Whether you love winter or would rather skip the season altogether, everyone can agree that taking the necessary precautions to prepare for the cold is essential. Otherwise, extreme winter conditions can cause severe damage to your home, car, and wallet.
With frigid temperatures upon us, the last thing you need is a faulty heating system, frozen pipes, a broken-down car, or a damaged home with scammers trying to cheat you out of money.
Better Business Bureau has the checklist you need to safely prepare for another winter.
Keep your heating system in tip-top shape
To keep your home’s heating system in tip-top shape, consider these tips:
- Regularly check and replace your air filters. This will help maintain efficiency and extend the lifetime of your furnace. How often should you replace them? It’s best to check your air filter manufacturer’s recommendations. The EPA recommends changing the filter at least every three months or every month if the filter appears dirty.
- Clean your air ducts. Keeping your air ducts clean can also maintain your heating system’s efficiency and promote a healthy indoor environment. Check out BBB’s tips on cleaning your air ducts.
- Schedule annual inspections. A yearly heating system inspection can give you peace of mind, especially before the cold weather rolls in. An HVAC technician can check if your furnace is working correctly, if anything needs replacing, or if it’s time to purchase a new one. To schedule an annual inspection, you’ll want to find a reputable and trustworthy HVAC company.
Protect your plumbing from the cold weather
To prevent your pipes from freezing, consider these tips:
- Winterize any outdoor faucets. When you’ve wrapped up your yardwork in late fall, winterize your outdoor faucets before freezing temperatures roll in. Take off any garden hoses from your outdoor faucets and store them indoors. To protect your outdoor faucets, turn off their water supply, drain them, and install an outdoor faucet cover that protects against extreme cold. This is also an excellent time to check for leaks on faucets or shutoff valves. If you have leaks you can’t fix, then it’s time to call a professional plumber.
- Add insulation to unheated indoor spaces. If you have water pipes running through unheated indoor areas such as basements, attics, crawl spaces, and garages, consider adding insulation. You can add insulation around the individual pipes or insulate the entire room. If you need professional help with insulation, search BBB.org for a trusted insulation contractor.
- Let your thermostat help. If you’re planning a getaway vacation to a warmer destination, the American Red Cross recommends leaving your thermostat set to at least 55°Fs. This will help keep your home at an adequate temperature to prevent freezing pipes.
- Seek professional help when an emergency arises. If a pipe bursts, immediate attention by a plumber is crucial. A plumber can help you locate the problem, thaw out your pipes, and insulate against future freezing. Repairing a pipe can be tricky and may end up causing more problems, so hiring a plumber is a safe and smart option.
Get your vehicle ready for the conditions
If you’re venturing outside this winter, it’s important to prepare your car for the harsh weather. From checking under the hood to inspecting the outside of your car, there are several things to consider. Check out these tips for preparing your vehicle for winter.
And don’t wait until the middle of winter to get your car fixed for any essential repairs. Find a reputable auto repair business near you and check those repairs off your list.
Hire a reliable company to help winterize your life
If you need professional help with your heating system, plumbing, or vehicle, consider these tips to find a trusted business you can count on:
- Do your research. Research several businesses to learn about their background and qualifications. BBB Business Profiles will give you a background on the business, including any complaints and customer reviews. Be sure the business is properly licensed to perform the work. We recommend comparing bids for pricing and job scope with at least three businesses before making a decision.
- Get everything in writing. When contracting a job, even an emergency service, make sure everything the business agrees to is put in writing. Ensure the cost is within your budget and that any verbal promises are documented in writing. Read the contract thoroughly and get any questions answered before signing.
- Understand the warranty. If the business offers a warranty on the work being done, ensure you understand what is covered and how long it will be covered.
Avoid “Storm Chasers”
If your home suffers damage from a winter storm, you may be looking to hire a contractor to help with any repairs. BBB reminds consumers to be weary of “storm chasers” and out-of-town contractors soliciting your business. Read our tips for how to protect yourself from “storm chasers” after a natural disaster.
For more information
Visit BBB.org/winter.
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