Winter(ization) is Coming

We are within 10 days of the first official day of winter. Cars are frosting over, runoff is freezing on the streets and leather seats aren’t that comfortable anymore. While many parts of the United States (U.S.) have already experienced several inches of snow, other areas are just starting to experience uncomfortably cold days. We can adjust our personal comfort level with hats, gloves and hot chocolate, but the homes in which we live need to be adjusted to survive the duration of the season.

Winterizing a home is critical to avoiding potentially costly damage due to freezing temperatures, precipitation and switching our systems from air conditioning to heat. A significant concern impacting more than 50 million U.S. homes each year is frozen pipes, and State Farm estimates the average repair cost for burst pipes to be $15,000. If a home’s pipes do freeze, the recommended course of action is to open all faucets, locate the frozen area(s) and use a hair dryer to heat the pipes until a steady flow of water returns. Burst pipes can release 250 gallons of water in one day through a 1/8″ crack. If a pipe has burst, shut off the main water valve, turn off the electricity to the affected area, call a plumber for repairs and clean up the excess water ensuring the area is dried thoroughly to avoid mold and mildew.

In addition to monitoring pipes, there is a checklist of actions to take to ensure the rest of the home is also prepared for winter. Changing furnace filters to ensure airflow is not restricted, running fans in reverse to circulate warm air pooled near the ceiling, insulating windows to add a buffer against drafts, and sealing gaps with caulk or weatherstripping are just a few examples of small changes to improve energy usage and lower energy costs. 

Welcoming the adventures and holidays of the winter season should be as stress-free as possible. Preparing your home to weather the temperatures is key to ensuring you protect your property and your finances. 

Header Image Sourced From Popular Science.