November 29, 2021
Plumbing
Before the temperatures drop…
- Insulate pipes in your home’s crawl spaces, attic, and garage. These exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. The more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes are.
- Wrap pipes with heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables. Be sure to follow all manufacturers’ installation and operation instructions.
- Seal leaks that allow cold air inside, near where pipes are located with caulk or insulation. When it’s extremely cold, a tiny opening can let in enough cold air to cause a pipe to freeze.
HVAC
Prepare for Winter
Conduct Maintenance and Clean Your Units
Whether you have a furnace, a heat pump, or a multipurpose unit, it is important that you schedule a maintenance visit and conduct some DIY seasonal cleaning.
- Replace Your Filter - It takes only 5 seconds to do and can increase your AC’s productivity by 15%.
- Purchase An Upgrade - If there is a time of the year to take a day without heating or cooling, it’s during the fall. Temperatures are mild; not too hot and not too cold.
- Start Warming Up Your Heating Unit - Your home comfort system benefits from regular use; it keeps the motor hot and the system loose.
Electrical
Be Sure to use your wires correctly…
Here are four tips that will help you stay safe through this cold holiday season.
- Don’t plug space heaters in extension cords or power strips.
- Don’t overload your outlets, use surge protectors instead.
- Don’t connect over three strings of lights
- Make sure any outdoor extension cords or Christmas lights are marked for outdoor use.