Winter is quickly approaching! For much of the country, that means colder temperatures, falling snow, and lots of time spent indoors away from the elements.

This time of year also ushers in some unique safety hazards for your home. We’ve teamed up with our sister brands One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, Mister Sparky Electric, Screenmobile, and DRYmedic Restoration to discuss some of these concerns and how you can make your home safer during these cold weather months! 

Watch Out for Frozen Pipes

As winter approaches, protecting your home's plumbing becomes even more important. Frozen pipes can lead to significant damage and costly repairs, potentially affecting your insurance coverage. Taking preventive measures is key to avoiding these issues.

Here are a few of our favorite methods to safeguard your plumbing system during cold weather.

Heat Tape: Your Pipes' Electric Blanket

Heat tape functions similarly to an electric blanket, providing warmth to pipes exposed to cold air. This innovative solution comes in two varieties: automatic and manual. Automatic heat tape activates when temperatures drop, offering convenience and energy efficiency. Manual versions require user intervention but allow for more control. While effective, you’ll need to monitor heat tape usage to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards.

Insulation: A Protective Barrier

Insulating pipes, especially in colder areas like attics and basements, is a preventive measure you shouldn’t skip. Materials such as foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves can effectively shield pipes from freezing temperatures. However, accessing pipes within walls or ceilings may incur additional costs. It's important to note that while insulation helps maintain pipe temperature, it doesn't add heat. In prolonged freezing conditions, pipes can still be at risk.

The Dripping Faucet Technique

Allowing faucets to drip slightly during extreme cold can prevent pressure buildup within pipes, reducing the risk of bursting. Both hot and cold taps should be opened to make sure there is balanced pressure throughout the system. This simple method can be particularly effective during severe cold snaps when pipes are most vulnerable.

If you need help winterizing your home before the cold weather hits, give Benjamin Franklin Plumbing a call today at 1-877-BEN-1776 or contact us online.

Take Proper Care of Your HVAC System This Winter

As temperatures drop, your commitment to comfort shouldn’t. Experts from One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® know what it takes to maintain the level of comfort you and your family deserve. Maintenance and proper care not only guarantee efficient operation of your heating and cooling systems but also prevents costly breakdowns during the coldest months of the year.

Here are some things you should do for your HVAC system:

Regular Preventative Maintenance

Establish a routine maintenance schedule to identify and address potential issues before they escalate. Key tasks include:

  • Regularly checking and changing filters
  • Inspecting belts and motors
  • Keeping the system clean and debris-free

Focus on Proper Insulation and Sealing

Minimize heat loss by focusing on these three tasks:

Install Backup Heating Solutions

Prepare for potential system failures during extreme cold by considering these measures:

  • Supplementary electric heaters. However, use caution by following these heater safety instructions.
  • Dual-fuel systems with heat pumps and gas furnaces
  • Portable heaters for emergencies (with proper safety precautions)

By implementing these cold weather safety tips, you can maintain a safe, efficient, and reliable heating system throughout the winter months.

Be Mindful of the Season’s Electrical Demands

As the weather gets more wintry (colder, icier, wetter!), your home's electrical system faces increased demands. Mister Sparky's expert electricians have compiled these tried but true safety tips to help you navigate winter's electrical challenges safely and efficiently.

  • Inspect Your Electrical Wiring: Cold weather can worsen existing wiring issues. Regularly check for frayed cords or exposed wires, which can lead to short circuits or fire hazards. If you spot any problems, contact Mister Sparky for professional repairs.
  • Avoid Overloading Circuits: Winter often brings increased use of electrical devices. Be cautious not to overload outlets, as this can cause overheating and fire risks. Use power strips wisely and turn off unused devices. If you consistently use multiple high-wattage devices, consider having Mister Sparky assess your home's electrical capacity.
  • Practice Safe Heating Equipment Usage: When using space heaters, maintain a three-foot clearance from flammable materials and plug them directly into wall outlets. For more permanent solutions, consult Mister Sparky about installing energy-efficient heating systems.
  • Seal Cracks and Gaps: Proper insulation protects your electrical system. Use caulk or weather-resistant sealant to fill gaps around windows and doors. This reduces strain on your heating system and electrical circuits while maintaining a comfortable temperature.
  • Schedule Professional Inspections: Have Mister Sparky® conduct a thorough inspection before cold weather sets in. Their licensed electricians can identify and address potential problems, ensuring your system's safety and efficiency during winter months.

Don’t Overlook Hidden Hazards

Cold weather often means spending more time inside, but that doesn’t mean outside is totally off limits. The experts at Screenmobile encourage you to regularly evaluate your home’s safety measures, both indoors and outdoors, especially if you have young children or pets. Here are some of their top tips for wintertime.

Turn Off or Unplug Space Heaters

Using a space heater in your outdoor screen porch can help keep the area warm and create a cozy spot to relax. However, always remember to turn off or unplug all heating devices before leaving or going indoors to prevent overheating or accidental fires.

Watch Out for Corded Blinds and Furniture

With kids full of energy and running around the house, it’s easy to overlook hazards like corded blinds or climbable furniture near windows. Consider replacing corded blinds (a choking hazard) with cordless or motorized options. Also, move any furniture kids might climb on away from windows to reduce the risk of falls.

Fireplace Safety: Ignite Warmth, Not Worry

As winter approaches, DRYmedic Restoration Services reminds homeowners to prioritize fireplace safety. Follow these tips to enjoy a warm, cozy fire while minimizing risks:

  • Make Your Chimney Check a Winter Ritual! Don't let hidden dangers lurk in your chimney. Schedule an annual inspection with a certified chimney sweep to uncover potential fire hazards and make sure your fireplace is primed for winter warmth.
  • Clear the Stage for Safe Burning: Banish flammable decorations and furniture to a 3-foot radius around your fireplace.
  • Fuel Your Fire Properly: Feed your flames with seasoned hardwoods only. Avoid the temptation of burning trash, plastic, or treated wood – these can release toxic fumes and spark dangerous chimney fires.
  • Shield Your Home with a Spark Guard: Contain your fire with a robust spark guard or fireplace screen. This simple barrier can prevent embers from escaping and igniting nearby surfaces.
  • Never Leave Your Fire Unattended: Resist the urge to leave a burning fireplace alone, even for a moment. Extinguish the flames completely before heading to bed or leaving your home.
  • Arm Your Home with Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Install these silent guardians on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas. Test them monthly and replace batteries annually to guarantee they're always on duty.
  • Keep a Fire Extinguisher Within Reach: Position a multipurpose fire extinguisher near your fireplace, but not so close that you can't reach it during a fire. Learn how to use it before an emergency strikes.
  • Teach Children Fireplace Safety: Make fire safety a family affair. Educate your children about the dangers of an open flame and establish a clear "no-go zone" around the fireplace.
  • Dispose of Ashes with Care: Use a metal container for disposal and store it outdoors, away from buildings and combustible materials. Remember, ashes can retain heat for days.
  • Keep Your Chimney Cap in Top Shape: Don't let your chimney become a wildlife hotel. Inspect and maintain your chimney cap regularly to prevent animals and debris from turning your cozy fireplace into a potential fire hazard.

Remember, regular maintenance is key to fireplace safety.

By following these safety tips from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, Mister Sparky Electric, Screenmobile, and DRYmedic Restoration, you can enjoy the coziness of your home while protecting your home and loved ones from potential hazards. Have a wonderful winter!