Just when you think you’re out of the woods, a late-winter storm is bound to hit Columbia, Maryland. While it may be nice to snuggle up inside with loved ones, it’s only fun if you’re prepared for the harsh weather. Before you look ahead to spring, make sure you are ready just in case one last snowstorm decides to hit.
Make an Emergency Checklist
Make sure you are covered in case of an emergency by having everything you need available in your home. Double-check that you have plenty of food and water in case you get stuck inside for a while. Space heaters are also helpful when the temperatures drop dramatically.
Also make sure you have extra blankets and warm clothing throughout the home that are easily accessible. If your heat breaks down during a storm, you need to make sure you can keep your family warm until a technician is able to come out and fix it. Prepare for an electricity outage as well. Keep candles or flashlights easily accessible throughout your house in the event that you lose electricity during a bad winter storm.
Save on Utilities
The dramatic changes in temperatures can make your utility bills spike before, during, and after winter storms. During a big storm, you may not be worried about the bills so much, but keep in mind that there are ways to save on your utilities even during a major snow storm. Avoid cranking up the heat when the temperature drops. Your home won’t heat up any faster, and it tends to cost extra money. Consider leaving the temperature in your home lower and using a space heater in the room that you use the most instead.
Prepare Your HVAC System
You can’t always prevent your HVAC system from breaking down, but you should at least make sure it’s in prime condition before a big storm rolls in. If a really bad storm is on the way and you have enough notice, it’s a good idea to have a technician service your system. The technician will be able to spot any potential problems and work to have them fixed before a storm hits.
Similarly, it’s always good to have your system serviced regularly with a preventative maintenance plan. Having your system serviced keeps it running efficiently and allows the technician to alert you of major issues that can cause a breakdown. If you didn’t sign up for a plan and schedule a visit before winter started, now is a good time to do it. You can help prevent a breakdown at the worst possible moment, and if your system is aging, you will have all spring and summer to decide whether you should repair or replace it.
Check Your Air Quality
If you’ve ever had a cold you just can’t seem to shake, your air quality may be to blame. Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can cause symptoms similar to those of a cold or flu. Unless spring comes very early, chances are you are going to spend most of March indoors. It’s important for your health and your family’s health that your IAQ doesn’t encourage illness.
Schedule an IAQ test, and if the results are poor, make sure you take steps to fix the problem. Poor IAQ can be a result of dirty air filters, a faulty furnace, a rodent infestation, or even dust and dirt. Even though winter is almost over, a harsh storm can keep you stuck inside for days. It’s important to ward off any sickness or health issues by making sure the air in your house doesn’t cause or worsen illness.
If you’re from Maryland, then you are probably used to harsh winter storms. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have your house ready for when a late storm hits. Make sure you have shovels and ice to clear out the walkways in your home, as well as everything you need inside your home.
While your heat and electricity should work just fine, for your safety, always plan for the worst. If you want to have your heating system serviced before the next storms hits, we are here to help. Call 888-474-3391 to speak with an expert at Griffiths Energy Services, Inc., today.
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