Mike’s Winter Weather Tips: Part 2
Last month, we focused on a list of simple tips for preparing your home or business for winter, as the colder months begin to approach. This month we’ll add some more ideas to help ensure your home is warm and toasty, with an additional focus on things that keep your costs as close to zero as possible. So here we go:
Ceiling Fans
If you have ceiling fans in your home or business, you should set the rotation direction properly for the season. As you probably know, warm air rises, and cool air falls. So, it’s best to have your fans turn counter-clockwise during the summer, and clockwise during the winter. During the cold months, the clockwise rotation of your ceiling fans will push the rising warm air from the ceilings back down to the floor.
Check All Windows are Locked
All Windows are Locked. You might think this sounds too obvious. However, you’d be surprised by how many homes and businesses leave windows open, especially on upper floors where there are no security issues. This means you need to check every window and make sure it’s locked. Locking is not merely for safety, it also ensures that the window is sealed tightly, and no outside air can get in. Please don’t assume a window is locked because the inside glass is seated all the way down. The issue is with the outside glass which can gap open when unlocked. Auto and truck road vibrations, combined with high wind, may allow it to drop just a little.
Consider Purchasing a Humidifier
If you notice your skin feels dry, even with the use of moisturizers, a humidifier might be a good appliance to add to your living space. Dry air causes dry skin. It also makes you more likely to catch cold and flu viruses. Dry air can damage wood furniture, leather sofas and chairs, and many electronics like TVs and video games. If your home or business cannot accommodate a whole-house humidifier application, then a portable unit will work fine. They are best in rooms you live or work in, instead of storage spaces such as garages or basements. Many humidifiers work quietly, and a source of reviews of humidifiers can be found at https://wellnessappliances.com/best-humidifier-reviews-and-buying-guide
Insulate Pipes that are Easy to Access
Today’s insulation technologies make it simple for the average handyman /handywoman to add insulation around water supply pipes. You’ll need an assistant since you want to measure the length of the pipes you want to wrap with foam insulation. The insulation will come split so it’s easy to install, but you need to make sure you have the right diameter for copper pipe. Usually, the main lines are ¾ inch and the supply lines are ½ inch in diameter. Don’t worry too much, just find a piece of string and wrap it once around the pipe. Mark the string with a marking pen like a Sharpie, and bring it along with the length measurements to the home improvement store.
Check for Leaks
While you’re in search of pipes to insulate, use it as an opportunity to check for leaks near or at water valves. If you have an old home or building, the valves may have been open for a long time. Feel around for any wetness, and a single piece of paper towel can be a perfect tool to check for even the slightest leak. Look at points of connection where pipes meet valves, (in this photo the packing nut is leaking). Simply wrap the paper towel around those points. A dry towel will obviously indicate a tight seal, while the slightest dampness shows up quickly on that same piece of towel. It’s a good idea to wear a dust mask, since years of dust may be built up on those pipes. No need to try and clean them, and no need to breathe in the dust either. Lastly, you’ll need at least vice-grips aka locking pliers to get a good grip to tighten any loose nuts
Use Rugs in Bathrooms and Kitchens
Bathrooms and kitchens typically have tile or linoleum floors which feel colder than wood or carpeting. Using area rugs over tile and/or linoleum will make the floors feel warmer, and avoid cranking up the heat. Be sure to look for rugs with non-slip backings so that you don’t slip or fall on shiny, well-buffed linoleum or floor tiles.
Shut any inside valves that connect outside
Many homeowners have outdoor or so-called “bib” valves used to water their lawns or garden, and even wash the family car. They must be turned off from inside your home or business during the winter months or risk the chance of water freezing and damaging the pipe. If you have any battery-operated water timers, for lawns, shrubs, or other landscapes, remove them from outside and bring them indoors until spring. Shut off any outside bib valves from outside valve knobs too.
The single most important activity to prepare your home or business for winter is worth repeating from our last blog. Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC and Heating has been servicing #BergenCounty and surrounding areas for nearly 40 years. We offer all necessary heating inspection, cleaning, and tune-ups at affordable prices, and ensure your home or business is warm and safe. There’s no reason to wait. Call Muccia Plumbing, Heating & AC at 201-343-1414 or visit our website today at www.mucciaplumbing.com to schedule a convenient appointment.
