A Checklist for Winterizing Your Home
After a mild autumn, temperatures are dropping. And with winter’s deep freeze comes a host of dangers that can be avoided with a little bit of preventative maintenance of your home. At Ben’s ProServ, we know the hazards and how to avoid them. So we have compiled the following checklist to prepare your home for the cold months ahead.
Insulate Pipes, Shut Off Outside Faucets
Protect your home from bursting pipes by disconnecting garden hoses from outside faucets. Shut off the water supply to those outside faucets, then open them to allow any sitting water to drain out. When water inside your pipes freezes, it expands and can cause pipes to burst open. Lastly, affix some foam insulation around the pipes leading to your outside faucets to keep the cold weather outside from freezing the water inside the pipes just inside your home. You can also keep a stream of water running in a few faucets to guard against freezing and bursting.
Install an emergency release
Another step to avoid freezing pipes and prevent them from bursting is installing an emergency pressure release valve in your plumbing system. A pressure release valve protects against increased pressure caused by freezing pipes and can prevent them from bursting. It’s also a good idea to learn how to shut the water off and know where your pipes are located.
Clean the Gutters & Downspouts
Each fall, leaves, sticks and other debris tend to drop and be blown onto roofs from nearby trees and then collect in gutters. Freezing rain, ice and snow that eventually melts on your roof can cause water to build up behind clogged spots in your gutters and overflow into your home. Regular cleaning of your gutters is a no-cost way to avoid trouble (and claims) in colder months. But please be careful when climbing ladders to clean those gutters! Be sure your ladder is securely placed on even ground and leaning against a stable area of the wall or gutter. Avoid contact with electrical wiring. Since gutter cleaning can be dangerous, consider hiring a professional, or better yet, have gutter guards installed to avoid this chore in the future.
Save on Energy Bills
Call Ben’s ProServ ( (856) 347-3588 ) to schedule a free Home Energy Assessment ($125 value). One of our certified technicians will inventory your home from top to bottom and identify where energy improvements can be made. We may be able to help you lower your energy bills by reducing your energy use, while also making your home more comfortable, safe and durable. You can get greater peace of mind and confidence as you reduce your home’s carbon footprint.
Check Your Roof
Giving your roof a thorough pre-winter once-over is another way to avoid potential claims from water damage from melting snow and ice. You should check your shingles, flashing and caulking for any damage, like holes and cracks through which melted snow and ice can leak into your home.
Get a Heater Tune-Up
Heaters and boilers should be serviced at least once a year to clear any buildup and to keep them running efficiently. Keep your heater in top shape for the winter so you’ll be warm all season long! Our $99* “6 Months, It Will Work” tune-up comes with a six-month MONEY BACK GUARANTEE! If your heater breaks down within six months of our tune-up, we’ll fix it and credit you $99 toward the repair. No questions asked! *Plus sales tax. Oil heaters additional.
Avoid Fire
There is an increased chance of fire in wintertime, no matter what kind of heating system (gas, oil, electric) you have in your home. You may love to cozy up by the fireplace in the winter, but be sure to keep flammable items away from the hearth. Furthermore, if you have a wood-burning fireplace, make sure to maintain your chimney to avoid fire and smoke damage. If you have a gas fireplace, be sure to shut off the gas valve when it’s not in use. Finally, keep the area around space heaters and your water heater free of items that can burst into flame as these heaters will be very hot when in use. Better yet, instead of using dangerous space heaters to warm those areas or rooms that are colder than the rest of your house, consider a ductless mini-split heat pump. Call Ben’s ProServ or visit BestToCallBen.com/ductless-ac to learn more.
Avoid Slips and Falls
After a snowfall, shovel your walkways, driveways, carports and doorsteps to prevent your family and guests from slipping and falling while on your property. Removing the snow right away will help prevent ice from forming underneath the snow. Spreading some rock salt also helps prevent ice from forming on your sidewalks and driveway. This is also a good time to repair any issues with steps and handrails.
By taking these appropriate steps before the hazards of freezing temps hit your home, you can avoid expensive HVAC repair bills this winter. Homeowners can also avoid these costs by entering into service agreements with Ben’s ProServ.
With our Comfort Agreement, we take care of you and your equipment on a first-priority status. With three plans to choose from and 24-hour service available, let our family take care of your family year-round!
To learn more about our Comfort Agreement, click here or call (856) 347-3588 to get enrolled now!
Ben’s ProServ serves hundreds of customers throughout Cumberland, Salem, Gloucester and Cape May counties. Expect superior workmanship with our team of trained and certified technicians. Visit BestToCallBen.com to learn more.