Show Your Home Some Love This Winter: Simple HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical Checkups
The month of February is all about love, and your home deserves some, too!
Winter conditions tend to put additional strain on HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems. Completing a few simple checks can help you prevent breakdowns, avoid costly repairs, and stay comfortable in your home year-round. Think of it as preventive care!
Here’s what we recommend homeowners check throughout the winter, and how to know when to call a professional for advice.
HVAC Checks: Keep Your Home Warm & Efficient
Check and Replace Your Air Filter: We recommend adding a reminder to your calendar to check your filter every 1-3 months. If dirt and buildup are visible, it’s time for a fresh one! The benefits of a clean filter include better airflow, cleaner indoor air, and a more efficient system.
Pay Attention to Uneven Heating: If you notice that some rooms in your home are colder than others, or if you feel weak airflow from vents in certain areas, you may have an airflow or duct issue. If you’ve checked that your vents are open and unobstructed, it might be time to get a professional opinion to rule out potential issues with your system.
Listen for Odd Noises or Short Cycling: Another easy way to check in on your HVAC system is to listen for rattling or banging noises. Rattling usually means something is loose or out of place, while banging could indicate a slightly more serious mechanical issue. Call a professional if these noises are getting worse! Short cycling means the system is turning on and off more frequently than usual. There are several issues that can cause short cycling, so it’s best to book a professional inspection if you notice it. Ignoring all of these sounds can lead to bigger (and more expensive) issues down the road.
Plumbing Checklist: Protect Your Plumbing System From Winter Damage
Look for Signs of Frozen/Stressed Pipes: Low water pressure, odd noises, and frost on your pipes are warning signs! Though we’re well past the first frost, frozen pipes are still a risk. Take precautions, such as insulating exposed pipes, maintaining consistent indoor air temperatures, disconnecting outdoor hoses, and letting faucets drip during extreme cold spells.
Test Your Faucets, Toilets, and Drains: If you have slow drains, dripping faucets, or running toilets, your water bill is probably higher than it needs to be. A running toilet alone can waste up to 180 gallons a week! (EPA) Keep an eye on these issues, because they can become major problems during the colder months.
Keep Your Garbage Disposal Clear: It’s important to know what you can and can’t put down your disposal. Things like grease, bones, fibrous foods (celery, onion skins, asparagus, etc), and coffee grounds are among the major no-gos.
Electrical Checks: Stay Safe This Winter
Check Outlets, Cords & Power Strips: It’s a good idea to take some time to check your home for outlets that feel warm to the touch, as this can indicate a serious electrical issue. Buzzing sounds and flickering lights are another warning sign you shouldn’t ignore.
Be Extra Careful with Space Heaters: If you use space heaters in your home, be sure to always plug them directly into a wall outlet. Never use power strips or extension cords with space heaters!
Test Electrical Safety Devices: Test GFCI outlets by plugging in a device (such as a small lamp), using the “test” and “reset” buttons. Test smoke detectors by pressing and holding the test button until the alarm sounds. Finally, test your carbon monoxide detector to ensure the alarm sounds loudly and clearly.
If issues persist after your basic checks or you notice other warning signs, it’s time to bring in a professional. Routine inspections can help catch problems early, saving you money and the hassle!
If you are in Charlottesville, Virginia, or the surrounding area, give us a call to schedule an HVAC, plumbing, or electrical appointment.
