Homeowners and renters alike hold high hopes to avoid weather related problems and save money on energy in the winter. There are a few surefire ways to prepare a home for the winter months. Here are a few ideas that can apply to almost any house or apartment.
Preventative maintenance is best. Preferably, you want to have a professional examine your home or to have your appliances professionally serviced annually. Professional appliance repair technicians have the tools and technical know-how to examine how efficiently your appliances are operating. Professionals will examine pipes that connect to your dishwasher, refrigerator and washing machine making sure that they are properly insulated. They will also inspect your oven to ensure that heat isn’t being lost. An annual low-cost inspection can save you a lot of money over the long term. If this is not an option for you, there are still a lot of things you can do on your own.
The most common issue we see during the winter months are frozen pipes and pipes that have burst. This problem can cause damage throughout your home. Water will warp hardwood floors and cause mold and mildew problems on carpet. In some cases, water damage requires a professional. If you notice that your pipes have frozen, don’t wait for the problem to go away. You should call a professional immediately. Professionals can eliminate or at least minimize problems associated with frozen pipes and get your faucets working properly again with little hassle.
If your home is older, you may be at a greater risk for weather related issues with appliances. It’s important to insulate your home properly in order to have optimal energy efficiency. Look to add insulation in your walls, basement, attic, or anywhere you think your home could benefit. This is a simple, long term way to keep heat in your house. Don’t forget, heat rises, so it’s important to check the top of your house, and flu in your fireplace. Be sure to check windows in your attic, or even the opening to your attic for airflow.
A lot of problems come from static water. It’s important to run your dishwasher and washing machine periodically even if there isn’t anything to wash. This is especially important when you go on vacation or leave the home for longer than a week. Run faucets in rooms that don’t get a lot of use such as guest bathrooms regularly throughout the winter. This is especially important if you have a bathroom in a basement which won’t get as much heat. If you leave your home for the winter, there are several steps you should take to winterize your appliances. Here is a helpful guide.
Priority Appliance Repair always emphasizes safety first. During cold Chicago winters, there is an increased chance of power outages. Make sure you have a working flashlight that is easily accessible. This will help diagnose problems when you are talking to a professional on the phone before they arrive. Take this opportunity to check batteries on flashlights, smoke detectors, and thermostats.
Hopefully these tips will help your home be a warm, cost efficient, energy saving home during the winter months. Good luck!