Earlier this week the National Weather Service issued the Houston area a “Hard Freeze Warning”. This type of warning means that sub-freezing temperatures are highly likely and can cause problems for those not adequately prepared to deal with the cold weather.
Freezing temperatures aren’t something we see a whole lot of, after all, we’re more accustomed to heat waves than frost bite. Which is why we thought that we would lay out a few ground rules for preparing your home for cold.
Cold Weather Tips
Prep your pipes
Outdoor pipes in particular need protection from the cold – they should be wrapped or insulated with heating tape. You can help keep the pipes in your home thawed by maintaining an indoor temperature of 65°. In the event that your pipes do freeze it is important to know where the emergency water shutoff valves are located.
Maintain your heating systems
Your furnace gets worked in the winter, which is why it is important to perform routine maintenance on it so that it is in proper working order when you need it most. The filter should be checked every 30 days to ensure that it does not need to be cleaned or replaced, and you should regularly check for hot spots and discoloration on nearby surfaces. Both are indicators that your furnace may need more clearance space.
Clean out your gutters
If your gutters are blocked up with gunk and debris, then water that drains into it has no where to go. And what happens to water in cold weather? It freezes and can seep into your home, causing rot and other damages.
Insulate
Insulation is great because it keeps the warmth in and the cold out, but if your home is poorly insulated, then it probably isn’t doing either. Ensuring that your home is well insulated can mean the difference between a nice cozy evening, and one spent trying to thaw pipes.
Keep your Home safe with Texan Insurance!