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Uncategorized Heating HVAC Tips and Advice

Everything You Need to Know About Emergency Heat

Texans are currently experiencing an unprecedented winter storm. People are increasingly wary of car accidents, power outages, and problems with heating their homes. Many homeowners in the south depend upon heat pumps to heat and cool their homes. This is because it’s an incredibly effective method in mild climates. However, with snow and ice building up it may be time to switch your heat pump to emergency mode. 

How Do Heat Pumps Work?

A heat pump is HVAC equipment installed outside of your home. The pump redistributes hot air to heat and cools your home. When it’s cold outside the unit pulls heat out of the air and into your home. When it’s too hot inside the pump pulls hot air out of your home and transfers it outside. However, this heating method doesn’t work in freezing temperatures. 

What is Emergency Heat?

When the temperature drops below freezing and your heat pump isn’t working, you can set your thermostat to emergency heat. This can also be automatically triggered at 35 degrees Fahrenheit. When the temperature gets too low, your pump won’t function properly because there isn’t any heat for the pump to transfer. The system will depend on a furnace or heat strips to heat your home. 

When you switch to emergency heat, your pump will stop trying to extract heat from the outside and will only utilize the secondary heating method. 

When to Use Emergency Heat

You should only use emergency heat, as the name suggests, in emergency situations. You should turn on the emergency heat if your heat pump stops functioning and your home isn’t warming up. This happens quite often when temperatures hit the freezing point. 

If your heating system doesn’t automatically switch to emergency heat, you should do it manually. This will help prevent damage to your primary unit and heat your residence faster.  

Cost of Using Emergency Heat

Switching to emergency heat can be expensive if you have an electric heating system. For this reason, you shouldn’t use emergency heat unless it’s absolutely necessary. You don’t necessarily need to turn the emergency heat on just because it’s cold. However, it is necessary if your pump stops working altogether.

Running your emergency heat increases your energy usage and drives up your energy bill. If your system is all-electric you can stand to lose quite a bit of money heating your home this way for extended periods of time. However, if your backup heating system runs on gas or oil, you may get a bit of a price break. 

Protect Your Heat Pump

You should check your heat pump for snow and ice buildup during the winter months. Do your best to keep it clear. If you notice too much debris, call an HVAC repairman to get the unit fixed. If you take care of it quickly, you could save a lot of money on future repairs or a replacement. 

Call Ellis AC

Our HVAC professionals know how important it is to maintain your heating system. It’s more important than ever with all 254 Texas counties under winter storm warnings. If you notice an excessive build-up on your heat pump or your home isn’t warming up enough, call us immediately. We’re here to help keep you safe and warm during the winter months. 

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Tips and Advice

Winter Power Outage Survival Guide

Power outages can be a scary experience. It can be made worse when you also have to combat freezing temperatures. However, you don’t have to just sit in your cold, dark house and hope the power comes on before you freeze. With sufficient planning you and your loved ones can come out of the ordeal warm and unharmed. 

Emergency Kit

Every household should have an emergency kit. This guarantees you will have the essentials any time you encounter an emergency situation or severe weather event. Make sure it’s easily accessible and fully stocked at all times. Here are some things that should be in every emergency kit. 

  • Flashlight 
  • A portable radio
  • Extra batteries
  • Car charger
  • Candles and matches
  • Non-perishable food
  • Warm clothing and blankets
  • Hand warmers
  • First aid kit

Refrigerated food

Typically, people affected by power outages are advised to avoid opening their refrigerator to help preserve their food. This is in an effort to stop food from spoiling, which can be expensive to replace and leave you hungry while you wait out the storm. However, in the winter you should seal food so animals and debris won’t contaminate it. Then, you should place it outside so it will stay cold. 

Cooking

A power outage can make cooking difficult. If you have gas appliances, you can light them with a match. However, if your appliances are electric you may need to look for other options. You can use a grill or fire pit. Otherwise, you can just eat food that doesn’t need to be cooked. 

Layer Clothing

You should wear a lot of layers. Then, you can continue to add or subtract clothing depending on your needs. You should also cover your extremities. Keep a hat and gloves nearby. 

Burn Wood

If you have a wood stove or fireplace consider burning wood to keep warm. If you have a gas fireplace you should purchase a battery backup.

Backup Generator

Portable backup generators can require a lot of maintenance, but they can provide energy and help keep you warm in an emergency. If you decide to use one, be cautious about where you place it. If you put it indoors the carbon monoxide levels will rise and can lead to death. It’s best to place it away from your home. 

Backup generators can be quite costly. In addition to the initial cost of buying the generator, it will need fuel at least twice a day, oil checks, and you need to protect it from snow. Pay close attention to the operation manual so you know how to maintain it. 

Vehicles

At times, you may get too cold. Layering clothing and blankets helps you keep warm, but it doesn’t do much if you’re already freezing. If you have a car, you have the option to turn it on and warm up for a bit. Make sure you keep it fueled up so it’ll turn on in freezing weather. A time may also come, when you need to leave your home and stay with someone who still has electricity. 

You can also use a car charger to charge your phone while you’re warming up. This will be really important to keep up with the news, connect with your loved ones, and call emergency services if needed.

Water

If you get water through the city, it will continue to run. However, if you have a well, the pump won’t work without electricity. If you think you might lose power there are a couple of precautions you can take.

Fill up your bathtub with water for washing clothes and flushing toilets. You should also keep a gallon of drinking water for each person in your home for every day you expect to be without power. 

If you still have water, let your faucets drip and keep cupboard doors open. This will help prevent your pipes from freezing. 

Call Ellis AC

Ellis AC is happy to provide these tips to help our customers stay safe during inclement weather. If your heating system still isn’t working to your satisfaction, when your power comes back on contact us. Our team of friendly professionals will provide you with quick and quality repairs. We know what it takes to help you save money on your heating bill and keep your home warm during the winter months. Contact us right away to schedule a consultation or to fix emergency repairs!