Power outages can happen any time of the year, but in winter we’re particularly vulnerable when ice on power lines causes them to break. It’s a daunting prospect: anywhere from hours to days in your home with no power while frigid temperatures prevail outdoors. Are you prepared for the worst winter can deliver? Here’s a brief survival guide.
When the Power Goes Off
First, determine if the power loss is weather related. Ask your neighbors if their power is out, and if not, check your breaker switch. If the problem is outside the home, call your power company and report the outage.
Turn the power off to all appliances, including the HVAC system, so that they are not damaged by an electrical surge when the power comes back on. Remember that with heat pumps it will take several hours for refrigerant to heat up, so switch to supplemental/emergency heat mode at the thermostat. Wait six to eight hours before switching to heat pump mode.
Long-term Power Failure
Many homeowners prepare themselves for power outages by acquiring a generator. Portable generators are powered by small gas engines, while standby generators, which are wired into the home’s electrical system, are powered by natural gas, propane, gasoline or diesel. Locate generators so that carbon monoxide fumes can’t enter the home.
Use alternative heating sources if you have them, such as a wood stove or fireplace. If you don’t have a generator or other heating source and you expect to remain in your home during the outage, dress in layers to keep warm. Move everyone into a south-facing room with windows, if possible.
Among the survival items you’ll need:
- Flashlight or lantern, or candles and matches
- Batteries
- Battery-operated radio
- First aid supplies
- Drinking water and food
Your preparations for winter should also include ensuring your pipes are protected from freezing. Wherever possible, insulate pipes under sinks, in basements, crawl spaces and attics. Run a small trickle of water from a faucet to prevent freezing.
Ace Hardware Home Services of Dayton has more tips to help you prepare for power outages. Call us at 937-879-2373.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
Credit/Copyright Attribution: “iQoncept/Shutterstock”
