Winterizing your house properly means you and your family will enjoy a safe and warm indoor home environment this season. It also means your plumbing, heating and air conditioning systems will run efficiently and reliably, thereby consuming less energy and lowering your monthly utility bills in the long run. As experienced Pittsburgh plumbers, we are familiar with the harsh winters in our neck of the woods and the problems a poorly winterized home faces. Read the basic checklist below to learn how to protect your home from the onslaught of the coming cold season.
Furnace
Make sure your furnace is up to the task of standing up to the rigors of winter. Install a clean or new filter before the onset of the cold season.
Check the thermostat to see that it's functioning properly. If you do not yet have one, install a programmable thermostat. Set it at a lower temperature when you go to bed at night or when you expect to be out of the house for any length of time. You can program it to your desired temperature at the same time that you expect to return to the house or when you wake up.
If you lower your temperature setting by at least 10 degrees for eight hours each day, you can save up to 10 percent on your annual utility bill.
Ductwork
Check your ducts and make sure they're free from pest infestation, debris and dirt accumulation. Look for holes or loose connections in your heating ductwork and repair them as needed. Don't forget to insulate the ductwork that goes through the unheated sections of your house. Keep in mind that your house can lose up to 20 percent of its heat through tears, loose connections and parts of your ductwork that are not properly insulated.
Outdoors
Insulate all exposed water pipes to prevent them from freezing in the winter. Drain your garden hoses before putting them away for the season. Blow out your sprinkler system if you have one. If you plan to be out of the house for an extended period of time during the winter, drain your insulated outdoor water pipes to prevent them from bursting while you're away. It's not a bad idea to shut off the main water valve as well. Clean out your gutters and roof, and inspect your downspouts to ensure they are in good condition.
Our certified master plumbers have the training and invaluable experience to assist you with any plumbing job necessary to give you a safe and comfortable indoor environment. From 24-hour emergency plumbing and sewer line replacement to water leak detection, drain cleaning and water heater repair - we do them all and so much more. Contact us today for professional maintenance, repair or installation of your plumbing, heating and air conditioning systems.