December 25, 2012

Could You Handle A Winter Weather Emergency?Are you ready for the chilly winter weather? Scheduling an inspection of your heating system is a great way to ensure that your heating system is ready to work hard to keep you warm all winter. You also want to prepare for any possible winter weather emergencies. How? By following these helpful tips:

  • Stock up on food and water. If the power goes out for more than a day, the food in your refrigerator will spoil. Purchase nonperishable food items, such a beef jerky, granola bars, and other packaged foods that you don't have to heat to eat. Additionally, make sure that you have plenty of drinking water, and if you suspect that your power may go out, fill up your bathtub. You can use that water for washing up and for flushing toilets.
  • Ensure you have a complete first-aid kit. Hopefully, you won’t have to use it, but you should have one in the event that anyone in your home suffers an injury. Also, have a supply of any prescription medicines that you or your loved ones require. You may not be able to get to a pharmacy during a major storm.
  • Stock up on batteries and other important items. You should have a kit that contains those important items that you'll need should you get stuck at home for several days. Your kit should include working flashlights, a portable radio, extra batteries, and a list of emergency phone contacts.
  • Keep your fireplace clean, and stock up on wood. If your power goes out in the middle of winter, you’ll want to make use of your fireplace to keep warm. Make sure it is ready for use by cleaning any obstructions out of the chimney and having it inspected by an experienced technician. Stock up on firewood if you have a wood-burning stove or a fireplace.
  • Make sure the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are fresh. You should make sure they are functioning correctly by using testing them regularly option, and change the batteries at least once a year, if not more often.
  • Install storm windows to help protect your windows during harsher weather and  keep heat trapped in your home.
  • Use surge protectors to protect your electronics. If lightning hits a nearby power line, it can send a surge into your home that could blow out any electronics that are not protected, including computers, stereos, and video-gaming equipment.

Follow these tips and contact Russell's Heating & Cooling to inspect your HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system before winter sets in. We have been providing excellent service to the Hampton Roads area since 1977.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Chesapeake, Virginia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about a winter weather emergency and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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Maintenance Plans

Russell's HVAC, HVAC service technician, VA

Regular annual maintenance keeps your system operating at peak efficiency. Experience has shown that a system that runs well keeps your utility costs in line — in fact, independent 3rd party research shows that you can save over $30 per month on utility bills.

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What Our Customers Are Saying

  • I can't complement your team enough on the wonderful job done with regard to the installation of the new system in our home. More specifically, we want to recognize the outstanding efforts of: Roberto-- the initial visit and diagnosis of the problem.

    Dan & Connie, Virginia Beach

  • I recently had your team install a new gas package unit including all new duct work at my house in Chesapeake. I had a split system that had undersized ducting which was removed by your installers.

    Mike & Sandi, Chesapeake, VA

  • We purchased a one time service for $79. They came out on time, checked out the geothermal system...they were very professional and kind.

    Nicholas H., Chesapeake, VA

  • We would like to thank your company for an excellent job. We are very pleased with the new (Mitsubishi ductless mini split) system that was installed last week. It works wonderfully at heating our home.

    Danny and Teresa S., Chesapeake, VA

  • Not one single idea for improvement. Keep doing what you do. OUTSTANDING!

    Charles J., Norfolk, VA

  • Great job!...World class employees!

    Colleen & Jim C., Suffolk, VA

  • Everything went great! This is the second big project we've had done through Russell's and we couldn't be more happy! We had the most dedicated, polite, and respectful crew! The team consisted of Elliot, Chase and Sean. Sean was here for the removal process on day one, and did awesome!

    J. Luhan, VA Beach

  • Hi Nate, please pass along our appreciation for you, Elliot and Steve. We are very happy with you being able to arrange our ( Lennox ) replacement system so quickly!

    T. Johnson, VA Beach

  • Thank you for running a top notch company and sending over to us two excellent folks Terry and Shawn. They did an awesome job putting in our new furnace system. Also thank you for Donald and Nate who did a superb job as well. Please reward these guys with some sort of commendations or rewards....

  • ...folks need to know how wonderful working with Russell's Heating & Air Conditioning is. They were very professional all the way thru the process of getting our unit installed down to the payment plan. I have been telling our neighbors and my co-workers about the experience.

    Pamela F., Chesapeake, VA

  • Every moment from the time an appointment was set up until the day the work was completed was a pleasure. Every employee was a delight to work with. The proof that the product was great came when the electric bills started coming in the airconditioning season.

    Douglas P., VA Beach

  • I am extremely satisfied with both the Lennox unit I purchased and the employees of Russell's. Even with poor window and door quality in this overly tired house, I am actually cooled off sufficiently enough to call it chilly.

    Robin W., Chesapeake, VA

  • Over the years I have gained the utmost trust in my service technician Corey Lesko's knowledge and work ethic while servicing my system.

  • I am writing this letter to commend your company on a great job! We were very pleased with how the company performed in every area...the installers did an impeccable job. They were very knowledgeable, efficient, and hard workers—staying focused to the task in the extreme heat.

    Pastor Larry E. O'Brien, Churchland Assembly of God

  • A year ago, I contracted with Russell's to tune up and clean the heating and cooling system. How impressively your specialist cleaned my system...he also found a defective automatic (programmable) thermostat. Quite quickly, he replaced my automatic thermostat. The results?

    R. Snider, Norfolk, VA

  • You recently installed a new Trane unit for us. We want you to know we are completely satisfied. The outside unit is now a hum versus the roar of the old one...we also want to recognize the installer...we cannot overstate what we think of his workmanship.

    K. Hawkins, Portsmouth, VA

  • Great and prompt service – as usual. Everything from ordering the a/c unit to installation went smoothly. Thanks for everything.

    B. Fenstermaker, VA Beach

  • Everyone was very nice. I felt well informed about my purchase. Your staff is great! I don't usually return opinion forms, but you need to know you have a staff you can be proud of!

    V. Horn, Chesapeake, VA

  • You have a new customer for life and I will definitely tell all my friends about your prompt, courteous service, your knowledgeable technicians, and your very reasonable prices. Thank you very much Russell's. You warmed much more than just my heart!

    G. Knoop, Chesapeake, VA

  • Your company was very responsive to my needs. The quality of your work was extremely high.

    Ms. Bright, Chesapeake, VA

  • Your workers actually made this total replacement project an enjoyable learning experience...they were always willing to stop and answer any questions. Their pleasant and cooperative attitudes cannot be praised enough!

    J. Wellons, Portsmouth, VA

  • Very pleased with both the price and service. The installation went off without a hitch and everything exceeded our expectations. When finished, the work areas, including the attic, were so clean you couldn't tell anything had been done.

    T. Marsh, VA Beach

  • Great expertise and timely service.

    H. Turbeville, Chesapeake, VA