Preparing your home before a freeze

Winter storms and freezing temperatures can cause serious damage to your home if you’re not prepared. From frozen pipes to overworked heating systems, extreme cold can put a strain on your HVAC, plumbing, and even power supply. At Choate’s Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing, and Electrical, we’ve put together this freeze-prep checklist to help you protect your home, avoid costly repairs, and stay warm during cold snaps.

1. Protect Your Pipes from Freezing

Frozen pipes are one of the biggest risks homeowners face during freezing temperatures. When water freezes inside your pipes, it expands, potentially causing them to burst. Here’s how to prevent this costly issue:

Insulate Exposed Pipes: Wrap pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, garages, and crawl spaces with pipe insulation or heat tape.
Let Faucets Drip: Running a small, steady stream of water from your faucets helps prevent freezing by keeping water moving.
Open Cabinet Doors: Allow warm air to circulate around pipes under sinks by leaving cabinet doors open.
Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses: Shut off outdoor faucets and drain garden hoses to prevent ice buildup.

2. Winterize Your HVAC System

Your heating system works hardest during extreme cold, so making sure it’s in top shape before a freeze is essential.

Schedule an HVAC Tune-Up: A professional inspection from Choate’s ensures your furnace or heat pump is working efficiently.
Replace Air Filters: Dirty filters restrict airflow, making your heating system work harder and increasing energy costs.
Check for Drafts: Seal any gaps around windows and doors to keep warm air inside and reduce strain on your HVAC system.
Use a Programmable Thermostat: Keeping your home at a steady temperature prevents stress on your HVAC system and reduces energy waste.

3. Maintain Your Water Heater for Reliable Hot Water

When temperatures drop, your water heater has to work harder to provide hot water for your home. Make sure it’s running efficiently:

Flush the Tank: Sediment buildup can reduce efficiency; flushing your water heater improves performance and extends its lifespan.
Set the Temperature: Keep your water heater set to 120°F to prevent scalding and reduce energy costs.
Insulate the Tank and Pipes: Adding insulation to your water heater and pipes helps maintain hot water temperature and reduces energy usage.

4. Ensure Your Generator is Ready for Winter Storms

Power outages are common during winter storms, and having a working generator can keep your home warm and safe.

Test Your Generator: Run a test to ensure it starts and functions correctly.
Check Fuel Levels: If you have a standby generator, make sure it has enough fuel to last through an extended outage.
Schedule a Generator Maintenance Service: Our experts at Choate’s can inspect your generator to ensure it’s ready when you need it most.

5. Check Your Home’s Safety Features

Cold weather increases the risk of fire hazards and carbon monoxide buildup due to heating system use.

Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Ensure they have fresh batteries and are functioning properly.
Keep Vents Clear: Blocked vents can cause dangerous carbon monoxide buildup, so make sure all exhaust vents are unobstructed.
Have a Backup Heat Source: If your primary heating system fails, having a safe backup heat source, like a fireplace or space heater, can be essential.

6. Know What to Do in an Emergency

Even with proper preparation, emergencies can still happen. Be ready with these tips:

Locate Your Main Water Shutoff: If a pipe bursts, turning off your water supply immediately can minimize damage.
Keep Emergency Contacts Handy: Have the phone number for Choate’s ready for any plumbing, heating, or generator emergencies.
Prepare an Emergency Kit: Stock up on essentials like blankets, flashlights, extra batteries, and bottled water.

Stay Warm & Worry-Free with Choate’s

Preparing your home before a freeze can save you from major headaches and costly repairs. At Choate’s Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing, and Electrical, we offer professional winterization services to ensure your home stays protected all season long.

Schedule your HVAC, plumbing, or generator maintenance today! Call 901-755-4797 or visit Choate’s to book your service.