16 OCTOBER 11, 2018 RIDGEWOOD TIMES www.qns.com
Avoid chilling accidents with
these tips to winterize your home
Winter will be here before
you know it. The season
has a way of sneaking up
on you and before you realize you're
not ready, the first chilling breezes
have already arrived.
Begin with winterizing your home
now to ensure you're prepared for
the season. Apply the following tips
and your home will be winter ready
in no time.
* Prime your plumbing. If you live
in an area where freezing pipes are a
threat, this is one area you'll want to
correct immediately. A frozen pipe
that bursts can cost you hundreds or
even thousands of dollars, depending
on damage. Shut off any water
lines tied to outdoor spigots and
your sprinkler system if you have
one. Indoor pipes running along the
exterior walls of your home are also
potential freezing risks, so cover
them with a towel or wrap to insulate
them through the season.
* Be sure your heating system
is ready for the season. The importance
of your home's heating
system during the winter cannot
be understated. If it isn't up to the
test, replace it now before winter
arrives. The York(R) Affinity(TM)
Series YZT two-stage heat pump
offers a two-stage compressor to
deliver higher energy efficiency
and quieter operation. A smart home
integration is easy with the YORK(R)
Affinity(TM) Hx3(TM) 4.3-inch
Touch-Screen Thermostat. Control
your home's temperature by voice
command or by using your smartphone
when you're away from home.
Program auto-alerts to stay aware of
necessary maintenance and replace
the filter each month to ensure your
home heating system performs at its
best all season long.
* Have your home audited. A home
energy audit can help you make sure
your home will be energy efficient
and comfortable throughout the winter.
Your energy audit will show you
where energy is being wasted and
provide suggestions on how to correct
them. You may discover opportunities
to add insulation in drafty
areas or replace appliances that are
no longer operating efficiently.
* Seal the leaks. Even the smallest
draft could end up costing you big
time over the course of a winter
and repairing this problem is easy.
Inspect each of your home's windows
- replace the broken ones - and use
caulk to seal any cracks you find
around the window frames. You can
also apply weather stripping where
appropriate and when winter begins,
don't be afraid to keep the curtains
closed to block cold air from coming
into your home through the glass.
* Protect yourself from CO concerns.
Colder temperatures cause
many of us to seek alternative heating
sources, but this can often be
dangerous. Never use a generator,
camp stove, or other gasoline- or
charcoal-burning device inside
your home or garage. These devices,
combined with closed windows,
can result in carbon monoxide
poisoning. If your home does not
have a carbon monoxide detector,
buy one immediately and if you do
have a detector, make sure to test
and replace the batteries regularly.
A C02 detector is a vital component
in keeping those in your home safe
throughout the winter and beyond.
Don't let winter freeze you out
Winter's frigid temperatures haven't
struck yet, but the season will be
here before you know it. Apply the
tips above in your home today and
you'll stay nice and warm inside no
matter what the outside weather
conditions may bring.
Courtesy BPT
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