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WINTER STORM WARNING for DE, PA and MD!

Homeowners Advised to Avoid Snow-Related Heating/Plumbing Emergencies BEFORE They Happen!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(WILMINGTON, DE / EXTON, PA; February 9, 2010) — With over two-feet of snow accumulation in DE, PA and MD this past weekend, another big storm set to hit tonight and tomorrow, AND the potential for another Nor’easter to develop by early next week, Horizon Services, Inc.  reminds reminds all homeowners that snow and ice pose a variety of safety and performance issues to their plumbing and heating systems. Horizon advises all homeowners to be extra vigilant and pay careful attention to their pipes, furnaces and vents before, during and after any snowstorm.

“The days after a snowstorm are always our busiest work days,” says Mark Aitken, vice-president and co-owner of Horizon Services. “Everytime we get hit by a snowstorm, we see a significant  increase in plumbing and heating service calls, and a great number of these calls would not have been necessary if the customer had taken some simple preventive and defensive action before and during the storm.”

Horizon Services plumbing and heating technicians will be available 24/7 to help you with any heat or plumbing emergency during the anticipated upcoming snowstorms. However, many emergency calls are avoidable if YOU know what to do in advance. Here are some important preemptive steps you should take when cold, snowy weather strikes:

 

Pay Close Attention to Vents:

Gas and oil furnaces and fireplaces have a vent pipe or flue that sends out exhaust and gaseous by-products to the outdoors. Depending on the type of furnace, venting takes place through a pipe on the outside of the house or through the chimney. These furnace exhaust vents can easily become clogged with debris, ice or snow. When snow piles up and blocks furnace vents, your furnace could shut off as a safety measure. Other times, it can cause furnaces to operate inefficiently…or stop running altogether and breakdown. Blocked vents can also lead to a dangerous build-up of carbon monoxide gas.

Homeowners, particularly those who live in newer homes, should make sure that their furnace vents are clear of snow, ice, debris or other obstructions. The same applies to your dryer vent; if it is blocked, your dryer may not operate as efficiently as it should.

 

How to Clean and Clear Furnace Exhaust Vents:

1. Locate the exhaust vent on the exterior of your home.
2. Check for ice and snow during the winter, especially during and after severe or heavy snowstorms. Clear all icicles and frozen iceflows around vents, meters and gutters.
3. Keep the vents clear of debris. Remove nests, leaves and dirt that accumulates in the vent.
4. Cut away any shrubbery, trees, branches and vines that may impede the function of the furnace exhaust vent.
5. Clear or replace the filters regularly. Keeping the filters clean will maintain maximum airflow and help keep debris from building up in the furnace exhaust vent. Do this approx. every three months.

 

If Your Heating System Fails to Operate:

1. Be sure electrical power to unit is on.
2. Inspect filters and replace if required.
3. Check thermostat for proper setting.
4. Be sure the emergency switch at top of basement stairs is on.
5. Consult your manual for any special instructions pertaining to your system.
6. Try “resetting” your furnace by turning the emergency power switch off, wait 5 seconds and then turn it back on.

 

Prevent Frozen Pipes:

1. Try to use all of your plumbing fixtures at some point of the day to keep warm water flowing. This will break up and loosen any ice that may be starting to form inside pipes.
2. Overnight, it’s often a good idea to let all indoor faucets run at a slow drip, just to keep some water flow going through your pipes.
3. If you do see ice or frost starting to form on pipes, try blowing a hair dryer onto the pipes.

 

Check Out These Articles and Resources for More Useful Information…

• Winter Survival Guide 
• Winter Plumbing Maintenance Tips 
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning 
• 15 Ways To Stay Warm This Winter
• Prevent Frozen Pipes Now! 
• Winterizing Your Plumbing and Home to Prevent Water Damage 
• Warning! Alternative Heating Sources Can Be Deadly!

About Horizon Services:
Horizon Services is the Delaware Valley’s leading plumbing, heating, air conditioning, drain cleaning and sewer & water line replacement services company, providing repair, maintenance, sales and installation to homeowners and businesses in Delaware (New Castle County, Kent County), Pennsylvania (Delaware County, Chester County, Montgomery County, The Main Line) and Maryland (Cecil County). Horizon Services is headquartered in Wilmington, DE with additional offices in Exton, PA.  Website: http://www.horizonservicesinc.com.

 

 

Media Contact:
Margaret Aitken
(302) 419-4334

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