As cold weather persists this winter, the handyman team here at CheckMark Pros want to remind you of some tips to prevent frozen pipes and protect your big investment.
1. Know where your water shutoff is and ensure it’s accessible in case of emergency. You should ensure your entire family knows how to use it!
2. Disconnect and drain your hoses outside. This protects your hose, spigot, and interior plumbing from damage or bursting.
3. Ensure your door and window seals keep winter air out. Simply checking that your seals are working properly can help your house stay warm.
4. Reverse the direction on your ceiling fans to spin clockwise. It will help push warm air that rises back down to the floor.
5. Get a chimney cleaning/inspection if you plan to use your fireplace.
6. Keep your thermostat at 65 or higher. Having it set to a lower temperature increases the risk of your pipes freezing.
7. If you haven’t had one in a while, consider a furnace tune up for optimal performance.
8. Make sure you have extra things like salt, heaters, and an ice scraper on hand just in case. Remember to only use electric heaters inside – not gas!