Winter Home Protection: Tips from Atlas Butler's Plumbing and HVAC Experts

As central Ohioans embrace freezing temperatures, residents must proactively protect their homes from the potential havoc caused by bursting pipes or overexerted furnaces. If you tuned into NBC4, 10TV or read their online articles, you would have seen our Lead Plumbing Inspector, Mark Sullivan; Sewer and Plumbing Specialist, Michael Hammond; HVAC Team Lead, Justin Smith; and Field Supervisor, Nick Martin, providing simple tips on safeguarding your home during winter.

If you missed the segments, don't worry! We've outlined the full summary below, providing tips to help your house bear the cold.

Schedule a water shut-off valve installation - In the harsh winter months, homes with insufficient insulation can face many challenges. Yet, many homeowners are unaware of how vulnerable their water lines can become in colder weather. Take charge by proactively having an Atlas Butler technician install a water shut-off valve. This expert installation is a strategic step to minimize potential damage in case of a burst pipe, providing you with confidence and peace of mind.

Turn off the water supply before leaving - If you plan to be away from home, it's advisable to turn off your water supply and drain the water from the lines. This ensures nothing in the pipes can freeze and cause damage.

Maintain consistent temperature inside your home - Our HVAC Team Lead advises keeping your home's temperature consistent with only a 2-degree difference between day and night during winter. This practice helps your HVAC system work efficiently, especially in single-digit temperatures, reducing energy consumption and ensuring a cozy living space.

Insulate pipes in unheated areas - Provide insulation to pipes in unheated areas by wrapping them. Additionally, opening cupboards can facilitate heat flow to the pipes underneath, reducing the risk of freezing.

Regularly inspect and change your furnace filter - Homeowners should make it a habit to check and change their furnace filters regularly. At Atlas Butler, we recommend replacing your furnace filter every 3-6 months, depending on the amount of debris build-up. This simple task ensures the heating system operates efficiently, especially during the colder months.

Check batteries - Verify that the batteries in your thermostat and carbon monoxide detectors are working correctly. This small yet important step can help avoid malfunctions or safety issues when you need these systems the most.

Vulnerabilities in older homes - Often, with outdated or deteriorating insulation, older homes may be more susceptible to bursting pipes. However, it's important to recognize that even some newer builds can be vulnerable due to poor build quality.

Be prepared for emergencies - Our expert technicians always emphasize the importance of being prepared for emergencies, especially during extreme cold snaps. Being proactive and scheduling annual routine maintenance is important when heading into cold weather. Even though emergencies can happen, know that our experts are guaranteed to have you back up and running within 24 hours of your call more than 95% of the time.

To schedule a routine maintenance visit or receive help on any of the above, you can contact Atlas Butler 24/7 at 1-800-FURNACE to speak with a representative or schedule an appointment online.