Winter conditions can be brutal on your home’s systems. As temperatures drop below freezing, water in your home systems can freeze and expand, potentially causing components to fail and leading to expensive damage. Here are five essential tips to protect your home this winter.

1. Insulate Exposed Systems

The most vulnerable systems are those in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, attics, and garages. Use insulation sleeves or heat tape to protect these components from freezing temperatures.

2. Keep Cabinet Doors Open

On extremely cold nights, open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around the systems. This is especially important for areas on exterior walls.

3. Keep Water Moving

When temperatures drop below 20°F, let water flow slightly from areas served by exposed systems. Moving water, even a trickle, helps prevent freezing.

4. Maintain Consistent Temperature

Keep your thermostat set to the same temperature day and night. While you might save on heating bills by lowering the temperature at night, the cost of frozen pipes far exceeds any savings.

5. Know Your Shut-Off Valve

In case a system component does fail, knowing where your main water shut-off valve is located can minimize damage. Make sure everyone in your household knows its location.

When to Call a Professional

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen system. If you can locate the frozen area, you can attempt to thaw it with a hair dryer. Never use an open flame! If you can’t locate the frozen area, can’t access it, or are unsuccessful in thawing the system, call our office immediately.

Stay warm and keep your home systems functioning this winter!