We all love coming home after a long day at work to a warm and comfortable house. However, if there is a time when things go wrong with the furnace, it is the winter, when we rely on it most. Nobody wants to deal with home emergencies before or after Christmas, so you should make sure that your home is winter-proof, and ready for the cold nights. Below you will find a list of things to look out for, to avoid nasty surprises.
1. Blocked Drain Pipes
If your drain pipes are blocked by leaves, dust, and debris, you are likely to have a problem, even leaking water onto your walls. Before every winter, you should get a professional to look at your roof and check for rust, leaks, and blockage. In the winter, your drain pipes are used more, and if there is standing water, it can freeze in below zero temperatures, causing extensive damage you are not prepared for.
2. Leaks
It is important that you check all your pipes regularly to make sure you will not wake up in the morning with the faucet sprinkling water all over. If you have an old furnace or water heater on the roof, you should ensure that all the pipes are in a good condition, and there are no leaks. Your energy efficiency can be reduced if you have a leak, and you will end up with an expensive repair bill.
3. Furnace Cutting Off
If your furnace works, but keeps on cutting off, chances are it is a mainboard or electric fault that will not get better on its own. Make sure that you get it checked out by a professional. There is a possibility that the water needs topping up, and you can solve the problem easily. However, you should test your central heating and air conditioning system before every winter, so you don’t end up trying to find an emergency plumber or a part last minute. If you know which part you need, you can check plumbersstock.com and order it on time to be fitted before the cold weather strikes.
4. No Thermostat
You are likely to overheat your home if you don’t have a way of controlling the temperature. A thermostat can reduce your bills significantly in the winter. Make sure you find the right location for the device, and don’t put it close to doors, heaters, windows, or in the kitchen where the temperature can change any time. If you have money to invest, you could even get a smart temperature control app that manages your energy use remotely.
5. Damaged Window Seals
These are very cheap to fix, and can make a great difference. To make your home weather resistant, you need to look for gaps by the windows and doors. For just a few dollars a yard, you can buy the seals at your local DIY store, or get a professional to install them. You don’t want to feel cold and hear the wind every time there is a winter storm outside. If you have single pane windows, you might also want to replace them with doble, more efficient ones.
6. Fuse Problems
You don’t want to be stuck in the dark and light your candles on cold winter nights, no matter how romantic it is. We all use more electricity and devices in the winter, and you have to check that your fuses are up to the task. Talk to a trained professional who will look at your electrical systems and wattage, and adjust your board according to your needs and lifestyle.
7. Old Wiring
If your house is old, you have to pay more attention to the wiring, as this can potentially cause accidents and even fire. If you suspect there is a bad wiring somewhere, get it checked out before the winter, so you can use your portable heaters and air conditioning systems, dehumidifiers, and other devices safely. Don’t rely on extension cords, as they are only designed for temporary use. Check for damaged switches and receptacles. Whenever you notice an electrical problem, shut down the circuit at the panel and call a professional.
To make sure you enjoy every winter night at home, get your house ready for the challenge. Check out the wiring, look after your furnace and electronic equipment, get rid of debris in the drain pipe, and look out for signs of damp inside and outside. Reduce your heating bills by making your home more energy efficient, checking your windows and doors.
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