Severe winter storms can bring heavy snow, ice, freezing temperatures, and power outages — often with little warning. Preparing ahead of time can help keep your family safe, prevent costly damage to your home, and reduce the risk of heating system failures when you need heat the most.

Below are practical steps every homeowner should take before, during, and after a winter storm.

Before the Storm: Prepare Your Home and Heating System

Schedule preventative heating maintenance
A properly maintained heating system is far less likely to fail during extreme cold. Routine service helps identify worn parts, airflow issues, and safety concerns before they turn into emergency breakdowns.

Replace or clean air filters
Dirty filters restrict airflow and make your system work harder — especially during extended run times in cold weather.

Check thermostat operation
Make sure your thermostat is functioning correctly and programmed appropriately. If you use a smart thermostat, confirm it’s connected and working as expected.

Clear outdoor equipment
Remove snow, leaves, and debris from around outdoor units, exhaust vents, and intake pipes. Blocked vents can cause shutdowns or dangerous conditions.

Seal drafts and insulate
Inspect doors, windows, and attic spaces for drafts. Proper insulation helps your system maintain consistent indoor temperatures and reduces strain.

Prepare for power outages
Have flashlights, batteries, blankets, and portable phone chargers ready. If you use a generator, ensure it’s installed safely and never run it indoors.

During the Storm: Stay Safe and Reduce System Stress

Keep your thermostat steady
Avoid turning the heat way up during extreme cold. Large temperature swings can stress your heating system and increase the risk of failure.

Do not block vents or returns
Ensure furniture, rugs, or snow buildup aren’t blocking airflow inside or outside the home.

Watch for warning signs
Unusual noises, burning smells, uneven heating, or frequent cycling can signal a problem. If something doesn’t seem right, it’s best to have it checked.

Use space heaters cautiously
Only use approved space heaters, keep them away from flammable materials, and never leave them unattended.

After the Storm: Check for Damage and Restore Normal Operation

Inspect outdoor equipment
Once it’s safe, remove snow and ice from around vents and outdoor units to ensure proper airflow.

Look for frozen or burst pipes
Check exposed plumbing areas and address issues promptly to prevent water damage.

Monitor system performance
If your home isn’t heating evenly or your system is struggling to recover, it may need professional service.

Schedule a post-storm system check if needed
Extreme weather can push heating systems to their limits. A quick inspection can catch issues early and help avoid future breakdowns.

When to Call a Professional

Contact a licensed HVAC professional if you experience:

• No heat or inconsistent heating

• Strange smells or loud noises

• A system that won’t turn on after a power outage

• Frequent cycling or unusually high energy bills

Prompt service can prevent small problems from becoming major repairs.

Stay Warm, Stay Safe

Winter storms are unpredictable, but preparation makes all the difference. Taking steps now helps protect your comfort, safety, and peace of mind throughout the coldest months of the year.

If you have questions about your heating system or want to schedule maintenance before the storm hits, Blue Ridge Heating & Cooling is here to help.