Freezing Temps are on the Way!

A blast of snow and sub-freezing temperatures is forecast to arrive in the Hampton Roads and Virginia Beach area this weekend, bringing with it the kind of winter weather many coastal residents don’t see every year. Along with slick roads and snow accumulation, freezing weather can put serious strain on your home’s heating system and plumbing—especially if you aren’t prepared ahead of time.

Being proactive now can help you avoid emergency HVAC calls, frozen or burst pipes, and costly repairs later. Here’s what you should do before the snow hits.

❄️ Follow Red Cross Winter Storm Preparedness Advice

The American Red Cross recommends treating winter storms with the same seriousness as other natural disasters and taking steps now to protect your family and home.

1. Gather emergency supplies

• Stock up on non-perishable food and water—plan for at least three days worth of essentials in case travel becomes unsafe or power is lost.
• Have medications, warm clothing, blankets, flashlights, and extra batteries ready.

2. Stay warm safely

• Make sure your home’s heating system is ready for cold weather. Check your furnace or heat pump, and schedule professional heating repair if it’s not keeping up.
• Dress in warm layers and limit time outdoors during the coldest periods.

3. Avoid risks inside your home

• Have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors with fresh batteries—especially important if you’ll be running supplemental heat sources.
• Be cautious with fireplaces and space heaters and avoid using your stove or oven to heat your home (which can cause carbon monoxide poisoning).
• If you lose power, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve food longer.

4. Plan to stay informed

• Sign up for emergency alerts and weather updates from local authorities so you know when conditions are changing.

🏠 Protect Your Home’s HVAC System Before the Freeze

Winter weather puts extra stress on heating systems, and nothing slows down comfort faster than a heater not working when you need it most. Before snow:

✔️ Schedule a professional HVAC check-up
A certified technician can identify issues with your furnace, heat pump, or boiler before they turn into no-heat emergencies.

✔️ Replace or clean filters
Dirty filters make systems work harder, increasing the risk of breakdowns.

✔️ Check thermostats and settings
Make sure your thermostat is functioning correctly—and consider upgrading if it’s outdated.

Why this matters: Cold temperatures combined with high heating demand increase the chance of system failure. Early service can keep your home warm and reduce emergency service fees.

🚿 Don’t Forget Plumbing—Frozen Pipes Are a Real Threat

One of the costliest winter problems is frozen or burst pipes. Water expands when it freezes, which can crack pipes and cause substantial water damage.

Here’s how to protect your plumbing:

🔹 Insulate exposed pipes (especially in crawl spaces, attics, and exterior walls)
🔹 Let faucets drip slightly during cold spells to keep water moving
🔹 Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses
🔹 Seal gaps around doors and windows to keep cold air out (helps both pipes and heating efficiency)

If you notice signs of freezing or suspect a plumbing issue, call for service now rather than waiting for a burst.

🌬️ Safety Tips for Snow & Cold

While the storm approaches:

• Stay off the roads if possible once snow and ice begin to accumulate.
• Wear layers and cover exposed skin to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
• Check on elderly neighbors or family members who may need help staying warm.

🛠️ Call A-1 American Before the Snow Hits

A-1 American is here to help Hampton Roads and Virginia Beach homeowners prepare for winter weather. Our licensed, experienced technicians are ready to:

✔️ Service your furnace, heat pump, or HVAC system
✔️ Perform heating repair and maintenance
✔️ Inspect and winterize your plumbing to prevent frozen pipes
✔️ Provide emergency service when you need it most

📞 Don’t wait—schedule your service today and stay warm, safe, and worry-free this winter.

Call Now! 757-425-2400