As Winter Storm Jonas ripped through the east coast earlier this year, residents were concerned about how their homes would be affected and what they would need to do. Many didn’t know what precautions they needed to take or how to prepare their heating systems as the storm drew closer. Some were left without power for days. Here in the Waynesville, North Carolina, area, we never know what the winter weather will bring. Systems like Winter Storm Jonas proved that it’s important to know what steps to take to prepare your home and HVAC system for severe weather.
Keeping Warm Safely
Hurricanes and other major storms sometimes include lightning, which can lead to serious problems with electrical systems like air conditioners or furnaces. If you know that a storm is headed toward the Waynesville area, it’s important to unplug your heating equipment to prevent further damage — especially if there are power surges.
During harsh winter weather is one of the worst times to lose power. To stay warm, many people turn to their fireplace, wood-burning stove or generator. These present other problems as you now have to contend with the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Plan ahead for safe ways to heat your home and prevent CO poisoning.
Protect the Outdoor Unit
Hurricanes and winter storms often bring strong wind gusts that stir up debris and cause damage. You can protect your outdoor AC unit from the wind by covering it with pieces of plywood. Be sure to secure the pieces of wood to the unit with bungee cords or rope so that the wind can’t pull them off.
Restoring Indoor Comfort
Once the storm passes, refrain from turning your HVAC system back on until you inspect its exterior components thoroughly. If there is any damage to the outdoor unit, electrical problems could pose a serious risk. If in doubt, call an HVAC technician to take a closer look.
Our team of experts at Gentry Heating, Inc. is available to help with HVAC prep and a variety of other services. Feel free to give us a call at 828-581-4045 for all your HVAC needs.
Image provided by Shutterstock
