October 7, 2014

Around the House: Home Winterization

With recent temperatures in the 80s it’s hard to believe winter is around the corner. As you bring out the warmer clothes and blankets for these upcoming weather changes, your home also needs some preparation. Do you know how to winterize a home?

Go through Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric’s checklist for home winterization tips:

• Clean your gutters. With buildup of leaves and debris, gutters get heavy and can begin to sag with any added snow, ice or rain. Without maintenance, clogged gutters can form dams of backed up water which could then make its way into your home.
• Monitor the thermostat. For ever degree you lower the thermostat, you could save up to 3 percent on your heating bill. Turning the thermostat down a few degrees before leaving the house could help you save throughout the winter months.
• Check your furnace. A working furnace will keep your home heated throughout any temperatures Colorado may bring. For more information on furnace maintenance, visit www.ApplewoodFixIt.com or schedule a visit from a technician.
• Prepare your pipes. To prevent freezing and bursting pipes, turn off and drain water from hoses, sprinklers and air conditioning pipes before extremely cold temperatures arrive.
• Reverse your fans. Many aren’t aware most ceiling fans have a switch to reverse the direction of rotation. This recirculates air instead of producing a breeze, ultimately keeping warmer air in the area.
• Reinforce the insulation. Boosting the insulation, especially in the attic and basement, is one of the most efficient ways to save money and energy in your home.
• Check the alarms. While you’re preparing your home, now is a great time to install or test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. With increased use of fireplaces and furnaces, safety precautions should always be taken.

Updates should be made with any season change and Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric hopes to make this as easy as possible. For more information on home winterization maintenance, or to schedule an appointment with a technician, visit here.

(John Ward has owned and operated Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric for 40 years. He is a master plumber and recognized as an industry leader for his knowledge and ethical business practices.)