Essential Cold Weather Preparation Tips for Your Home
As temperatures begin to drop in our area, it's crucial to ensure that your home is prepared for the challenges of cold weather. Proper preparation can prevent costly repairs and ensure your home remains comfortable throughout the winter months. Here are some essential tips for plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems:
Plumbing Preparation
Full Home Winterization: For homes that will be unoccupied, we offer comprehensive winterization services. This includes running antifreeze through all water lines, disconnecting hoses that retain water, pouring antifreeze into traps, and ensuring no water remains that could freeze and cause damage. When you're ready to return, we provide de-winterization services where we reconnect hoses and check for leaks.
Insulate Pipes: Exposed pipes are at risk of freezing during cold weather. Insulate them with foam sleeves or pipe insulation tape to protect against temperature drops.
Disconnect Outdoor Hoses: Remove and store hoses from outdoor spigots to prevent water from freezing in the hose and causing damage.
Drip Faucets: During extremely cold nights, allow faucets to drip slightly to keep water flowing and reduce the chance of freezing.
Seal Cracks and Openings: Check your home for cracks or openings where cold air can enter and seal these gaps.
Know Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve: Familiarize yourself with the location of your main water shut-off valve for quick action in case of a burst pipe.
HVAC Preparation
Schedule a Maintenance Check: Have your heating system inspected by a professional to ensure optimal performance.
Clean and Inspect Vents: Ensure that your vents and ducts are clean and unobstructed to maximize airflow.
Seal Duct Leaks: Inspect ducts for leaks and seal them to improve efficiency.
Furnace Servicing: Regular furnace servicing is essential to ensure your system can handle the cold temperatures effectively.
Programmable Thermostat: Consider installing a programmable thermostat to set your heating schedule and save on energy costs.
Electrical Preparation
Inspect Outdoor Electrical Outlets: Ensure that outdoor outlets are properly weatherproofed to prevent short circuits.
Check Generators: We carry the Powermate PM7500 7,500-Watt Gas-Powered Portable Open Frame Generator, ideal for home, camping, RV, and outdoor activities. It's powered by Generac and is currently available at employee cost for $969. This generator can help you prepare for potential power outages during winter storms.
Review Emergency Lighting: Test your emergency lights and flashlights to ensure they work properly.
Install Surge Protectors: Protect your electrical devices from surges that can occur during winter storms or power outages.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your home for cold weather is essential for maintaining comfort and preventing costly repairs. By taking these steps for your plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems, you can safeguard your home against the winter chill. If you need assistance or professional service, don’t hesitate to contact Burleson Plumbing and Heating Company. We're here to help keep your home safe and comfortable all winter long!