As the leaves start to fall and the weather turns crisp, now is the time to start thinking about getting ready for the colder weather. The key to preventing any surprises this winter is to be prepared ahead of time. Preparation helps relieve stress and provides you with the time to make any adjustments before it becomes an emergency situation. Want to know five simple steps you can take to make your home winter ready? Read on.
Schedule an Annual Service Visit
When it comes to keeping you warm and safe during the winter, your heating system is the star of the show. Give your furnace the attention it deserves. Now is the best time to schedule your annual tune-up for your heating system – before the cold weather arrives. One of our technicians will ensure that everything is working properly and able to keep you and your family warm this upcoming winter season.
Prepare Outdoor Pipes
The last thing you want to deal with in cold weather is a pipe burst. Since subfreezing temperatures can arrive quickly, it’s a good idea to take care of potential pipe freezes before they happen. Locate and turn off your outdoor water valve and remove the hose from the outdoor faucet. This removes the possibility for water to exit the pipes and freeze during a cold spell.
Check Insulation and Doors for Leaks
A simple way to keep your home warm and comfortable during the winter is to do a thorough check on your insulation as well as windows and doors for any cracks or leaks. Air can easily sneak in the gaps between the frame and the outside, which means your heating system has to work harder to keep your home warm. You also may feel a draft coming from the suspected area. Check and address potential areas for these gaps ahead of time to make sure you are prepared.
Test Thermostats
Thermostats work by receiving and delivering a signal to your furnace to kick on. Before the temperatures turn too cold, quickly test all of the thermostats in your home. If your thermostat isn’t working, try replacing the battery or opting for a new unit altogether.
Schedule Oil Delivery
If you rely on oil for your heating needs, now is the time to check your tank. Get ahead of things by scheduling an oil delivery before the temperatures drop and the demand gets higher. Alves Fuels also offers automatic oil delivery services. This service helps you avoid emergency fuel scenarios or running out of oil when you need it.
If you follow these tips, you will be more than prepared to keep your home warm and cozy this winter! For more information on heating services, schedule a furnace check-up, or enroll in automatic oil delivery, call us or sign into your Alves Fuels account here.
