Getting Your Home Ready for Cold Weather
It’s important to prepare your home for winter before inclement weather happens. While you can’t control the temperature outside, you can make sure your home is ready for whatever the season has in store with these tips.
Fix Frozen Pipes and Leaky Faucets
Plumbing problems can be difficult to deal with, especially when the temperature drops outside and your pipes are exposed. This is a common problem in basements and crawlspaces where there isn’t as much insulation around the pipes.
If you have any frozen pipes, thaw them as soon as possible to avoid water damage to your home. You can also insulate your pipes with foam or heat tape to help keep them from freezing. In addition, check for leaky faucets and fix them to help you save on your water bill.
Prepare Your Home for Winter by Inspecting Your Heating System
Your heating system should be checked by a professional at least once a year. If you haven’t had your heating system maintained in a while, it’s the ideal time to do so. During winter, your heating system is frequently used so it’s important to make sure that it’s in working order. You wouldn’t want anything to fail in the middle of winter when you need heat the most.
Protect Wires, Plugs, and Appliances
During winter, there is an increased risk of electrical fires. Protect your outlets and appliances by using surge protectors. If a power surge happens, the surge protector will help to reduce the chance that the item is damaged.
Don’t overload outlets with heaters that demand a lot of power. Not only will this increase your electric bill, but it may also cause an electrical fire from an outlet drawing too much electricity.
Get Your Chimney Cleaned to Prepare Your Home for Winter
If you intend on using your fireplace this winter, make sure your chimney is clean and in good condition. A professional chimney sweep will look for cracks or leaks in the flue. Having the chimney checked by professionals is also important for safety reasons. If the chimney is damaged, it needs to be repaired before you start using it.
Clean Your Gutters and Fix Up the Outside
Prevention is key when it comes to keeping your home in good condition throughout the season. Dirty gutters cause flooding or leaks if they are clogged because they won’t be able to divert precipitation away from the home.
Make sure all the leaves and debris are cleared from your gutters so that the water can flow freely. Inspect the roof for any damage and repair as necessary. Prepare your home for winter by patching holes in the walls or roof and verifying that your eaves and overhangs are properly insulated.
D&T Inspection Services offers inspections to customers in East Tennessee. Contact us to request our services.