The Fort Wayne area's winter storms have been known to knock the power out occasionally, but with a little preparation, you can get through a power outage still feeling cozy and comfortable.
Hold Onto Your Heat
While the weather is still mild, check your home for points of energy loss that you can minimize. Use caulk and weatherstripping to seal air leaks around windows and doors, hang heavy drapes, and consider having insulation added if any of your exterior walls feel cold to the touch. An energy-efficient home holds warmth for longer.
When the power goes out, gather your whole household into a single small room. Your combined body heat will help maintain a comfortable temperature. Make sure everyone's dressed in layers of warm clothes and has a warm blanket to cuddle up under.
If you have a propane or kerosene space heater designed for indoor use, light it only in a room with excellent ventilation and a carbon monoxide detector. If you've sealed off a single small room to hold in heat, it's unlikely you'll have enough ventilation to use one of these heaters safely.
Invest in a Generator
A generator powerful enough to run your heating system or at least power an electric space heater is a wise investment if your household includes small children, elderly individuals or anyone else sensitive to low temperatures.
Portable generators that run on gasoline or diesel can power just one or several electrical circuits in your home. These are usually the best choice if you're on a budget. Standby generators are wired into your home's electrical system and connected to the natural gas mains so they won't run out of fuel. These systems are usually sized to power most or all of your house. They automatically turn on when a power outage starts and shut down when the power comes back. While more expensive than portable models, they're also more convenient and reliable.
For more ideas on staying comfortable and safe during a power outage, contact us at Hartman Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning in Fort Wayne.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in New Haven, Indiana and surrounding Fort Wayne area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about power outages and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 260-376-2961.
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