Winter puts your home’s systems to the test. But with a few tips from our team, like keeping the heat on to avoiding frozen pipes, you can prevent headaches and costly repairs. Here’s what you need to know to keep your plumbing, heating, and air quality in great shape this season.
Plumbing: Stay Ahead of the Freeze
Nobody wants frozen pipes in the middle of winter, but it’s easy to avoid. Wrap those exposed pipes in your basement, garage, or crawl space with insulation. And when it’s super cold out, let your faucets drip a little—that keeps water moving so it doesn’t freeze up.
Leaks are another sneaky problem. Even a small drip can turn into a big mess when it’s freezing out. Check your faucets, showerheads, and pipes under the sink for leaks, and if you find one, don’t wait to fix it.
Oh, and don’t forget about your water heater. It’s working overtime in winter. Flush the tank to clear out any gunk and set the temp to 120°F. That’ll keep it running well and help you save on energy.
Heating: Keep the Warm Air Flowing
Your heating system is the MVP of winter, so make sure it’s ready for game time. A furnace tune-up can catch small issues before they turn into expensive breakdowns. And remember to swap out those dirty filters—it helps your system run better and can save you money on your heating bill.
Check your vents, too. If they’re blocked by furniture or dust, your system can’t heat your home properly. And if your ducts are looking extra dusty or airflow seems weak, it might be time for a duct cleaning.
Air Quality: Don’t Let Winter Dry You Out
Winter air can be so dry it makes your skin itch, your sinuses hurt, and even your wood furniture crack. A humidifier can fix that. Just aim to keep the humidity between 30% and 50%—too much moisture can cause other problems.
Changing your air filters is another easy fix. Fresh filters keep your heating system running without any hiccups and improve the air you breathe. If you’ve got allergies or hate dealing with dust, upgrading to HEPA filters can make a huge difference.
You can also use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to clear out stale air, and every once in a while, crack a window to let in some fresh air. Your home (and your lungs) will thank you.
Get Ready for Winter with Affordable Fixes
The best way to avoid winter home problems is to stay ahead of them. Affordable Fixes makes it easy to keep your plumbing, heating, and air quality systems in great working order. Contact us today to schedule a maintenance visit or learn more about how we can help your home handle the cold.
