Hurricane Season Is Here

With Hurricane Isaac off the Gulf Coast, we start to think about what we here in the Carolina's need to do to be prepared in case a hurricane or other extreme weather were to threaten us.

First, you should know the difference between a weather "Watch" and "Warning".  A Watch means conditions are threatening and probability is higher that bad weather could happen. When Watch is issued, review your safety plans, keep informed and be ready to act if a warning is issued.  A Warning means conditions are expected and will happen. When a Warning is issued, complete your storm preparations, do as the authorities instruct you, and leave the area if directed to do so.


Here are a some things to know and do to be prepared:

Know your evacuation routes and locate your local emergency shelters.

Don't get caught by surprise. There is not enough time to think of everything you need to do when a hurricane or bad weather approaches.

Put fuel in all vehicles and withdraw some cash from the bank. Gas stations and banks may be closed after a hurricane or bad weather.

Keep a photo I.D. that shows your home address. This may become important when asking a police officer or National Guard member for permission to re-enter your neighborhood.

There is never enough time to get ready for nature's fiercest weather. Give yourself and your family a head start.

Water—at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day

Food—at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food

Flashlight

Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAAWeather Radio, if possible)

Extra batteries

First aid kit

Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)

Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of  address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)

Cell phone with chargers

Family and emergency contact information

Emergency blanket

Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)

Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)

Tools/supplies for securing your home

Extra set of car keys and house keys

What to do when a hurricane threatens...

• Listen to a NOAAWeather Radio for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS) regularly.
  
• Check your disaster supplies and replace or restock as needed.
  
• Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind (bicycles, lawn furniture).
  
• Close windows, doors and hurricane shutters. If you do not have hurricane shutters, close and board up all windows and doors with plywood.
  
• Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting and keep them closed as much as possible so that food will last longer if the power goes out.
  
• Turn off propane tanks and unplug small appliances.
  
• Fill your car’s gas tank.
  
• Talk with members of your household and create an evacuation plan.  Planning and practicing your evacuation plan minimizes confusion and fear during the event.
  
• Learn about your community’s hurricane response plan. Plan routes to local shelters, register family members with special medical needs as required and make plans for your pets to be
  cared for.
  
• Evacuate if advised by authorities. Be careful to avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges.
  
• Because standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding, it’s important to have protection from the floods associated with hurricanes, tropical storms, heavy rains and other
  conditions that impact the U.S. For more information on flood insurance, please visit the National Flood Insurance Program Web site at www.FloodSmart.gov.

What to do after a hurricane...

• Continue listening to a NOAAWeather Radio or the local news for the latest updates.
  
• Stay alert for extended rainfall and subsequent flooding even after the hurricane or tropical storm has ended.
  
• If you evacuated, return home only when officials say it is safe.
  
• Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges.
  
• Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the power company.
  
• Stay out of any building that has water around it.
  
• Inspect your home for damage. Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance purposes.
  
• Use flashlights in the dark. Do NOT use candles, fire risk as extremely high!
  
• Avoid drinking or preparing food with tap water until you are sure it’s not contaminated.
  
• Check refrigerated food for spoilage. If in doubt, throw it out.
  
• Wear protective clothing and be cautious when cleaning up to avoid injury.
  
• Watch animals closely and keep them under your direct control.
  
• Use the telephone only for emergency calls.

Let Your Family Know You’re Safe
If your community has experienced a hurricane, or any disaster, register on the American Red Cross Safe and Well Web site: RedCross.org/SafeandWell. If you don’t have Internet access, call 1-866-GET-INFO to register yourself and your family.

 

 This information is provided by the American Red Cross.

 

KEEP SAFE!

 

from your friends at

980-235-0055

 

AC Tune Ups, Check-Ups, Maintenance...What's the Difference?

We are only about half way through the hot weather, and your AC has already had A LOT of run time.  If you haven't had your AC checked so far, you should!  There are still a lot of running hours and hot weather to go.

Lots of companies are running specials.  There are "Tune Ups", "Safety Checks", "Check-Ups", the list goes on and on.  So what's the difference, is it just terminology?  Not always.  You should always read (even the fine print) or call and find out what is included.  By doing this you will be able to weed out what is a marketing ploy and what is truely beneficial.

When having your AC checked, what really needs to be done?  Different people will tell you different things.  Carolina Heating & Air desing believes these are the basics:

1. First, your system should be checked once a season!  This is for optimal operation.  Also, in the heating season, this will guarantee your safety.  A check will make sure you do not have any carbon monoxide leaking, which as we all know is DEADLY!  So, we always recommend having your heating checked pre-season.
2. Second, but just as important as the first, technicians should be checking both components of your AC system.  Your AC system uses more than just the part outside.  The evaporator coil is attached to your furnace, and is a major component to the operation of the AC.  The evaporator coil, furnace, or air handler is generally located in a crawl space, attic, or closet of your home.  If the technician didn't go in that area, you didn't have a proper service performed!  *A package unit is the only system where everything is contained outside the house.
3. Check your refrigerant levels.
4. Check and test all the parts.  This will let you know if a part is bad, or just as important, if a part is getting weak or showing signs it is going bad.
5. Check your ductwork.
6. Check your thermostat.
7. Wash the condenser coil (outdoor unit).  There are different levels to washing the condenser coil.  Water washing the coil is the minimum that needs to be performed yearly.  The more thorough cleaning uses chemicals and takes longer to perform.  Generally, this is not included in specials.
8. Clean your drain lines.

As we mentioned in the first two items, the most important thing is to have ALL components of the heating and air conditioning system checked yearly.  The most efficient way to have your system performing properly is to sign up for a yearly maintenance agreement.  Carolina Heating & Air Design offers a Preferred Customer Agreement (PCA) which gives you two visits per year, 15% discount, and priority scheduling.  The agreement gives you in-depth cleaning and diagnostics of your equipment. 

Whatever your situation or budget, Carolina Heating & Air Design has a service for you!

Check out our service options on our website and call us today to schedule!

980-235-0055