Winter is Coming…7 Tips To Prep Your HVAC and Plumbing Systems
In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, don’t forget that now is a great time to prepare your plumbing and heating systems for winter and avoid system failures when it’s most dangerous. The following tips will help you avoid unexpected repair costs that can become bigger emergencies during winter weather:
1. Make sure all furnaces and boilers are in good working condition. Clean units and replace parts and filters as needed.
2. Fully inspect building exteriors, including the roof, walls, door and window frames. Repair or caulk any damaged, leaking or drafty spots to keep the cold out and heat in.
3. Check to make sure nothing is blocking your fresh-air supply and return air vents – this can make your HVAC unit work harder.
4. Review insulated systems to identify any areas with damaged or missing insulation and make necessary repairs.
5. Change (or clean) your air filters to help with air flow.
6. Inspect your plumbing for leaks. A small leak in one of your pipes can cause it to burst as the water inside the pipe freezes or bursts.
7. Check the location of your water supply lines. Both hot and cold water pipes in unheated areas should be insulated.
Taking some extra preventative steps is essential to avoiding major winter mechanical and plumbing problems, and essential for keeping residents and owners cozy and content.