DIY or Professional: Now Is the Time to Winterize Your Home
The fall is the perfect time of year to get your house ready for winter. These simple tricks around the home will help lower your energy costs and protect your investment from extreme temperatures Ohio is getting all too familiar with.
Replace Furnace Filters
Ideally, you should replace your system’s filters monthly during the winter. It’s especially important to change it before you start running it for the winter. A dirty filter makes your system work harder in addition to passing less-than-clean air through your home.
Schedule Your Clean & Check
If you have not done so already, call us for a clean and check. This will give you peace of mind before your system is running full-time!
Check your Flue Pipe
Remove debris from around your flue pipe.
Winterize Outdoor Faucets
Do not skip this step or you will need our plumbers this winter season. If you haven’t already, disconnect your garden hose from the outside faucet. If you do not have a frost-free spigot, call us today for expert installation. No matter what brand you get, it will not work as a frost-free faucet if it is not installed properly. And even if you have a frost-free faucet you should still turn off to prevent freezing. Don’t let the name fool you. It just so happens in the event that it is left on, it is less-likely to freeze.
If you have a standard sillcock, it’s important to turn your water off to prevent freeze damage. Your faucet should have a separate shut off inside the house. If you have a newer home, it’s typically located near the main water valve (and it’s usually labeled).
Once the water is turned off inside the house, the outside faucet needs to be opened. To do this, open the bleeder cap to allow water to drain out.
Some homes have a bleeder cap. The bleeder cap is located near the shutoff. Have a bucket handy in case some leaks from inside otherwise it will release outside. Once it’s done draining, turn the bleeder cap back off.
If you have an older home and have never shut off the outdoor faucet and never had a problem, that’s probably because you’re losing a lot of heat from your home. Many times older homes do not have the insulation and as a result, lose more heat.
Worried about leaks? Ask us about our home solutions that detect leaks and shuts off the water main in 5 seconds. This will protect your home and everything in it from the devastating effects of water damage.
Consider a Programmable or WiFi Thermostat
We love the WiFi thermostats, especially for individuals and families whose lives are not easily programmed around. With WiFi thermostats, you can control the temperature of your home from anywhere in the world… Along with a lot of other amazing controls for your home systems.
Caulk Around Windows & Replace Weatherstripping Around Doors
Prevent your system from working overtime by caulking around your windows and weatherstrips on your door.
Cover Your Water Heater
If you have an older water heater, consider purchasing a water heater blanket that will keep the tank from losing heat as quickly.
Better yet, consider upgrading to a tankless hot water heater today. They save space and only heat water as you need it. No cold lags, just endless hot water.
No Matter What The Season, Sal’s Keeps You Comfortable
We hope that you find our tips helpful this season. Should the unexpected happen, remember that we have live representatives available 24/7 to take your calls, including holidays and weekends.
