A power outage can be daunting any time of the year, but particularly in winter when temperatures plummet. Power outages may occur from strong winds, ice on lines or from blackouts, and may last from a few minutes to a few days. So don’t wait till the lights go out: make your plan for a winter power outage now.
When the Power Goes Out
When the power goes out, your home’s appliances will stop running unless you have a backup generator. Turn everything off so that when the power comes back on, a surge won’t damage electric circuitry. HVAC systems are particularly vulnerable to surges. If you have a heat pump, let the refrigerant warm up while the unit is on supplemental heat for a few hours before you switch to heat pump mode.
You also should protect your pipes. Long before the storm arrives, insulate your pipes wherever it’s practical. Add insulation or weather stripping to fill up holes through exterior walls where the pipes are located. At night, turn a trickle of water on so pipes don’t freeze. Insulate crawl spaces or basements wherever pipes are located.
If you live in an all-electric home and you’re concerned about a heat source or running appliances during a power outage, consider buying a generator. Portable generators are powered by small gasoline-powered engines, while standby generators are wired into the electric system and may be powered by gasoline, diesel, natural gas or propane. Locate the generator away from the living space to avoid carbon monoxide fumes.
Consider installing a wood stove or using a kerosene heater for backup heat, but be sure you understand the safety issues involved with these heating sources.
You’ll also need a source of light such as a lantern or flashlight and a supply of batteries. Other items to stock up on include food and water, medications, a first-aid kit and a battery-powered radio.
For more on how a power outage can affect your home, contact Energy 1 Heating and Air Conditioning. We specialize in expert HVAC service and installation in Lorain and the surrounding area.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about preparing for a power outage and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 440-201-2959.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area