Extreme weather can take a toll on your home and your energy bill. From hurricanes and heat waves in Texas to deep freezes in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois, every region faces unique challenges. Preparing your home ahead of time helps protect your property, keep your family safe, and avoid energy waste during these stressful periods.
How can I prepare my home for hurricanes and power outages?
Hurricanes bring high winds, heavy rain, and the real possibility of power loss. For customers in Texas and along the Gulf, taking steps before a storm makes landfall can reduce damage and keep your home more secure.
Steps to prepare for hurricanes:
- Trim trees and clear gutters to reduce wind damage and prevent flooding
- Install surge protectors on important appliances and electronics
- Stock backup lighting and batteries to reduce reliance on flashlights with single-use batteries
- Pre-cool your home if a storm is expected and power loss is likely
- Freeze water bottles to help keep your refrigerator cold during an outage
- Use smart plugs or power strips to shut off electronics before the storm starts
- Charge portable chargers ahead of time to keep phones and emergency devices powered
If your area is under a hurricane watch, turn off and unplug electronics that are not essential. Once the storm has passed, wait until power is steady before restarting sensitive devices.
What can I do to stay energy efficient during extreme heat?
Heat waves cause air conditioners to run longer, which increases energy use. Staying cool while limiting electricity use is possible with the right habits.
Tips for staying cool and efficient:
- Set your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher while at home
- Use ceiling fans in occupied rooms to improve comfort
- Keep blinds or curtains closed during peak sunlight hours
- Avoid using ovens and dryers during the hottest parts of the day
- Replace air filters and clear debris from your outdoor AC unit
- Keep doors and windows closed tightly to prevent warm air from getting in
If you have blackout curtains or reflective window film, now is the time to use them. These simple tools help reduce indoor heat gain and give your cooling system a break.
How should I prepare for freezing temperatures and winter storms?
For customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois, extreme cold can drive up heating bills and cause damage if pipes freeze or your furnace fails. Weatherproofing ahead of a freeze helps your home hold heat longer and use less energy.
Cold weather prep checklist:
- Seal drafts around windows and doors with caulk or weatherstripping
- Insulate exposed pipes in garages, basements, or crawl spaces
- Close curtains at night to keep warm air in, and open them during the day to let sunlight warm the space
- Reverse ceiling fans to push warm air downward
- Set your thermostat to a steady temperature to avoid overworking your furnace
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are working properly
- Keep cabinet doors open in bathrooms and kitchens so warm air reaches pipes
If you lose power during a cold snap, close off unused rooms and gather in a central space. Use extra blankets and layered clothing to stay warm while waiting for service to return.
What supplies should I have ready for any extreme weather event?
No matter the season or region, having basic supplies on hand can make a big difference during unexpected conditions.
Emergency supply list:
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Bottled water and non-perishable food
- Power banks for charging phones
- Manual can opener
- First aid kit
- Blankets and warm clothing
- Battery-operated radio or weather alert device
Check expiration dates on food and batteries every six months. Update your supplies before peak hurricane season or before winter sets in.
Can I prepare without spending a lot?
Yes. Many of the best ways to prepare your home do not require major spending. Simple tasks like sealing gaps, adjusting thermostat settings, and using your fans correctly can all improve efficiency and comfort. Low-cost tools like weatherstripping, foam pipe covers, and window insulation kits are widely available and easy to install.