If you’ve been wondering when winter will really settle in, wonder no more. Over the next few days Northern New York will experience extreme cold and winter weather conditions. Below are some tips to help protect your home against the cold and its hazards.
KEEP YOUR HOME TEMPERATURE AT 65-DEGREES OR HIGHER:
We’re all trying to save money on our home heating costs, but you want to make sure that your pipes won’t expand and freeze during a cold snap. So, even when you’re leaving the house, or going to bed, set your home’s thermostat to 65-degrees, or higher, to prevent your home pipes from cracking or breaking.
LET YOUR FAUCETS DRIP TO PREVENT BLOCKAGE:
Burst pipes are one of the leading causes of property damage during a bout of freezing temperatures. While in the very extreme cold, the constant drip may not actually prevent your pipes from freezing, it will help to relieve pressure that builds up in the pipes between the ice blockage and faucet and prevent them from cracking or even bursting.
SEAL AROUND YOUR WINDOWS AND DOORS:
Especially in older homes, you may be losing quite a bit of heat and energy around the windows. Even putting plastic over your windows can prevent the heat from escaping and the cold from getting in. You do want to make sure that you actually “shrink-wrap” the plastic and this can be done by using a heat source, like a hair dryer.
As for the doors, a simple “draft snake,” or replacing the weather strip will both go a long way towards preventing a draft.
CLEAN YOUR ROOF FROM EXCESS SNOW:
If you don’t already have one, add a roof-rake to your shopping list. Fresh snow piles up quickly, so it’s important that you remove it to prevent leaking or even more serious roof damage.
CHANGE THE DIRECTION OF YOUR CEILING FAN:
During the summer we run our fans counterclockwise to produce cooler temperatures. But if you rotate your fan to clockwise it will help to produce warmer air.
RUN YOUR GENERATOR PROPERLY AND OUTDOORS:
If your home loses power, an on-demand, or automatic generator can help to keep you and your house warm until it’s restored. Improper use of a generator can lead to risks such as electric shock or carbon monoxide poisoning. Place the unit least 20 feet from vents, windows and doors. Never run it indoors.
CHECK YOUR HEATING SYSTEM’S VENTILATION:
Without the proper air flow, your system may not start or run properly. So, whether it’s a fireplace, propane furnace or high efficiency boiler make sure that the outdoor ventilation is clear of any snow or ice buildup.
CHECK YOUR SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS:
Colder temperatures can increase the possibility of a home fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure that they are in working order and if necessary, check and replace their batteries.
For a FREE, no-obligation homeowners’ insurance quote visit https://bluelineagency.com/personal-insurance/home-insurance.