During the hype of extremely cold weather we sometimes forget we should be preparing our home for freezing temperatures, along with preparing ourselves. We have enclosed some helpful tips on how to prepare your home:

• Remove snow and ice from around your gas meter.
• Cut back overgrown branches from your home and any electrical wires to prevent iced-over branches from causing damage.
• Make sure you know where your emergency shut off valves are for your main water supply to your home, and heating system.
• Disconnect attached hoses, shut off outside faucets and drain water from outdoor pipes.
• Replace your air filter to ensure maximum efficiency.
• Check or replace your humidifier pad.
• Check batteries on smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Open cabinets that have piping on outdoor walls.
• Other professional solutions are available, please call our office to inquire.

Insulation can help lower your heating and air conditioning costs, reduce the chances of HVAC repair and keep you more comfortable. In the winter, attic insulation makes it difficult for heat to transfer through the ceiling to the outside, therefore you’ll feel more comfortable and your heating system won’t become worn out from working too hard. And in the summer, the insulation in the walls keeps heat from entering the house and challenging the work your air conditioner has just done to remove the heat.

After a heavy snowfall leaves ice packed in your gutters and snow piled next to your home another wave of concern occurs for homeowners. When the temperature rises quickly after a storm is when homeowners begin to see damage from melting snow. Here are a few things you can do to prevent any damage:

– Remove snow from windows and vents. Any cracks or crevices in a window well can allow melting snow to seep in.

– Clear packed ice from gutters. With the ice quickly melting it can begin to overflow out of the gutters and run down the side of the home, penetrating any gaps in the siding.

– Shovel snow away from your home that is piled on the side of your home. When snow is sitting against the foundation is when it can get into the concrete and expand when the temperature drops again.

– Continue to keep walkways clear of ice. When snow begins to melt it will move to areas that were already cleared, when the temperature drops again these areas will freeze over.

Why Furnace Maintenance is Essential

Following is a list of reasons annual maintenance to your furnace is important:

• Ensures proper airflow-Restricted or limited airflow places a strain on your furnace that can lead to increased furnace issues.  It may also shorten the lifespan of your furnace.
• Keeps you safe-Furnaces burn fuel to produce heat. This process must be precise to ensure efficiency and safety. Even a small problem can lead to gas leaking or dangerous carbon monoxide levels released into your home placing you and your family at risk.
• Reduces repairs– An annual furnace tune-up includes a cleaning that helps keep your furnace running efficiently and helps avoid any unnecessary strain on your furnace.  Strains on your furnace lead to increased repairs.
• Saves Time & Money-Getting a furnace tune-up before the weather is cold, is much more convenient than waiting for a repairman during the winter in a home without heat. It can also be cheaper.
• Improves energy efficiency-A furnace tune-up should include the cleaning and inspection of both the furnace burner and the heat exchanger. This will help ensure safe operation as well as keep your furnace functioning efficiently all winter.
• Maintains manufacturer’s warranty-If your heater is under a manufacturer’s warranty, it is even more important you to get annual maintenance preformed on your furnace. Most manufacturer’s warranties state that their warranty becomes void if the heater is not maintained regularly.

The bottom line is that a yearly tune-up on your furnace keeps you and your family safe and saves you money.

At some point, if you haven’t already, you will need to call on a plumber.  Below is a checklist of what you want and should expect from a qualified plumber:

• Holds a current and active plumbing license in your state
• Maintains active liability and workers’ compensation insurance
• Answers your call, or returns your message promptly
• Has the experience and expertise to handle your particular plumbing issue
• Arrives as scheduled and provides updates if running late
• Explains the problem and solution in simple terms, and offers options
• Is clear about rates and service charges and provides a written estimate or quote
• Comes prepared with the tools and parts needed to complete the repair (unless it is a more involved job that will require more than one visit)
• Communicates with you during the job if your decision is needed on any aspect of the work
• Cleans up after himself, leaving the area as it was before he started working
• Provides a detailed bill and can explain all charges
• Follows up after the job to see if everything is working well
• Offers a performance guarantee

It is recommended that you inspect the filter in your furnace monthly.  What happens when you have a dirty furnace filter?  The filters clean the air you and your family breath in so if you have a dirty filter, then the quality of air in your home isn’t what it could be.  A dirty filter can also cause your furnace to overheat, clog, shut down and start a fire. You are going to need your furnace not only to keep you warm and cozy this winter, but you need it to help keep your pipes from freezing in extreme cold temperatures as well.

Tips for inspecting and replacing your furnace’s filter:

• If you cannot see light through the mesh screen of the filter, it’s time to clean it or replace it.
• Filters should be cleaned or replaced at least every three months.  If there are smokers or pets in the home, and/or if you live near dirt roads or dusty environments, you should  consider cleaning or changing it more often.
• Make sure your furnace is turned off before you inspect or replace the filter.

Winter is almost here so if you have not yet changed your filter, jump on it because you don’t want to be without heat as temperature drops this winter!

You could come home to a disastrous and costly situation should something go wrong with your plumbing while you are away.  Here are a few helpful hints to avoid any problems that may occur while you are away on vacation:

1. Turn off the main water valve that brings water into your home. With the water supply turned off, any leaks or bursts that may unexpectedly occur should not result in unlimited amounts of water pouring into your home while you are away.
2. Check water lines to avoid coming home to unwanted messes. Look at all the water lines connecting appliances, sinks and toilets to make sure you don’t find leaks or cracks.
3. Turn off the water supply to all exterior faucets. This is a particularly good idea if you’ll be away when outdoor temperatures fall below freezing when pipes can burst. After you turn it off, open the faucets to make sure there’s no water remaining in the pipes that could expand and cause a crack.
4. Test your sump pump before you leave to make sure it is working properly.
5. Check the floor around your water heater to make sure you don’t see any evidence of leaks. If you find problems, fix them before you leave. Also, it’s a good idea to set the thermostat to a “vacation” setting.
6. Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to check on your house while you’re away. Walking around the house and looking carefully at the foundation is probably enough to detect any problems going on inside your house. Hiding a key somewhere or leaving it with someone might be a good idea. In the event of an emergency, it will make access to your home easier while you are away.