With temperatures forecasted to dip as low as -6 this weekend, it pays to be prepared, advised Kendal Catt of Tholen HVAC.
A good proactive measure is to clean and replace filters in your heating system and check for any issues.
“Keep things serviced,” Catt said, nothing that clean filters are crucial and that replacing them once a year is not good enough.
“Make sure that all of your vents are open,” he added. People sometimes think they are being efficient by closing off vents to rooms they are not using, but Catt warns that this is not the case. “That is hard on your heating system,” he said. “Your system is designed to heat the whole house.”
When it comes to propane heat, Catt suggests that your tank be at least 50% full. “Having it 20% full is not enough,” he said. “Your pressure drops and then there is not enough pressure in your tank. It would be enough if it were warmer outside and you were only needing your propane for cooking. That’s not the case in the winter months, though.”
Weatherproofing your home is also important. Insulating any water lines that run along exterior walls so your water supply will be less likely to freeze is essential, according to Catt.
“Keep your sink cabinets open if they are on an outside wall,” he said. “It’s a good idea to have a backup source of heat, as well. Generators are good to have, but even just electric heaters that are placed by open cabinets and pipes to make sure they don’t freeze.”
Homeowners may also want to caulk and weather-strip doors and windows; insulate walls and attic; cover windows with plastic from the inside; and repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on your home during a storm. “Make sure your crawl spaces are sealed up,” added Catt. “Cover any cracks in your home’s foundation with plastic or straw.”
When it comes to your car, there are also some important steps you can take to prepare for the brutally cold temperatures. Check the vehicle’s antifreeze level and replace windshield-wiper fluid with a wintertime mixture. Be sure your tires have adequate tread and air pressure, replacing any worn tires and filling low tires with air to the proper pressure recommended for your car.
It is also recommended that you keep your vehicle’s gas tank near full to help avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests drivers keep the following in their car should they have to travel in winter conditions:
• Cell phone, portable charger, and extra batteries
• Items to stay warm such as extra hats, coats, mittens, and blankets
• Windshield scraper
• Shovel
• Battery-powered radio with extra batteries
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Water and snack food
• First aid kit with any necessary medications and a pocket knife
• Tow chains or rope
• Tire chains
• Canned compressed air with sealant for emergency tire repair
