HVAC Emergency Preparedness for Polk City Families

Be Ready Before the Emergency Happens

Polk City families know that Iowa weather doesn't give much warning. A polar vortex can send temperatures plummeting overnight, and summer storms can knock out power for hours or days. Having a plan for HVAC emergencies keeps your family safe and comfortable when it matters most.

Winter Emergency Preparedness

Know your shutoffs. Every family member should know where the gas shutoff valve and electrical breaker panel are located. If you smell gas or suspect a carbon monoxide leak, knowing how to shut things off quickly can save lives.

Have backup heating options. A portable space heater (electric, with tip-over protection) can keep one room warm if your furnace fails. Never use a gas oven, grill, or generator indoors — carbon monoxide kills.

Insulate vulnerable pipes. If your furnace fails in extreme cold, exposed water pipes can freeze within hours. Know which pipes are most vulnerable and have pipe insulation or heat tape on hand.

Summer Emergency Preparedness

Keep portable fans charged. Battery-powered fans can provide relief during power outages. A simple box fan and an open window can create a cross-breeze that makes a significant difference.

Know the signs of heat exhaustion. Heavy sweating, cold and clammy skin, nausea, and dizziness are warning signs. Move to a cooler area, drink water, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist. This is especially critical for elderly family members and young children.

Year-Round Preparedness

Keep your HVAC contractor's number handy. When your furnace quits at 2 AM in January, you don't want to be searching the internet with frozen fingers. Save your HVAC company's emergency number in your phone contacts.

Maintain your system. The single best way to prevent emergencies is regular maintenance. A well-maintained system is far less likely to fail unexpectedly than a neglected one.

Trade Allies Heating and Cooling provides 24/7 emergency service for Polk City and all of Central Iowa. Save our number now: (515) 669-4481. We're your neighbors, and we're here when you need us.