REMODELING ARTICLE - WINTERIZING YOUR HOME
1) Install insulated exterior water faucet
covers on all exterior water faucets. A second, though less reliable method, is to open exterior water faucets valves just enough to allow a drip. This will keep the water flowing to prevent freezing. This method is not as reliable as the first and I do not suggest this as a permanent solution to winterizing your plumbing.
2) Be sure all exposed exterior water piping is insulated. I suggest calling a professional to inspect the plumbing under your house and in areas where the temperature could reach freezing. Make certain the piping is insulated and insulate them if they are not. Pipes will burst due to freezing and emergency calls to fix broken pipes can be very costly.
3) Clean your home's gutter system to avoid future leaks and damage.
4) Be mindful of leaks. Periodically look over your ceilings for water spots. Identifying and fixing a water leak early on can save you a lot of money and headache in the future.
5) Inspect your home for drafts. Check seams on windows and doors to be sure that cold air is not coming in and warm air is leaking out. Install weather stripping as needed to stop these drafts.
6) Close all chimney flues when you are not burning a fire.
To some this may sound silly, however it is an easy thing to overlook. Heat can escape through your chimney and cause a chilling draft on those cold winter nights.
7) Program the thermostat on your heating system to lower the temperature during sleeping hours and hours spent away from home. Do not set the temperature to drop more that 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit below normal operating temperature. This will require more energy to heat up your home and may increase your energy bill. If you do not have a programmable thermostat, they can be purchased at most home improvement stores and can be easily installed.
8) Always have batteries, flashlights matches and candles*
in a convenient place so that they may be easily found in the dark. I suggest at least two places, one near the entry to your home and one in the master bedroom.
* These items should be standard in any home emergency kit. If you do not have a home emergency preparedness kit, FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, offers a free booklet on how and why to make them. I highly suggest making emergency preparedness kits for both your home and autos. Contact FEMA at: FEMA, 500 C Street, SW Washington, D.C. 20472 Phone: (202) 646-4600, www.fema.gov
9) Keep a list of emergency contact numbers for the following: 911 emergency, local police, local fire, local hospital, your alarm company, emergency contact persons (friend and relative), phone company, power company, and home repair company (Licensed Contractor). Keep this list by your main phone in clear sight.
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