01/21/2026
With severe cold temperatures moving in (and potential snow/ice on the way), now is the time to take a few simple steps to protect your home and avoid costly damage. Cold snaps can lead to heating system strain, power outages, and dangerous conditions outdoors.
Here are 5 smart tips to prep your home before the worst hits:
1) Check Your Heating System Before Temperatures Drop
Your system is about to work overtime—make sure it’s ready before the cold locks in.
Do this now:
• Replace your HVAC filter if it’s dirty
• Make sure supply vents aren’t blocked by furniture or rugs
• Listen for unusual noises (buzzing, rattling, or short cycling)
• If your heat hasn’t been used in a while, run it now to confirm it’s working properly
2) Use Your Thermostat’s Emergency Heat Setting Correctly
If your home has a heat pump, it likely includes an Emergency Heat (EM Heat) option. This switches your system to backup heat (usually electric heat strips).
Important reminders:
• Only use Emergency Heat if your outdoor unit isn’t running properly, is frozen, or isn’t keeping up
• EM Heat can be more expensive to run, so don’t use it unless needed
• If your home isn’t warming up normally, switch to EM Heat and schedule service ASAP
3) Keep Your Home Warm Even If You’re Away
Leaving for work or travel? Don’t turn the heat off.
Set your thermostat to at least 60–65°F, even if no one is home. This reduces risk of frozen plumbing and moisture issues.
4) Prep for Ice: Prevent Slips + Roof/Drain Problems
Ice causes more than driving problems—it can damage homes too.
Quick prep list:
• Salt/sand walkways and steps before it freezes
• Clear gutters/downspouts if they’re clogged
• Keep roof valleys and drains clear (if safe to do so)
• Watch for heavy icicles—these can indicate heat loss or ice dam risk
5) Be Ready for a Power Outage
Severe cold + ice can mean outages. Make sure you have:
• Flashlights + batteries (skip candles if possible)
• Phone chargers / power bank
• Space heaters used safely (keep 3 ft clearance, never unattended)
• Bottled water and a basic emergency kit
• A plan to protect pipes if power is out for an extended time
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Stay safe and stay warm! 🏠🔥❄️
