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Now that it’s officially fall, it’s time to get your home ready for winter! While we wish we meant putting up holiday lights and festive decorations, there are other tasks you must check off around your home. These tasks are a bit more tedious, but by being proactive now, you and your family will stay safe and warm next season.
1. Get your heating system ready
Your home’s heating system plays an integral role in the comfort you have in your home. Now is the time to make sure your systems are operating properly and get them inspected to find if something is amiss. Follow these steps to make sure your heating system is ready to power through the entire cold season:
Test run- The last time you ran your heater was most likely last season. Set your thermostat to 80 degrees for a test run. You should begin to hear your furnace fire up and feel warm air blowing. If everything is working as it should, you can go ahead and turn it back to its previous setting. You’ve passed the test! If you notice something is wrong, call a service technician for an inspection. You’ll want this handled sooner rather than later.
Replace its filter- Your air filter should be changed every three months, but it’s something a lot of homeowners neglect. It’s an easy task, and doing so will ensure clean airflow.
Inspect and clean the vents- Dust and other particles can easily collect in your vents. Clear these obstacles so air can flow freely. Experts also recommend that you get your vents cleaned by a professional every couple of years.
Check exhaust vents- If your furnace or boiler vents through a chimney, make sure nothing is blocking them. Critters love to hide out in them, which can interfere with your furnace’s ability to vent exhaust gases.
2. Winterize your pipes
Exposed piping can quickly become damaged from cold weather. You do not want to deal with a burst pipe from freezing. Unfortunately, water supply pipes are the most susceptible to this kind of damage in the winter. However, you can take steps to winterize your pipes and make sure they remain intact.
Shut off exterior faucets and drain the water from outdoor pipes, valves, and sprinklers.
Insulate the pipes that are in unheated areas of the home.
Set the heat to no lower than 55 degrees when you’re away from home.
If you’re ready for a complete upgrade altogether, consider investing in PEX tubing. This state-of-the-art piping can last longer, handle freezing temperatures, and they’re affordable! For more questions on PEX tubing or repiping, contact us and we’ll get to you right away.
3. Weatherproof doors and windows
Cold air can leak through windows and doors if they’re not sealed properly. This might also be the reason why your utility bill is so high. When this cold air seeps inside, your heating system has to work extra hard to reach the temperature settings. If you notice a draft coming through, you can easily stop it with weatherstripping or caulk.
4. Check your emergency supplies
You never know when Old Man Winter will strike and bring a storm with him. Be prepared for potential storms and power outages by stocking up on fresh water, batteries, flashlights, first-aid kits, candles, and non-perishable foods.
5. Reverse ceiling fans
Most people assume that fans only help you stay cool, but they can and should be used in the winter too. A money-saving secret that not many homeowners know is to turn your ceiling fans clockwise in the winter. Since warm air rises, switching your fans’ settings will keep the air down, allowing it to distribute evenly throughout your home. Most ceiling fans come with a switch that lets you reverse the direction.
Contact the name you can trust
Here at Edco, we want to make sure you and your home are well prepared for the cold season. If you are in the Oklahoma City area and need assistance with your heating, cooling, and plumbing needs, contact us online or give us a call at (405) 400-0485.