Tips for Getting Your Home Ready for the Winter
When the weather starts getting colder, you can appreciate having shelter to keep you and your family warm. Being a responsible home owner means regular home maintenance. While this is true all year, it’s especially true when the weather changes. Here are some important tips for house care before winter arrives.
Preparing Water Pipes
Low temperatures make water pipes susceptible to damage due to frozen water. Before winter comes in all of its icy glory, wrap your outdoor faucets with Styrofoam, paper or rags. Disconnect any hoses from your faucets. Drain excess water from pipes to prevent them from freezing. If you’re going to be away for a few days, you should shut off your water supply. Consider greasing the valve with WD-40 or other lubricant to make it easy to turn without breaking.
Flushing Water Heaters
Having hot water all year is necessary, but especially so as things start cooling down. You should flush your water heater every one to two years to remove built-up sediment which can negatively affect performance. With a tank water heater, you can flush your system with the aid of a hose and bucket to save some money. If you have a tankless system, you should consult a pro. Seek out a repairer of tankless water heaters in San Ramon CA tor assistance.
Checking Your Furnace
Winter without a working furnace or heating system would be miserable. Check your furnace filters to see if they need to be replaced. Inspect the air registers in your home. 60 to 70 percent of them should be open at all times. Conduct a visual inspection of your furnace to see that the pilot light is on and that there are no loose parts. If you’re using a home warranty program, you may be required to schedule a tune-up before the winter months.
As a responsible homeowner, you need to anticipate home issues before they happen. The late summer/fall months are a great time to get your home ready for winter. If you take care of your house, it will take care of you.
