Here are some quick tips to help prevent any unscheduled winter maintenance.
Whether you’re new to Alabama or new to owning a home, simple weatherproofing for the winter months is easy to do and will save you lots of headaches down the road.
First, check your doors and windows for leaks. They may only need a bit of caulk, but you’ll keep the warm air in and the cold air out. Additionally, check your roof for missing shingles.
In Alabama, you never know when there might be a hard freeze. It could be in December, or it could be in March. If your water pipes aren’t already insulated, make sure you get that done. It’s no fun when they freeze; take it from personal experience. We had some pipes burst in our garage, and it took a ton of work to get it fixed. The entire issue could have been solved with some foam insulation.
As for your outdoor hose spigots, make sure those are covered as well. If there is a hard freeze in the forecast, let your indoor faucets drip overnight so that the water keeps flowing and the pipes don’t burst.
“Our pipes wouldn’t have burst if we had proper insulation around them.”
Your furnace is your friend during the winter months, so change its filters if you have not done so recently. It might not be a bad idea to call an HVAC tech for a winter maintenance inspection to ensure you’re warm and cozy all winter.
Finally, did you know that your ceiling fan has a reverse button? If you switch it, it will take all the heat that rises to the ceiling and push it back down into the room to keep you warm.
Alabama weather is unpredictable, but preparing with these tips will ensure you aren’t caught off guard when it does get cold. If you have any questions for me, don’t hesitate to reach out via phone or email. We look forward to hearing from you soon.