01/24/2026
PLEASE READ IT MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE
As we brace for Winter Storm Fern, we aren’t just looking at snow—we’re looking at significant ice. Here’s what you need to know to keep your home warm and your equipment safe:
1. Clear the Perimeter: Before the snow starts tonight, make sure the area around your outdoor unit is clear of debris.
2. The "Emergency Heat" Switch: If you see your unit becoming encased in a thick layer of ice, don't panic. Switch your thermostat to "Emergency Heat" or "Auxiliary Heat." This shifts the load to your backup heat strips and prevents the ice from damaging the fan motor or compressor while it tries to defrost.
3. Hands Off the Ice Pick: NEVER use a shovel or ice pick to chip ice off the coils. You could easily puncture a line and turn a temporary ice problem into a permanent replacement.
4. Clear the Top: Once it’s safe to go outside, gently clear any heavy snow or ice from the top of the unit to ensure proper airflow.
5. Make sure that all flu pipes are not blocked by ice or Snow… This will call the Gas furnace to shut down….( disclaimer. # I am not telling you to get on your roof.)
6. Someone will laugh at this message, but it is very important. Please pay attention… If you lose Power to your Home. Your HVAC system will not work….
That may sound silly to some, but some people do not understand how it works, if you have not made a plan by now to lose Power, have back up flashlights, and an emergency heat source.. this could be trouble some or even deadly…. No one can come and rescue you. If there is 1 inch of ice on the ground…. And near zero temperatures…. Please have an alternative heat source….MAKE SURE YOUR SOURCE IS MADE FOR INDOOR USE , MANY PEOPLE DIE EACH YEAR USING CAMPING HEATERS INSIDE OF THEIR HOMES, SO PLEASE CHECK THE LABEL. IT CAN BE DEADLY TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY….
— IF YOU HAVE ELDERLY NEIGHBORS, PLEASE CHECK ON THEM NOW…. Some cannot fend for themselves, and will not ask for help….
WHILE IT IS IMPORTANT TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR HVAC, AND THIS DANGEROUS TIME, IT IS ONE IMPORTANT FOR THE SAFETY OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, please plan to be without Power, we are praying for everyone through the storm ❤️