How to Winterize Your Home
Temperatures across the country have dropped considerably! Here at Fixer, we want to make sure you’re equipped on how to winterize your home. If you’re unprepared for the low temps, Fixer can help with most winterizing to-dos. Our team is exceptionally responsive and will service your home quickly! In the meantime, we’ve listed tips and tasks for winterizing your home.
Plan Ahead
It can be tough to know when the first frost will actually arrive. Stay organized by creating an itemized list of things you’ll need to do to winterize. It can be tricky to weatherproof thoroughly in frigid weather. By having a plan in place, it’ll help you get ahead of the chill!
Part of planning ahead, is making appointments early before technicians are fully booked. Fixer can help with most seasonal tasks, such as weatherstripping, pipe insulation, caulking, thermostat replacement, and more. If you need to address larger repairs, for example, new windows installed or a furnace serviced, you’ll want to have a specialist lined up.
Check & Seal Drafts
Inspect and caulk any holes or openings around windows to prevent drafts. Additionally, check weatherstripping around exterior doors. If weatherstripping is cracked or worn, it’s time to replace it. Also, patch any holes or cracks around your home’s exterior, especially in the garage area to avoid unwanted pests from entering.
Consider Installing an Emergency Release Valve
An emergency pressure release valve will help protect against increased pressure caused by freezing pipes. If a pipe freezes, the valves open to reduce the internal pressure and stop the pipe from bursting.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Install extra insulation to exposed pipes located under sinks or in the basement. You’ll also want to ensure the inside temperature is kept warm enough to avoid pipes from bursting.
Know How to Shut off Water in Case of an Emergency
Knowing where to shut off the water supply to your home is important should you have any type of plumbing emergency. Typically you’ll find the valve located in the basement of the home. Also, having a 24/7 plumber’s contact on hand will be helpful should you experience any type of emergency water leak.
Test Smoke Alarms & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Fixer recommends checking your safety systems seasonally and replacing any batteries just in case.
Consider Getting a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
A programmable thermostat can save you a significant amount of money. Set it to reduce the temperature slightly when you’re away and return to a comfortable temperature when you’re at home. You’ll want to make sure your thermostat is above 55-60 degrees to prevent pipes from freezing. If you’re the kind of person that escapes to warmer temps in the winter, be sure to have someone stop by periodically, in case anything malfunctions.
Inspect & Clean Fireplace
How often you clean your fireplace may depend on how often you use it. A build up of creosote can be a fire hazard, by having it inspected annually can help prevent future emergencies.
Trim Trees & Dead Branches
Ice, snow, and wind can cause tree limbs to weaken and potentially fall. This could result in damage to your home, cars, roof, or power lines. By cleaning up the dead branches ahead of time, it’ll help minimize any weather related damage come winter time.
Extra Tasks Depending on Your Property Type
- Test your backup generator
- Remove all garden hoses and insulate outdoor faucets
- Mark driveway and walking paths for easy snow shoveling boundaries
- Have sprinkler systems blown out to remove moisture from pipes
- Cover or remove window A/C units
Following these guidelines and winterizing your home will help prevent costly damage to your home. If you’d like to put home maintenance on cruise control, Fixer offers a Care & Protect program. By enrolling in a membership, you won’t have to worry about what to do to care for your home — or when, how often, who to hire, or why. Get your to-do list done and leave the regular upkeep to us!