Winter is Coming… Are You Ready?
Fall and winter are knocking on the door, are you prepared for the possibility of extreme weather, the associated power outages, and all the other problems cold weather can cause? If not, you should be getting ready now. For homeowners and business owners, a standby generator is one of the best investments in security and peace of mind you can make.
Many Americans have already seen the light after several devastating natural disasters in recent years, and especially after Hurricane Sandy in the Northeast. Generac, one of the biggest players in the residential generator industry, reported that sales jumped 45% from late 2012 to 2013, and other manufacturer’s reported similar results. Sales continue to be brisk.
It’s true that Houston and its surrounding areas don’t experience the kind of frigid temperatures the rest of the country does in winter, but temps can often get down into the 30’s and there are usually several days of below freezing weather, as well as winter rain storms that can knock out power.
Besides having a standby generator, there are a number of other things you can do to protect your home or business from the ravages of winter. Here are some of the most important:
- Insulate your water lines: Allowing faucets to drip during a cold snap may work down to a certain temperature, but if it gets cold enough to freeze it might not be enough. Insulation for water lines is inexpensive and very easy to install. Consider spending a little more for heated insulation. You can buy heated covers for outdoor spigots as well.
- Install window and door weather strips: Any opening to the outdoors should be insulated with weather strips, especially your sliding glass doors. Covering windows with plastic sheeting is a good idea too. It’s amazing how effective these simple precautions can be.
- Reverse rotation on ceiling fans: Most fans have a switch allowing you to change their rotation. They should rotate clockwise in the winter, which forces cool up, pushing the warm air down along the walls and floors, creating a more snug living environment.
- Inspect for open spaces: Do a walk around of your home or business looking for any opening that can give access to cold air. Take special care when inspecting around dryer vents, utility lines, and spigot entries into the structure. Use a spray-able foam insulation to fill them in if necessary.
- Prepare your generator: If you already have a standby generator, you should give it a ‘once over’ and test it out before inclement weather hits. Make sure to change the oil and drain any fuel that might be left over from last season. If your generator seems sub-par for any reason, contact a generator service company immediately.
- Keep plenty of flashlights and water on hand: If you’re lucky enough to get advance warning about extreme weather coming your way, make sure to check the batteries in your flashlights. It’s also a good idea to have plenty of back-up batteries, and plenty of drinkable water on hand.
Don’t wait for an emergency to learn a hard lesson. Contact A&A GenPro and talk to a professional to assess your particular needs and find out which standby generator is right for you. We offer free quotes on services and have generator maintenance technicians on hand 24 hours a day. Call us today at (713) 830-3280 and let us help you get ready for winter.