Stay Warm and Safe: Winter Home Prep for North Texas Homeowners
When temperatures nose-dive into below-freezing range, your home can be put to the test. Don’t wait until the cold weather hits – take proactive steps now to keep your home protected. To help with this, our Milestone expert Electricians, Plumbers, and HVAC technicians have put together some helpful tips.
Note for North Texas homeowners: In North Texas, pipes are at risk of freezing when temperatures stay below freezing for extended periods (typically meaning several hours or days of sustained freezing temperatures). Prolonged cold allows freezing air to penetrate unprotected pipes, increasing the chance of damage.
Freezing Weather Proactive Pro-Tips:
- ❄️ Freeze-Prep Your Pipes
Guard against the winter freezes by insulating your water pipes, especially those exposed to the elements. For your outdoor hose faucets, be sure to disconnect the hose and add an insulation cover. Here is an easy & quick option from Amazon (Reminder: The insulation cover should be flush with the wall for optimal insulation). - 🔥 Heater Health Check
If you’re unsure if your heater will last through winter, schedule preventative maintenance now. This is especially recommended for heaters over 10 years old. Proactive tune-ups can extend the life of the system, as well as identify and address potential issues ahead of a breakdown. Click here to schedule. - 💦 Main Water Shut-Off
It’s crucial to have someone in your household who knows the location of the main water shut-off and has the necessary tools to shut it off if needed. In the event of a pipe burst, quick action can prevent water damage and save you from costly repairs. Take a moment to review this helpful video and ensure everyone in your household who is able, is familiar with the shut-off procedure. - 💡 Consider Installing a Generator
Now is the perfect time to invest in a backup whole-home generator installation. In moments of power outages, having a reliable generator provides peace of mind and uninterrupted comfort. Click here to learn more. - 💨 Seal Drafts & Insulate Your Home
Have you noticed areas in your home where the temperature seems to change as you pass by? It could be cold air sneaking in through a doorway or a poorly insulated closet. Fortunately, there are simple solutions to keep your home cozy and energy-efficient. Start by checking your attic for adequate insulation and applying weatherstripping around doors and windows to seal out drafts. Need a quick fix? Here’s an easy & quick option from Amazon. - 🚰 Drip Your Faucets & Open Cabinet Doors
During prolonged periods of sub-freezing temperatures, a small, steady stream from your faucets keeps the water moving throughout your home’s pipes, reducing the risk of bursts. This is because flowing water is less likely to freeze than still water. Additionally, in many homes, pipes are located in cabinets that may be insulated by exterior walls, which can make them more prone to freezing. By leaving the doors open, you’re allowing the heat from your home to reach these areas and warm the pipes, helping to prevent them from freezing. - 🔄 Reverse Your Ceiling Fan
Did you know your ceiling fans can help keep your home cozy during the colder months? By reversing their rotation, ceiling fans can push warm air that gathers near the ceiling back down into the room. This simple adjustment helps maintain a consistent temperature while easing the workload on your furnace.
Here’s how to reverse your fan’s direction:
- Turn off the fan and locate the small switch on the motor housing.
- Flip the switch to set the fan to spin clockwise.
- Turn the fan back on at a low speed to gently circulate warm air.
Thank you for taking the time to read our blog! We hope these tips help you prepare your home for the colder months ahead. At Milestone, we’re here to support you every step of the way, whether you need expert advice or professional services from our Electricians, Plumbers, or HVAC technicians. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re always happy to help. Stay warm and stay safe!
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