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From our Customer Care Team:
With the fall season coming to an end, winter is just around the corner. Winter brings brisk mornings and the promise of snow, creating the perfect backdrop for fozy nights by the fire. It’s a time for enjoying your favorite comfort meals, embracing outdoor fun, and bundling up in your favorite sweaters and blankets. Whether you’re enjoying festive activities or sipping hot cocoa by the fire, winter offers the perfect time to slow down and unwind.
As the temperatures drop, it’s essential to stay ahead of winter maintenance and take the proper steps to safeguard one’s home. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for the winter ahead so you can spend your time focusing on what matters most.
To prevent freezing, insulate your tankless water heater with a heating blanket or heat tape designed for your model, ensuring you don't cover the motor or vents to maintain proper operation. In freezing temperatures, keep the heater on and leave the hot water side of a faucet on a slow drip to maintain water flow through the system. These precautions help prevent frozen pipes and ensure your water heater functions smoothly throughout the winter.
If your tankless water heater is installed outdoors, additional steps are needed to protect it from freezing. Use an insulated cover designed for outdoor units and ensure all exposed pipes are wrapped with heat tape or proper insulation. In extreme cold, consider installing a heat lamp or portable heater near the unit for extra protection. Taking these measures will help your outdoor water heater operate reliably throughout the winter.
To prevent your pipes and water heater from freezing, keep faucets and showers on a slow drip—both hot and cold—in areas like kitchens and bathrooms. For single-handle faucets, set the lever in the middle to allow even water flow. Additionally, open closet doors and under-sink cabinets with water lines to let warm air circulate, helping keep pipes at room temperature. These simple steps ensure smooth water flow and reduce the risk of burst pipes, preventing costly damage.
To protect your home and plumbing, keep your indoor temperature no lower than 60°F, even if you're away, to prevent pipes from freezing and causing costly damage. Keep drapes and blinds closed to retain heat, except when windows receive direct sunlight, as this natural warmth can ease the strain on your heating system. These simple steps help prevent freezing issues while keeping your home comfortable and energy-efficient throughout the winter.
Space heaters are a great way to stay warm, but they can trip your breakers if they draw too much power. Always check the heater’s AMP requirements to ensure your circuits can handle the load, and unplug other devices on the same circuit while the heater is in use to avoid overloading. Taking these precautions reduces the risk of electrical issues and helps prevent potential outages or fire hazards, keeping your home warm and safe throughout the winter.
Disconnect and drain your garden hoses, and cover outdoor faucets with insulating foam covers, which are readily available at most hardware stores. If your home has a shut-off valve for outdoor faucets, turn off the water supply and open the faucet valves to drain any remaining water. These steps help prevent freezing, reducing the risk of burst pipes and water damage.
Keep your gutters clear of leaves, ice, and debris to prevent blockages that can cause water to back up and freeze. Clogged gutters increase the risk of ice dams, which can lead to roof damage and leaks. Regular cleaning ensures proper drainage and helps protect your home from winter weather-related issues.
Keep your garage door closed to prevent cold air from reaching interior walls, which can cause pipes to freeze more quickly. Check the weather stripping around the door to ensure a proper seal, and if needed, place old towels or blankets along the bottom to block drafts. These steps help maintain warmer temperatures inside and protect pipes from freezing.
Run your ceiling fans on low in reverse (clockwise when looking up) to circulate warm air throughout the room. If your heat pump fails, activate the emergency switch on the thermostat—the red light will indicate it’s on—providing supplemental heat until your HVAC technician arrives. Additionally, change your air filter regularly, as a clogged filter can hinder your heat pump’s performance and reduce efficiency. These steps help maintain a warm, comfortable home during the winter months.
To prevent slips and falls, apply sand, clay-based kitty litter, or high-performance ice and snow melt to your sidewalks, driveways, and walkways. Avoid de-icing products containing harsh salts, as they can damage concrete surfaces over time. These precautions help keep pathways safe while protecting your surfaces from unnecessary wear.
Trim trees and branches to prevent heavy ice and winds from causing damage, especially near electrical lines or structures. Bring container plants indoors to shield them from freezing temperatures. For outdoor plants and shrubs, gently sweep snow off with a broom in an upward motion to avoid breaking delicate branches. These steps help protect your greenery and prevent potential hazards during winter weather.
Follow all safety instructions when using your fireplace or wood-burning stove. Before lighting a fire, fully open the flue damper and outside air vent, and visually inspect the flue for any obstructions. Preheat the flue by lighting a piece of newspaper on the logs to ensure smoke flows up the chimney. Avoid building fires directly on the fireplace floor, and only close the damper once the fire is completely out to prevent smoke or fumes from entering your home. These precautions help ensure safe and efficient operation.
Drain and winterize your outdoor sprinkler system to prevent freezing and potential damage to pipes. Be sure to turn off the timers during the winter months to avoid accidental activation. These steps help protect your system and ensure it’s ready to function properly when warmer weather returns.
With some preparation, your home will be ready to handle whatever this upcoming winter brings. Whether you’re bundling up for snowy adventures or enjoying a cozy night with loved ones, these simple tips will provide peace of mind throughout the season. We hope these maintenance tips help you protect your home and as always, thank you for trusting us to be part of your home journey. Stay warm and safe - we look forward to continuing to serve you!
Explore our complete maintenance checklist and helpful videos
At Eastwood Homes, we take pride in our Built With Care philosophy, and it was never more evident than during our recent fundraising efforts for Hurricane Helene relief. In less than 24 hours, Team Eastwood—alongside the Stewart Family—successfully raised an incredible $20,000 to support the vital work of Samaritan’s Purse in the wake of the storm.
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