TEXAS, USA — With the first major cold snap in Central Texas approaching, local HVAC contractors are encouraging residents to start preparing now.
David Sanchez, owner of Cool Dreams Services, is anticipating lots of work in the coming days as an artic blast moves through, that's why he said if property owners need service, they should act sooner rather than later.
"When the [artic blast] comes in, everybody seems to wait, then it's just like boom," Sanchez said. "It's kind of like in the summertime when spring comes and all of a sudden that first 90-100 degree day comes, everything just goes crazy."
Sanchez, who has been in the industry for around 15 years, said safety should be the number one priority as you try to keep you and your loved ones warm this winter season.
"Make sure you got a carbon monoxide detector," Sanchez added. "Stay safe, keep your family safe -- that's the number one thing."
Sanchez told 6 News heaters that run off gas are the big story when it comes to safety. He also stressed that getting your heating unit fixed could keep you from using smaller heaters that could lead to electrical fires.
Sanchez showed 6 News around a house on what to look out for to ensure your home is ready to be heated.
"Even though it's wintertime, you still need to make sure that your filters are getting replaced," Sanchez said. "If they're clogged it's going to be real hard for it to still remove the cold air that you're trying to remove and replace it with the warm."
When it comes to your windows, doors or anything that leads to the exterior -- ensure there aren't any gaps or holes that could be causing your heating unit to run more, costing you more money.
"See if there's any big gaps and if there are, they need to be sealed to the best you can because any area where there's a gap is going to let air in and all your warm air that you got blown in your home is going to escape," Sanchez said. "Same thing with your doors, you don't want to see daylight."
If you have electric heating, there are tools available to ensure the heating elements are energized. It is possible that pieces of an electric heater can break or overheat. Sanchez has one last tip if your electric heater is connected to a heat pump outside.
"What we recommend is, since it's gonna get now below 30 degrees, turn your heat pumps off at night and just run your electric heat which will be on your thermostat," Sanchez said.
Sanchez said ensuring your house is properly insulated will also keep your home warmer this winter. He also said if your unit gets frost on the outside, it most likely has a defrost setting and it will be fine.
Just call your local contractor for questions, they are there to help you stay safe and warm.
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