Winter on the Mountain is Different
Living in Tehachapi means dealing with real winter weather. While our neighbors in Lancaster might just get rain, we get snow, ice, and freezing temperatures that can last for days. This puts a unique strain on your heating system.
1. Keep Your Vents Clear of Snow
High-efficiency furnaces (90%+) vent out the side of your house with PVC pipes. In a heavy Tehachapi snowstorm, these drifts can block the intake or exhaust pipes.
The Danger: If the intake is blocked, the furnace will shut down. If the exhaust is partially blocked, it could force Carbon Monoxide (CO) back into your home.
Safety Tip
After a heavy snowfall, grab a shovel and clear a 3-foot radius around your furnace vents. Make sure they are not buried under a drift.
2. Test Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Because we seal our mountain homes up tight against the cold, CO buildup is a serious risk. Whether you have a gas furnace, a wood stove, or a propane heater, you need working CO detectors.
- Test them monthly.
- Replace batteries every 6 months.
- Replace the entire unit every 5-7 years (check the manufacturer date).
3. Don't Ignore "Short Cycling"
If your furnace runs for 2 minutes and shuts off, then starts again 2 minutes later, it's "short cycling." This is often caused by a dirty air filter restricting airflow.
In Tehachapi, where we run heaters 24/7 during storms, filters get dirty fast. Checks yours monthly during winter.
4. Have a Backup Plan
Power outages happen during storms in Bear Valley and Stallion Springs. If you rely on a gas furnace, remember that it still needs electricity to run the blower fan and igniter.
Consider a battery backup or a generator interlock kit to keep your heat running when the grid goes down.
Need a Pre-Storm Safety Check?
Don't wait until the roads are closed. Call us for a furnace safety inspection and tune-up.
Call (661) 494-8075