WATER HEATER
PIPES
Water heaters have to work harder during cold weather to keep hot water at the ready. Make your water heater’s job easier with a water heater blanket, which will help insulate the water heater and improve efficiency.
If you have exposed plumbing pipes, wrap them with pipe insulation tubes or tape. Pipe insulation keeps the pipes from freezing, which is not only inconvenient but can cause very extensive and expensive damage. Purvins adds, “Plumbing protection is another area that’s often overlooked. In extreme cold, exposed pipes in basements, crawlspaces, and garages are vulnerable to freezing and bursting. We always advise homeowners to insulate those pipes and keep their indoor temperature no lower than 55°F, especially if traveling or leaving a property vacant. Adding Wi-Fi-enabled leak detectors and remote thermostats can offer extra peace of mind.” Even inside the house, pipes are at risk. Beech recommends, “In extremely cold weather, leave cabinet doors open under sinks—this helps warm air circulate around the pipes, which prevents freezing. If the temperature really drops, let the faucet drip slightly to keep water moving. Movement = no freeze.”
FAUCETS
Outdoors, be sure to turn off all exterior faucets and remove hoses. Then attach inexpensive faucet covers to each unit to help prevent freezing and damage. If you don’t have faucet covers, wrap the faucet in a towel and secure it with tape. Natalie Beech, marketing manager at Greg’s Plumbing & Heating, adds, “One of the easiest ways to protect your plumbing is to install a frost-free hose bib. Most people don’t realize that even with the hose removed, traditional outdoor taps can freeze and crack inside the wall if water’s left sitting. Frost-free bibs are designed to shut off water further inside the house, where it’s warmer.”
CLEAN CHIMNEY
You can call a professional to perform a chimney clean and inspection, and you should periodically. However, you can also clean your chimneys yourself with a rented, borrowed, or purchased chimney sweep. Remove all sediment buildup before starting your first fire of the season. Adding protection to the outside of your home helps prevent damage. Build some DIY window shutters or purchase pre-built designs. Depending on where you live, they may stay year-round or only be installed during the storm season. Similarly, make sure to replace storm doors and screens as needed. SHUTTERS AND STORM DOORS
EXTERIOR VENTS
Walk around your house and you’ll see vents along the foundation. These vents help circulate air throughout the seasons, but in the winter, they allow cold air into the base of your house, which can significantly affect the temperature of the home. Head to the home improvement store for simple blocks that fit into the spaces and offer insulation. You can also make your own by cutting thick styrofoam to size.
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