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Helpful Hints for Extreme Cold

When temperatures drop to dangerous levels, there are a number of precautions you can take to protect the systems in your home.

One of the most important things you can do is make sure your heating system continues to operate. Regular spring and fall service on your heating and cooling equipment is vital. A chimney and flue inspection can also be a good idea.

If your heat quits, here are some things you can try to get it working again:
  • Change your filter. Manufacturers recommend changing your filter every 30-60 days during heating AND cooling season. A dirty filter can cause a number of problems including low heat, poor efficiency and complete system failure.
  • Replace the batteries in your thermostat. If you have an electronic thermostat, chances are you have batteries. If those batteries are low, your furnace will not function correctly. Check your owner’s manual or search online if you need help locating the batteries.
  • Check the breaker. Your heating and cooling system are generally on a separate breaker in your electric panel. Any number of things can cause that breaker to trip. Resetting your breaker and often restore service.
While you’re waiting for service, you can take some simple steps to minimize damage due to freezing
  • Use space heaters. Approved space heaters can usually provide enough heat to prevent your pipes from freezing.
  • Let your faucets drip. Moving water won’t freeze as quickly. Keep a small amount of water running, especially on vulnerable exterior walls.
  • Open your cabinets. Especially if you have water piping on outside walls, opening your cabinet doors allows warmer air to move in and protect your lines.
So, you’ve done everything you could think of to prepare for the extreme cold but something still failed at your home. To find out if your repair qualifies for service, you can visit here.

What’s covered?

We can help you with items that fail due to normal wear and tear during your policy period that are listed in your Terms & Conditions. Everything in your home will eventually fail so protect yourself with an ABC Home-SAFE Warranty.

What’s NOT covered?

Any failure due to weather (freezing, rain, storms) is not covered. Those items, by law, can only be covered by homeowner’s insurance. Please check with your agent to see if your repair qualifies. Your homeowner’s insurance can typically cover frozen pipes, water damage, roof repairs, and flooding.

Low efficiency or undersized heating units. The heating system in your house is designed to provide adequate heat in MOST situations. Almost no home is built with a system that can heat during record cold weather–that would be expensive and unnecessary. Heating systems, especially electric heat pumps, become a little less efficient when the temperature drops below 20 degrees but are operating as they were intended. However, if your system can’t keep your home comfortable even during average seasonal temperatures for your location, then you may want to consult with a heating company to see if your unit is undersized for your home or just becoming inefficient with age. You may also consider asking a professional to inspect your home for proper weatherization.

You may find these particular websites to be good resources for self-help information.  We cannot and we do not certify, guarantee or stand behind recommendations or opinions of others.   Any actions or inactions you take upon referring to these websites are taken by you at your risk.