If there’s one thing that’s iconic about winter, it’s the snow. If you were to close your eyes and imagine the perfect holiday season, complete with the warm mug of hot cocoa and your favorite seasonal songs, you’d probably picture a nice blanket of snow outside that was at least a couple inches thick. It’s just part of living in the Northern Hemisphere and it’s why some people think this is the prettiest time of the year.
However, snow can be a real pain when it starts disrupting our lives. While it can be a disaster for the roads and driveways, it’s also a bit of a pain for our heating systems. If you’ve got a gas furnace in Centralia, WA, then you’ll want to pay attention to these few heating tips.
Winter weather and snow can sometimes make things more difficult and less efficient if we’re not prepared. This blog post will help you focus and prepare for these events so you’re in better shape this season.
Frozen Temperatures
First things first, we need to talk about the temperature when snow falls. In order for it to be snowing and actually sticking to the ground, the outdoor temperature needs to be below freezing. This is important because snow for the holiday season means your heating system is going to be working hard to keep your home comfortable.
Try to make sure the system works properly before the snow falls, so you’re not trying to keep your home from freezing up when the storm actually arrives.
The Threat of Burst Pipes
When water freezes, it expands. This is a unique property of water and it’s something that can be important in a lot of different industries. Your water line carries a substantial amount of water for everyday use, which is why it’s important that it doesn’t freeze under any circumstance.
The moment your pipes begin to freeze, they could rupture or burst, causing a huge leak when temperatures finally rise in the spring. Let the heat circulate properly through your cabinets and basement so that your pipes never get cold enough to freeze.
The Port Exhaust
If you have a gas-burning appliance, like a gas furnace, the carbon monoxide and other fumes need to be vented properly. This is usually done through a port exhaust that is either on the roof of your home or alongside the wall. This port exhaust is important because, without it, those dangerous fumes would leak back into your home and cause health and safety concerns for you and your family.
When snow falls, it could build up and clog the port exhaust. And when that snow melts and refreezes as ice, it could also create a blockage that might end up being dangerous for your family.
Make sure you keep your port exhaust clear so that those fumes can always be vented to where they need to go.
Call for Maintenance or Repairs
If you’re encountering any problems with your heating system, port exhaust, or your home comfort in general, you can always call our team to schedule an appointment. Whether it’s repairs or maintenance, we’ll be there!
Contact Americool Heating & Air Conditioning, where your comfort is our business!