Monday, December 11, 2017
Whether you're snow birding it or just jetting to a place with palms for a long weekend, there may be things you should do to protect your home - and save some hard-earned dollars - while you're sipping cool drinks in the sun."It can be refreshing to spend winters in a warmer environment, but it's important to remember that your home will stay behind in the cold," says Mike Nicholson, owner of Nicholson Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.
"Taking care to prepare your home to properly withstand the long absence is important during what could be a severe winter. The last thing you want to do is come back from vacation to a home that is flooded because of a broken supply line or appliance malfunction."
Nicholson offers the following as important steps toward winterizing a home:
Save electrical energy. Make sure that all electronics remaining behind such as televisions are not only turned off but are unplugged with any power strips being disconnected as well. This will eliminate any trickle charges and consumption that can add up over long periods. Large appliances, when possible, should be unplugged as well as small appliances such as coffee pots and toasters. Take a walk around the home to inspect the windows and doorframes, searching for any gaps in seals or deteriorated weather stripping that could allow warmth to escape. Finally, figure out what temperature setting will walk the line best between saving money and keeping the home at a safe temperature. A programmable thermostat is a great solution for maintaining the proper temperature within the home.
Prevent potential sanitary issues. Any perishable food items left on counters or inside the refrigerator should be used immediately, taken with, or properly disposed of outside the home. Do not leave behind unemptied trash bins, especially containing food, as these can attract any pests that may infiltrate the home to stay. Flushing out sink traps and disposals is a great way to avoid finding terrible odors upon returning.
Protect the plumbing. Shut off the water at the main valve, and open all faucets to allow them to drain. Leaving faucets open, especially outdoor spigots, will give more room for possible expansion from freezing and may prevent bursting. Make sure to shut off outdoor spigots and protect them with proper insulated covers. Don't forget to disconnect the supply hoses from the washing machine, and drain the water heater and water softener if one is present. Enlisting the aid of a home service professional may be useful if the lines need to be blown out or if there is worry that ancillary items like a sprinkler system may not be properly winterized.
Play it safe. Make sure the home seems occupied throughout extended absences. Forward the mail or ask a friend or relative to pick it up and check in on the home periodically. Arrange in advance to have the driveway plowed in the event of snow or ice to create an occupied appearance. Another great tip is to set a couple of lights on timers - preferably visible to the entrances - so that they will turn on for periods of time and give the illusion of occupancy.
Source: www.nicholson-hvac.com/.
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