Keep Warm With Alternative Heating Methods
When the cold winter months arrive, it’s easy for homeowners to become reliant on their heaters to keep their homes warm and toasty! But what happens when there’s a winter blackout with no electricity and no working heater to warm up with?
At Wright Home Services, we’d like to share some tips on how you can prepare for a hard freeze so that you and your family can be prepared the next time one hits.
Why Being Prepared For A Hard Freeze Is Important
It can be difficult to know when a hard freeze or blackout will hit. If not prepared, this can leave you and your family scrambling around the house for methods of alternative heating.
It’s important to prepare for a winter freeze for the health and safety of everyone in your home. Cold conditions can impose health risks on vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, children and the sick. Being prepared can ensure everyone is as safe and warm as possible.
There are a few ways you can become better prepared for winter blackouts, and at Wright AC, we care about the safety and well-being of our community! That’s why San Antonio residents can count on us to provide information on how they can stay warm during a freeze.
Find A Light Source And Batteries
First things first — when the power goes out, you won’t be able to see! This may cause people to panic as they frantically dig through their house to find a light source. Be prepared and have these items in an easy-to-reach place in your home:
- A flashlight (one for each member in your home)
- Battery operated lanterns
- Extra batteries
If you designate your flashlight for emergency use only, we recommend removing the batteries. If not used for an extended period of time, the batteries inside may crystallize, which will not only cause the flashlight to not work but can damage it as well. You never know, some of these devices and gadgets might even emit a little heat!
Stock Up On Layers
Although it’s rare for San Antonio to reach extremely cold temperatures, it has happened in years past, meaning it’s never a bad idea to prepare for extreme weather. A few items to keep aside for colder weather include:
- Jackets and coats
- Extra blankets
- Sleeping bags
It’s recommended to wear multiple lighter layers instead of one heavy layer. Wearing warmer layers is an easy way to warm up!
Close Windows And Doors
If the inside temperature feels similar to how it is outdoors, you might not think it’s a big deal to frequently open and close your windows. The reality is that it’s beneficial to close any curtains, doors or windows and cover them with blankets so that the chilly air doesn’t seep through the cracks.
It’s like opening a refrigerator door when the power is out. Similar to how you want as much cold air to stay inside the fridge for as long as possible, you’ll want to keep the cold air out of your home for as long as possible during a power outage. That’s why it’s important to keep doors and windows closed.
Just be mindful of how many times you’re opening doors and windows to keep the chilly air where you want it to be!
Huddle In One Room Of Your House
Another strategy for warmth is gathering your family and hunkering down in one room. When the power is out, everyone might want to camp out in their own bedroom, but there’s actually a benefit to sticking together in the cold.
You don’t have to huddle together like penguins in a stormy blizzard to keep warm, but the body heat of everyone in one room can accelerate how fast a single space in your house warms up. The smaller the room, the better!
While you’re at it, don’t forget to include your pets! Keeping close to your furry friends can make you (and even your pets) feel warmer and cozier!
Schedule San Antonio Heater Repairs With Wright Home Services
Although your heater might not function during a hard freeze, you want to ensure that it’s properly working when used. When was the last time you had your heater checked or maintained by a professional?
If you’re in need of heater repair or maintenance, our team at Wright Home Services is here to help. Since it’s usually warmer in San Antonio, heater maintenance may be on the back of your mind, but don’t wait until it’s too late to get it checked! Give us a call today, and we get your heater up and running so it works when you need it most!
