Why Power Outages Are a Concern in February
February storms in the Central Shenandoah Valley can bring snow, ice, and high winds that lead to temporary power outages. When electricity goes out, your HVAC system stops running, leaving your home cold and potentially putting your equipment at risk.
Taking proactive steps ensures your heating system stays safe and functional once power is restored.
Common Risks to HVAC Systems During Power Outages
Electrical Surges:
When power returns after an outage, voltage spikes can damage sensitive components in your HVAC system.
Frozen Pipes:
Without heat circulating, pipes in unheated spaces can freeze and burst.
System Strain:
Repeated short outages and recovery cycles can stress furnaces, heat pumps, and circuit boards.
Inconsistent Temperatures:
Power loss may leave some areas of your home colder than others, potentially causing discomfort or damage to sensitive materials.
Tips to Protect Your HVAC During February Power Outages
Install a Surge Protector:
Protect your HVAC system from voltage spikes when power returns.
Maintain Minimum Heat Levels:
If possible, keep thermostats set to a safe baseline using backup power sources to prevent frozen pipes.
Use a Backup Generator Safely:
Ensure your generator is properly installed and compatible with your HVAC system.
Schedule a Professional Winter Readiness Check:
Technicians can inspect wiring, circuit boards, and connections to minimize outage-related damage.
Keep Vents Open:
Ensure warm air can circulate freely once power is restored, reducing strain on the system.
Local Insight
Central Shenandoah Valley homes include older farmhouses and modern properties, each with unique vulnerabilities during power outages. Local HVAC professionals understand these homes’ layouts and can recommend tailored strategies to keep heating systems safe and operational in winter emergencies.
Aire Serv of Central Shenandoah Valley Can Help
Aire Serv provides professional inspections, surge protection installation, and winter readiness assessments. Protect your HVAC system this February—schedule a power outage preparedness consultation today.
