Winterize Your Home Now And Be Safe
Last year, the AccuWeather forecast called for a warmer and drier winter, with a projected low of 31 degrees for our coldest month in February. That would have been mild, because DFW has averaged 28 freezes each winter for the past two decades.
So much for the forecast. For seven days beginning Feb. 9, 2022, DFW International Airport recorded 158 consecutive hours of freezing temperatures, dropping two degrees below zero for two days!
Is Your Home Ready for Freezing Weather?
We hope not to have a repeat this winter, but hope isn't a plan. Each fall, increased indoor activity puts more stress on plumbing systems, making them vulnerable to developing leaks heading into the winter. Knowing we have cold days and nights coming, you should have your furnace inspected for gas leaks or broken and defective parts.
Winterizing Tips For Plumbing
Don't let these mild fall days give you a false sense of security. Winterizing takes more than a day or two, so if you haven't started yet, now is the time.
Exposed Water Lines: Check to see that water lines in crawl spaces, attics, garages, sheds and other exposed areas are wrapped with insulating foam or fiberglass insulation sleeves. They come slit on one side, so you just cut it to the length you need and slip it over the pipe and secure it with tape. It's available at most hardware stores.
Hoses And Outdoor Faucets: When you're finished using garden hoses and outdoor faucets for the season, disconnect and drain the hoses and store them inside. Do not leave hoses connected to faucets in freezing weather. The faucet may be outside, but the water line is on just the other side of your inside wall. Cover the faucet with a foam insulator. If a faucet drips or won't shut off completely, it may only need a new washer, but in some cases, the faucet must be replaced by a licensed plumber.
Irrigation System: In warmer climates, many people don't bother to blow the water from their sprinkler systems to winterize them because most freezes there are not deep or prolonged. A plumber or irrigation specialist can do the job quickly and assure the system will not freeze.
Water Heater Maintenance: Most of us take water heaters for granted right up to the day they stop working. Regular water heater maintenance is the best way to prevent problems and prolong the life of your water heater. If your heater isn't getting hot water enough or if you hear it making noises, have it checked out by a pro. Now is the best time to make sure your water heater is healthy and ready for its winter workout.
Well Water Pumps: Make certain your water pump is well insulated, especially if it is housed in an uninsulated shed or box. Fiberglass insulation bats will do the job nicely. Have a heat lamp ready for those extra cold days for added protection.
Whole House Water Shutoff Valve: Locate the shutoff valve for your home so you can shut off the water supply to the house in the event of a broken pipe or connection. Some homes have shutoff valves in the garage or underground outside covered by a metal or plastic cover. Of course, you can turn off water to the whole house at the water meter near the street, but it's easier and quicker if you have an emergency shutoff near the house.
If you have not used the emergency shutoff or had it serviced recently, have a plumber check it. These valves can develop plaque buildups that make it impossible to turn the handle. If you force it, you may break it.
HVAC System Tips
Plumbing systems are more vulnerable to freezing temperatures than HVAC systems. As long as you have fuel and electricity to run the furnace and it's in good repair, it will keep your home warm.
We can't emphasize enough the importance of regular maintenance by getting heating system tuneups each fall. Not only will heaters last longer and cost less to operate, but they also will be safer.
A cracked or damaged heat exchanger can release carbon monoxide into your air ducts and vents. This deadly gas is odorless and invisible. We recommend carbon monoxide detectors be placed in key locations at electrical outlets level in your home.
Start Winterizing With billyGO Now!
For the ultimate peace of mind, get billyGO Now! and let us help you winterize. With billyGO, you always set the day and hour of your appointment, and it’s so easy to with the billyGO online scheduler.
For only $99 per year, you get:
- Heating tuneups on all HVAC units in your home
- Air conditioning tuneups on all your systems
- Plumbing tuneups
- 15% discount off the standard billyGO pricing
- Priority scheduling
- Guaranteed one-hour APPointment
Isn’t it time for you to try billyGO?
