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How to Prevent Home Damage This Winter

The cold winter months can turn simple, everyday tasks into an up-hill battle. Freezing temps, snow squalls, icy roads – and that’s just your morning commute! But the snow, ice, and blistery winds aren’t just hard on us – they can do a number on your home, too.

And yet with a little time, planning, and effort, many of the most common winter time home-based headaches can be prevented.  Here’s how:

• Insulate exposed water pipes to prevent them from freezing and bursting.

• Make sure all outdoor faucets are drained and shut off for the winter.

• Don’t over-stuff trash barrels and make sure the lids are secure to deter wildlife from foraging for food.

• Deter rodents from taking up shelter in your home by sealing off any potential entrance points.

• Help prevent icicles and ice dams from forming on and damaging your gutters by keeping them free of leaves, branches, and debris.

• Don’t completely cover your AC system’s outside condensing unit. Otherwise mice and other pests can and very likely will use it as a place of refuge and perhaps even form a nest.  Once they get comfortable in that environment, they’ve also been known to gnaw away at the electrical wiring and other parts.  Plus, completely covering your condensing unit isn’t necessary in the first place.  If you’re inclined to do anything, simply place a sheet of plywood over the top and weigh it down with a cinder block or two.  That will help keep snow, ice and melting water from drenching your unit.

• Keep your home heating system operating at peak efficiency by cleaning or replacing the air filter once a month.

• More time spent indoors and forced air heat can make your skin dry, itchy, and flaky. Add a little humidity back into the air with a whole house humidification system.

• Cabinet doors under sinks should be kept open during a heavy freeze to allow heat to circulate around pipes.

• Hire a professional to winterize the outdoor sprinkler system and remove all residual water, which can freeze and cause pipes to burst.

Here’s another great way to prevent damage to your home while ensuring your family’s indoor comfort:  contact Messmer Mechanical for heating system preventative maintenance.  It’s a great way to prevent repair problems from popping up later.  It also will help cut your home heating costs.  Messmer Mechanical, your home heating professionals throughout Southern Indiana.