water onto your unit.
- Get a Tune-Up – Your HVAC system, like anything else, is subject to wear and tear. And you definitely don’t want to run the risk of it conking out in the middle of a blizzard or on the coldest night of the year. The best way to prevent that is to stay on top of regular maintenance. When Appel comes out for a furnace clean and check, we make sure everything is running as smoothly and efficiently as possible to keep your system going strong all winter long.
- Reprogram Your Thermostat – When the seasons change, so do your home comfort needs. But have you communicated those needs to your HVAC system yet? In order to maximize your furnace’s efficiency (and avoid paying out the nose on your energy bills), set the temp lower than you would in summer. 68º is usually a pretty comfy temperature for most homes in the winter. When no one is at home, you can set that temp lower by another 8-10 degrees (when setting thermostats lower or higher while away from home, please allow for recovery time). And make sure your fan is set to AUTO to avoid blowing cold air around the house when the furnace isn’t on.
- Check Your Air Filter – Because HVAC systems tend to be in heavier use during the winter months, it’s possible your air filter might get dirty faster than at other times of the year. Give it a check every month or so to see if it needs to be replaced. Doing so can help keep your furnace running smoothly and efficiently, and it ensures your family isn’t breathing in any contaminated air.
Prepare for Power Outages
One of the main concerns during extreme winter weather is power outages. Heavy snow and/or ice buildup on power lines can do some serious damage, and it can take awhile for power companies to get everything back to working order. Making sure your home and family is prepared can help make the best out of a worst-case scenario.
- Get a Generator – They’re not exactly cheap, but if it’s in the budget, you can use a generator to power your home when your regular electric and HVAC systems aren’t an option. A generator will keep your lights on, your refrigerator running, and your microwave working. It can also help you power a backup source of heating. Most residential generators run off of gas or propane, so make sure you have enough fuel to keep your generator going for a few days.
- Use an Alternate Source of Heat – Your HVAC system needs electricity to power its various components (even if you have a gas furnace), so it will be of no use to you in a power outage. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to have a backup source of heat, like a fireplace or a space heater you can use with a generator. Radiant heaters, indoor propane heaters, or solar-powered heaters are also options. But NEVER use your gas stove as a way to heat your home—that’s an easy way to get carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be extremely deadly.
- Prepare to Cook “Off Grid” – If you have the space, stock up with bottled water and lots of shelf-stable food before the season even starts. You might also want to get a cooler that you can transfer your food to while your fridge is out of service—if you have enough freezer storage, keep a couple bags of ice in there to use in the cooler if need be. If you have an outdoor grill (and it’s safe to be outside), you can cook with that until the power comes back on. If you have a generator, you can use it to power an electric hotplate or slow cooker. You can also get propane or gas-powered portable stoves that are meant for use indoors. Again, just make sure you stock up on fuel BEFORE the bad weather hits!
- Get Camping Supplies – A few basic camping supplies can make your life a lot more functional and comfy when the power goes out. Keeping flashlights in every room of the house can be useful for when the power goes out suddenly after dark. Having an LED lantern or two to provide a bit more light can also be useful—just make sure you’ve also stocked up on plenty of batteries! Having some temperature-rated sleeping bags and/or blankets can make the nights a lot more comfortable until the heat comes back on. In extreme cases, setting up a small tent in a bedroom or living room can help keep you warmer, as it traps your body heat in the smaller space.
- Learn the Safety Protocol – Unfortunately, carbon monoxide can be lethal. So, it’s important to understand the “do’s” and “don’ts” of indoor heating. You never, ever use a grill indoors. You never use your stove to heat up your home. And you never use a generator indoors. Know your appliances. Know the rules. And never, break them.
We hope these tips help you stay safe and warm this winter. And if you have questions about winterizing your HVAC system or need to schedule a furnace clean and check, give us a call! We’re here for you, through the mildest and wildest weather Indiana has to throw at us.