Winter can be harsh, especially when an Arctic blast is forecasted to bring frigid temperatures and icy conditions to Houston. Preparing your home for such extreme weather is crucial to keep your family safe, reduce energy costs, and prevent costly damages. In this guide, we’ll cover practical steps to winterize your home, protect your plumbing, and ensure your heating systems are ready for the cold.
What Is an Arctic Blast?
An Arctic blast occurs when cold, dense air from the polar regions rapidly moves south, bringing sudden temperature drops and extreme cold. These events can last for days, causing significant disruptions if you’re not prepared.
Prepare for Power Outages
Battery-Powered Lighting: Have flashlights and extra batteries on hand.
Get a backup power solution: Having a backup in case the power goes out can be crucial in this type of weather, as in the past not having a safe method to bring electricity back to your home has proven to be deadly. Portable or standby generators installed by a licensed professional are your best option and as your trusted electricians, we can help with both! If you don't know which one is the best option for you, read our Portable VS Whole home generator article.
Heated blankets: Invest in safe, heating options that are low voltage and can keep you cozy. Follow safety guidelines when using them indoors, here is our top recommendation for heated blanket.
Emergency Communication: Keep phones charged and have a backup power source for staying connected. Solar chargers are a great option for this in case you loose power and have no backup power method at home, here is our top recommendation for solar charger.
Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Test these devices to ensure your home does not get affected by carbon monoxide if you use a portable generator or other equipment that can cause this type of poisoning.
Inspect and Seal Your Home
Check for Drafts: Use a candle or incense stick to detect drafts near windows and doors. Seal gaps with weatherstripping or caulk.
Install Storm Doors and Windows: Adding storm doors and double-pane windows improves insulation and reduces heat loss.
Insulate Your Attic: Proper attic insulation helps retain heat and prevents ice dams from forming on your roof.
Prepare Your Heating System
Schedule a Furnace Tune-Up: Ensure your furnace is functioning efficiently by having it professionally inspected. Replace the air filter for better airflow.
Test Thermostats: Confirm that your thermostat is working correctly to maintain consistent temperatures.
Protect Your Plumbing
Insulate Pipes: Wrap pipes in unheated areas, such as basements and garages, with foam pipe insulation to prevent freezing.
Let Faucets Drip: During extremely cold nights, let faucets drip slightly to keep water flowing and avoid frozen pipes.
Shut Off Outdoor Water: Disconnect garden hoses and turn off the water supply to outdoor spigots. Drain any remaining water.
Stock Emergency Supplies
Backup Power Source: Have a generator or portable power bank to keep essentials running during power outages.
Warm Clothing and Blankets: Stock up on extra blankets, thermal wear, and heavy-duty winter gear.
Non-Perishable Food and Water: Ensure you have enough supplies to last for several days.
Inspect Your Roof and Gutters
Clear Gutters: Remove debris to prevent ice dams, which can cause water to back up into your home.
Inspect for Damage: Look for loose or missing shingles and repair them to avoid leaks.
Install Heat Cables: Heat cables can help prevent ice buildup on roofs prone to ice dams.
Optimize Energy Efficiency
Use Heavy Curtains: Thick, insulated curtains help retain heat and block drafts from windows.
Reverse Ceiling Fans: Set ceiling fans to run clockwise at low speed to push warm air down.
Unplug Unnecessary Devices: Reduce energy usage to keep utility costs manageable during high-demand periods.
Car Maintenance for Arctic Conditions
Check Tire Pressure: Cold temperatures can reduce tire pressure, so keep them properly inflated.
Top Off Fluids: Ensure your vehicle’s antifreeze and windshield washer fluid are adequate.
Winter Emergency Kit: Include blankets, a snow scraper, and a bag of sand or kitty litter for traction.
Plan for Pets
Bring Pets Indoors: Extreme cold can be life-threatening for animals left outside.
Provide Extra Bedding: Ensure your pets have a warm, insulated area to sleep.
Limit Outdoor Time: Keep outdoor activities brief during the coldest periods.
Stay Informed
Monitor Weather Alerts: Stay updated on Arctic blast warnings and forecasts.
Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency numbers, including local utilities and repair services.
Community Resources: Know the location of nearby warming centers or shelters in case of prolonged power outages.
An Arctic blast can be daunting, but with proper preparation, you can weather the storm comfortably and safely. Seal your home, protect your plumbing, stock essential supplies, and stay informed to mitigate the impacts of extreme cold. Taking these steps now will not only keep your family safe but also reduce the risk of costly repairs later. Stay warm, stay safe, and be ready to face the chill.
Our office line is available 24/7 tp help you with any electrical emergency
Standby Generators VS Portable Generators; everything you need to know
We have all started thinking about backup power solutions for your home. Choosing the right solution for your home might come with some challenges, specially when the options can be somehow confusing.
As your trusted local electricians, we are here to guide you through
the battle of the backup Generators
If you ever need an electrician to help you deal with weather damage, Unity Services is the team of electricians you can trust to keep your home safe and to give you peace of mind.
We are always one call (or click) away
713-999-1890
Unity Services has the best team of Licensed Electricians, who carry over 100 years of combined residential and commercial electrical experience. We are always ready to serve you with knowledge and professionalism at your home or business.
Why Choose Unity?
We are proud to be a family-owned small local business that strives to provide our community with the most efficient and transparent solutions. We pride ourselves on our commitment to customer satisfaction. We believe that communication, transparency, and quality workmanship are the keys to building lasting relationships with our clients.
About the author
This post is not sponsored, we just love amazon(too much), however disclosure: The links above are affiliate links, meaning we will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
Comments