With the changing seasons, most homeowners realize that it is important to keep up with a wide variety of home maintenance projects. Of course, depending on the season, these home maintenance projects can vary tremendously. For example, when summer temperatures begin to cool off and the freezing temperatures of winter set in, it is crucial that your home is protected from the damage that can result if your pipes freeze. Leaving water in your pipes and not insulating them properly can create a huge problem when spring arrives.
Unfortunately, taking care of home utility maintenance is something many homeowners don’t think about until it is too late. Neglecting routine maintenance and HVAC repairs can result in a shortened life span of your equipment as well as poor performance and a loss of energy efficiency. Additionally, neglecting home maintenance can result in extensive damage and higher repair costs. However, with a few simple HVAC troubleshooting tips and routine home maintenance it is possible to keep your home and HVAC equipment in top condition.
When spring arrives, it is important to schedule annual A/C maintenance with a trusted HVAC technician. This is the perfect time for your HVAC professional to check your cooling system and ensure it is ready to provide the relief your family needs for another season. Of course, just like it is important to schedule A/C maintenance at the start of the summer cooling season, it is also important that you make sure your pipes are protected from the freezing weather as the temperatures begin to drop.
When freezing temperatures hit, the water in your pipes can freeze, but the real damage is the fact that water expands as it freezes. As the water expands, pressure is put on your pipes and they will eventually crack or break, giving way to the expanding pressure. Then, when the weather warms up and your pipes thaw, the damage to your pipes will cause a water leak. When your pipes crack or break, you might not even be aware of the problem. Water can leak in your walls and remain undetected until you have a significant amount of water damage.
While there is little you can do to change how cold it gets, you can protect your pipes from freezing. Outside lines can be drained and left open to protect them from the cold. Additionally, proper insulation and protection from the elements can help ensure that your HVAC system and water pipes remain in good condition, regardless of the outside temperatures.