There’s nothing like getting slapped in the face by a bitter wind to remind us that the seasons are changing. And what’s most important in your home as the temperatures dip? Well, staying safe and warm, of course! When preparing for fall and winter, it’s time to think about winterizing your home. Do you know what to do? No worries if you don’t; we’ve got some great tips.
Protect Your Home: Do These Things Now
Ready to dive into some home preparations so your space stays cozy and safe all season? Try these eight home tips for total peace of mind this winter.
1.Prep your heating unit.
Prepping your furnace or heating system for colder weather is easy when you call Air Experts! Lack of heating service maintenance is why heating and cooling systems fail prematurely. By scheduling regular maintenance, you may improve your system’s efficiency and performance and may help prevent unwanted breakdowns. Call us for a heater tune-up, and we’ll ensure you’re all set for winter.
2. Get the chimney professionally cleaned.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, a dirty chimney is one of the leading causes of home heating fires. When you don’t regularly clean your chimney, creosote can build up inside the walls, becoming flammable.
3. Change air filters.
As the season shifts into fall, switching out those dirty summer filters with fresh fall ones is essential! Clean filters may help your system work efficiently and improve indoor air quality.
4. Shut off outdoor pipes.
With summer ending, there won’t be much reason to water the lawn or fill that kiddie pool. It’s time to drain any water and shut off the valves to outdoor pipes. Prepping your outdoor pipes now helps prevent frozen pipes in January!
5. Insulate any exposed pipes.
Do you have exposed pipes running along the exterior of your home? To avoid frozen pipes this winter, add insulation to any that might be exposed. You can find a variety of insulation coverings (including fiberglass and rubber) at your local hardware store.
6. Clear air vents.
If you’ve avoided cleaning vents throughout the summer months, now’s the time to do it. Vacuum all vents and move furniture to ensure vents aren’t blocked. If you have pets who shed, you can benefit from cleaning your vents monthly. Want even fresher indoor air? Call us about installing an air purifier!
7. Check in with your thermostat.
To avoid inconsistent temperatures in your home, be sure your thermostat is calibrated correctly. Check that fresh batteries are installed (if it uses them) and placed on an interior wall away from direct sunlight. If you still experience uneven temperatures throughout your home, call us, and we can evaluate.
8. Know where your main water shut-off valve is located.
You should always know where your main water shut-off valve is in an emergency plumbing issue. Typically, it is found near the foundation wall or where the main water line enters the house.
Spice Up Your Comfort This Fall
As the seasons change, remember that Air Experts is only a click away when you need a furnace inspection to keep your home cozy. You can schedule that heater tune-up online right here for your convenience.