Winterize Your Home

​Protect Your Pipes
Harsh weather and cold temperatures can lead to bursting pipes and water damage which can be a costly repair. There are things we can do to avoid this. 

• Houses in colder climates might benefit from the use of approved plastic plumbing instead of steel or copper. 
• Shut off the water supply for exterior pipes and make sure they drained. 
• Sprinkler systems should also be turned off and compressed air can be used to purge the pipes and dry them out. Insulate all exposed pipes in cold areas in their entirety.  

Inspect and Maintain the Heating System
Make sure your heating works BEFORE you need it. Here are some quick checks to maintaining an active unit.

• Replace the air filter if it’s dirty.
• Raise the temperature on the thermostat to test the furnace. If should respond quickly, if not it might be broken.
• The tank should be full if the furnace is equipped with an oil or propane tank.

Roofs
Clean roofs and gutters will ensure that things don’t freeze up and lead to damage

• Make sure gutters are clean and free of debris. Frozen debris left in gutters allows for the formation of ice dams that prevent water from draining. Trapped water in the gutter can enter the house and lead to the growth of mold. 
• Replace any missing shingles.

In conclusion, winterizing your home is a great way to protect your home against damage caused by cold temperatures. Before it gets too cold, make this a yearly practice.