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Safety Tips to Help Homeowners This Winter
Cold weather creates unique problems that can put your home at risk. If you're looking at houses for sale in South Bend or have already bought a home in St. Joseph, our real estate agents know that keeping your property safe when temperatures drop below freezing means planning ahead and monitoring key systems in your home.
Taking Care of Your Heating System and Preventing Fires
Your heating system has to work harder in winter, so regular upkeep is crucial to keep it running well. Get a pro to check your system before it gets cold to spot any problems with your furnace, boiler, or heat pump. Clean or replace air filters every month when you're using heat most, to keep air flowing properly and reduce the risk of fire.
Space heaters offer extra warmth but need careful use. Keep these units at least three feet from curtains, furniture, bedding, and other items that can catch fire. Don't leave space heaters on when you're not around or sleeping, and plug them directly into wall outlets, not extension cords. Check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors every month, replacing batteries as needed, to ensure these key safety tools work properly when you need them most.
Fireplace safety needs just as much attention throughout the season:
- Get your chimney cleaned and checked by a pro every year to get rid of creosote buildup
- Put screens on your fireplace to stop sparks from jumping onto carpets or furniture
- Keep anything that can catch fire at least three feet from the fireplace opening
- Make sure dampers open properly before you start fires and close all the way when not in use
Stopping Pipes from Freezing and Breaking
Frozen pipes cause thousands of dollars in water damage each winter, but easy steps can significantly reduce this risk. Cover exposed pipes in cold areas, such as basements, crawl spaces, attics, and garages, with foam pipe covers or heat tape. T
When it gets really cold, let your faucets drip a bit at night to keep water flowing in the pipes. Leave the doors to cabinets under sinks open so warm air can reach the plumbing. Make sure your indoor temperature stays above 60 degrees to stop pipes from freezing, even when you're not home. If you're going away for a while in winter, consider asking someone to check on your place now and then, or installing smart home tech that alerts you if it gets too cold.
If your pipes freeze, act fast to limit the damage:
- Shut off the main water supply right away if pipes burst
- Use hair dryers or heating pads to warm up frozen parts
- Don't use open flames or hot tools that could harm pipes or start fires
- Get a professional plumber for pipes you can't reach
Emergency Preparedness and Winter Storms
Winter storms can hit without warning, cutting off power to homes for hours or days. Pack an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio, first-aid items, non-perishable food, and bottled water to last at least three days. Keep your phone charged and have backup power banks ready to stay in touch during blackouts.
Safeguarding Your Investment All Year
Winter safety steps protect your family and your property investment. To get specific advice on caring for your home year-round or to ask about properties in our area, contact us. You'll connect with skilled pros who know the unique issues homeowners face in our region.
Note: a subscription to the Do Not Call list does not apply when requesting information from our company.
