It is a simple fact that every homeowner is going to experience some issues, some of which are more common than you may think. Here is a list of the top 5 household emergencies faced by homeowners and what you can do to deal with them!
1 – Getting Locked Out of Your Home
Ever lock your doors and walk out of your home, only to realize that you left your keys inside? The fact that this is the number one issue means that most of us have been there, but that doesn’t make it any less embarrassing or irritating when it does happen. Here are a few tips for when you find yourself in this unfortunate situation so that you don’t have to resort to breaking into your own home.
– Having a spare key:
Okay, so this one is kind of obvious, but it still should be noted that having a spare key is one of the best methods available. If you have a friend or family member that you can trust, it is a great idea to let them have a spare key so that you have another way to get into your home if you lock yourself out. It also means that you have someone else who can get into your home if you need something done, but can’t be there to do it yourself. If you don’t want to give someone else a key, then you can always buy a key hider.
– Call a locksmith:
It is best to avoid breaking the locks on your home if you ever lock yourself out. It will cost you money and time to get it fixed, and it will be way more of a hassle than simply waiting for a local locksmith to come to your home. Find out who your local locksmith is and give them a call, they will be able to get you back into your home and save you far more time and money than breaking in would.
2 – Losing Power
Something that is practically inevitable for everyone is experiencing a power outage. Nine times out of ten it is out of your control, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t things you can do. Be sure to remember to follow these steps in order to help protect you and your wallet, before you head over to the breaker panel.
– Shut the fridge:
The simple solutions are often the most beneficial. Simply shutting the fridge or keeping it closed will help keep the interior cold, which will help the food inside from spoiling. This will help you avoid having to buy new groceries and can help you from getting potential food poisoning.
– Unplug your electronics:
Power surges can seriously damage or outright destroy any electronics that are still connected to an outlet. Make sure you unplug any important devices to help prevent the need for buying a replacement. Alternatively, you may want to consider buying a UPS (unlimited power supply, not the shipping service). These are extension cord-like devices that will regulate the power supply to any connected devices in order to prevent damage from things like power surges, which means you don’t have to worry about unplugging them. Some even store power to help keep your devices on even after a loss of power.
– Get a backup generator:
Having a backup generator is a great way to avoid completely losing power, and is generally just a good idea to have, especially in the event of an emergency. There are different types of generators, and the best choice will depend on your home as well as your needs. Be sure to give our team a call to determine the best solution as well and to get one of the best installation services you can find.
3 – Frozen Pipes
There are few things worse than a lack of hot water, especially when the weather is starting to cool down. Frozen pipes also run the risk of bursting, which can result in serious damage to a home that could require repairs that could cost thousands of dollars.
– Turn off the faucet
If the stream of water from a faucet has recently stopped, or even slowed down to a trickle, then this could be an indication that you have a frozen pipe that is ready to burst. You can help prevent further damage by turning off the faucet and calling a professional to come over as soon as possible.
– Turn up the heat
In the event that a frozen pipe is behind a wall, turn up the heat in your home or use something like a hair dryer in order to help the pipe thaw.
4 – Overflowing Toilet
The panic caused by an overflowing toilet is something that is hard to beat, but it is important to keep a clear head and act fast if you want to avoid more serious damage.
– Stop the flow of water:
When most people notice the water start to overflow, their first instinct is to grab some towels, but what they should be doing is stopping the flow of water. You can do this by taking the lid off the toilet, pressing down on the flapper valve, and lifting the float in order to cut off the supply of water.
– Grab a plunger:
A tool as old as the toilet itself… okay not really, but it is one of the oldest and most effective tools to have available. If there is a plunger nearby then it is time to act. If there is enough water to cover the plunger then your task is simple, put the device in the toilet and plunge until the suspected blockage is gone.
5 – Heating or AC goes out
Aside from making your home uncomfortable, excessive heat or cold can also be damaging to your health. Here are a few things you can do to keep your HVAC system running smoothly and what you should do if it breaks.
– Keep your system maintained:
Just like most other machines, the best way to avoid your HVAC system breaking down is to provide it with proper care and maintenance. If you have noticed a dip in performance, strange noises, or the filters are particularly dirty, then this could indicate that your HVAC system needs some maintenance.
– Call a professional:
Fixing your heating and cooling system is not a do-it-yourself task. Improper care could result in more damage which will cost you even more time and money. If your system breaks down, then your best bet is to call a professional and have them take a look as soon as possible.
At PECO Heating & Cooling, we stand by our work, which is why we offer a 1-year parts and labor warranty on all our repairs. We have a team that offers service 24/7, and we offer same or next day services for all your heating and cooling, or electrical needs. Call us at (864)-639-2424 to schedule your appointment as soon as possible!
