If you live in Utah, you are all too familiar with the freezing temperatures during the winter months. It’s a good thing that you can count on an HVAC Contractor Near Me to help you prepare for the cold season ahead.
Winter highs can reach the high 30s and low 20s which means that homeowners need to take the necessary steps to make your home ready to brave the elements.
As the weather cools down and snow becomes inevitable, winterizing your home is your best defense against damage and potential repairs.
You can also save on energy by cutting down on energy waste as you do some winter preparation tips.
Here are some steps you can take to winterize your home to keep your family safe and warm through the coldest months of the year.
Home Preparation Tips for Winter
Avoid Ice Dams
It is common for ice dams to form on your roof and cause water damage to your home. If melted snow stays trapped on your roof, the water can leak and reach your ceiling. Worse, you may encounter molds when water leaks are not addressed.
Keep your home free from ice dams to prevent water damage.
Weatherproof Exterior Pipes
If you want to avoid cracked and frozen pipes during the winter you should inspect all exterior pipes and see that none of them are damaged. Moisture on your faucets is an indication that a replacement or repair is needed. This should be done before the frost comes in.
Draining your exterior pipes and making sure that there is no water remaining will prevent you from facing a flooded basement if one of your pipes crack due to the cold.
Bleed Your Radiators
Before the winter season starts, you should bleed your radiators as part of winter preparations. Bleeding should be done at least once a year before you use them to heat your home.
You can ask an HVAC Contractor Near Me for help if you have never done this at all.
Seal Doors and Windows
Small cracks around your doors and windows allow heat to escape during the cold season. Your heater has to work harder when this occurs resulting in wasted energy and higher energy bills.
A little caulk can do the trick of sealing these cracks so that your home will be comfortable all winter long.
Check Smoke Detectors
Make sure that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning correctly before winter comes rolling in. Heating season is a common time for leaks and carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas that can’t be left undetected.
The holidays are also a time when families face a higher risk of heating hazards. Almost 50% of home heating fires are reported during December to February.
Heating related fires and mishaps can be prevented. Call an HVAC Contractor Near Me and have your HVAC serviced. Not only do you prolong the life of your system but you are also assured of the safety of your family all winter long.
Prepare for Winter Storms
If you live in Northern Utah, you can expect heavy snowfall and snowstorms on occasion. Preparing for the worst weather is better than having no supplies when you need them.
Make sure that your generator is working properly and store an extra tank of fuel for good measure. Keep flashlights and batteries in stock and place them around several areas in your home. A snow shovel and ice scraper are tools you may need in this situation.
A battery-powered radio will help in case of an emergency so you can receive weather updates in case electricity gets cut and there are no cell phone signals.
Take Care of Your Pool
Winter season doesn’t mean that you have to close down your swimming pool. With proper care, you can use your pool during snowy months and take a plunge during the holiday season.
If you have a pool in your home you might want to invest in a good cover to keep bugs, leaves, and dust out of the water. A pool cover can also trap 50% of the heat which is beneficial in pool maintenance during the winter months.
A good heater will keep your pool temperature between 70 to 80 degrees F. Take note that this will cost you energy bills but in exchange, you can enjoy your pool all year round.
How HVAC Contractors Near Me Can Keep Your HVAC System Beat the Cold
Clean Air Ducts
Most families spend the winter season indoors. Try to keep the air inside your home fresh and clean without the smell of mold, harmful allergens, or pesky dust. Air duct cleaning is an essential part of winter preparation so that you can lower indoor air pollution. If your home has a chimney, you should have it cleaned as well.
Call an HVAC Contractor Near Me and have your air ducts and chimneys cleaned. They will remove blockages and ensure that you have no internal damage. Sometimes our furniture and children’s toys block your air intake which makes your HVAC system work harder than it should.
Change Filters and Tune-Up Your HVAC
HVAC companies keep on reminding us of the importance of having your HVAC system tuned up at least once a year. The fall season is the best time to have your heater or furnace serviced to avoid problems when winter comes.
During the tune-up, your technician will check your furnace for efficiency and make sure that your system is clean and functioning properly. Sometimes your thermostat may malfunction and cause problems when you turn your heater on for the winter. If heating takes longer than usual or if the system doesn’t reach the set temperature, you should have it checked.
If you notice any weird noises coming from your heater this could indicate a problem as well.
Stay safe and warm this winter with an HVAC Contractor Near Me. Schedule an appointment so that technicians can start winterizing your home.
