Spring in Colorado brings vibrant wildflowers and beautiful landscapes, but it also brings unpredictable weather patterns. Powerful spring storms with lightning strikes and severe weather can wreak havoc, including knocking out power for extended periods. Here at Roots Heating & Air, we know how important a comfortable home is, even during a power outage.
Be Prepared: Essential Steps Before the Storm Hits
- Assemble an emergency kit: Include flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio, a first-aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable food, a manual can opener, and sanitation wipes.
- Charge your devices: Ensure your phone, laptop, and any other essential electronics are fully charged before the storm hits. Consider a portable power bank for extended outages.
- Secure outdoor furniture and decorations: Strong winds can turn these items into dangerous projectiles. Bring them indoors or store them securely in a garage or shed.
- Prepare your air conditioner: Turn off your air conditioning unit at the thermostat. This will prevent a sudden increase in the flow of electricity, also known as a power surge, potentially caused by a lightning strike, from damaging your valuable equipment like the AC compressor, electrical components, and circuit boards found in modern air conditioners. Even a minor electrical surge can cause power surge damage and lead to expensive air conditioning repair.
Weathering the Storm: Staying Safe During a Power Outage
- Safety first: Avoid using candles or open flames for lighting due to the risk of fire. Opt for flashlights or battery-powered lanterns instead.
- Stay warm or cool: Dress in layers if it’s cold outside. If you have a fireplace, ensure proper ventilation before using it. In hot weather, go to the coolest part of your home, typically the basement. Utilize battery-powered fans for extra circulation.
- Minimize fridge and freezer usage: Only open these appliances when necessary to maintain the cold air inside. A full freezer will stay cold longer than an empty one.
- Protect your pipes: If the temperature dips below freezing, there’s a risk of pipes bursting. Drip a faucet slowly to keep water flowing and prevent freezing. Consider insulating exposed pipes for extra protection, especially in crawl spaces.
Power Restored: Turning Your Home Back On
- Wait at least 30 minutes: Allow the power grid to stabilize before turning on your appliances. A sudden surge can damage electronics.
- Check your circuit breakers: Look for tripped breakers, especially for your HVAC system. Reset them if necessary, but avoid flipping them repeatedly if they keep tripping.
- Consider a whole-house surge protector: This can help safeguard your valuable electrical appliances, including your air conditioning system, from damage caused by power surges.
- Restart your AC unit: Once you’re confident the power is stable, turn your thermostat back on. Your system may take a few minutes to kick in and start functioning normally.
Remember:
- If you notice unusual noises or odors coming from your AC unit after a power outage, call Roots Heating & Air for a professional inspection. Our air conditioning technicians can assess any potential power surge damage, like malfunctions in the electrical components or compressor, and ensure your system is operating safely and efficiently.
- Regular maintenance services: Don’t wait for a power outage or expensive repairs to address potential issues with your AC unit. Regular maintenance checks by our qualified technicians can help identify and address minor problems before they become major issues. We recommend regular cleaning of air filters to ensure optimal performance and avoid unnecessary strain on the system, which can make it more susceptible to damage from electrical surges during storms.
Preventative measures are key! By taking steps like turning off your AC unit before a storm and considering a whole-house surge protector, you can significantly reduce the risk of power surge damage to your air conditioning system and other sensitive electronics in your home.
Don’t wait for a storm to disrupt your comfort and potentially damage your air conditioner! Schedule a spring maintenance check-up for your HVAC system with Roots Heating & Air. We can ensure your equipment is in top condition to handle the changing seasons and any unexpected weather events.
Call us today at (303) 381-3061 or schedule an appointment online. We’re here to keep your Colorado home comfortable and safe all year round!
