Texas may be known for hot summers, but that’s no excuse to be unprepared for winter. Nobody likes to wake up without heat! Here are some home maintenance tips on cold weather preparation:
- Streams of water from branches wear away building foundations. Wind can uproot trees and tear off branches, causing structural damage. Plant growth slows down in cooler weather, so autumn is the best time for trimming them until they are at least three feet from your home.
- Look for cracks along the foundation and where the window frames, pipes and electrical wires meet the house. Caulk will prevent these gaps from letting cold air in.
- Gutters and spouts should be cleaned annually. After leaves and other trash have been removed, broken sections should be replaced and any loose connections secured.
- Trim any plant growth around the outdoor air conditioner unit. Turn off the power, then gently use a regular garden hose to rinse away any accumulated debris.
- A leaky roof isn’t just inconvenient, but can lead to costly furnace, plumbing or electrical damage. Annual roof inspection will help to keep your home warm and dry.
- All of your automatic doors, storm windows and storm doors should be carefully inspected. Repair any damage before winter because even small cracks are enough to let frigid air or rain into your home.
- Annual home maintenance should include having your furnace serviced. Dirty ductwork will release dust and mold into the air when your heat is turned on, making it unsafe for people with asthma and other forms of allergies. Cleaning the ductwork will also help prevent any mouse or bug infestations.
- During the winter, windows are generally left closed. Air movement is limited to cycling through the home, picking up mold, dust and other airborne particles as it passes through the furnace and air ducts. Air filters catch any airborne particles before they reenter your living quarters. Homes with asthmatics may find using the higher-quality HEPA air filters.
CCAC has decades of experience keeping Coastal Bend area homes comfortable. Call us today and we’ll be happy to help you.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
Credit/Copyright Attribution: “Maksim Kabakou/Shutterstock”