New to Columbus? A Homeowner's Guide to Your First Ohio Winter

Welcome to Columbus! We’re glad you’re here. The region is growing at twice the national rate, with more than 21,000 new residents in the past year. Whether you’re getting to know your neighborhood or settling into one of the city’s charming older homes in German Village or Clintonville, there’s a lot to love about calling Columbus home.

With so much that’s new, there’s one more thing to add to your list: getting ready for your first Ohio winter.

The good news? You don’t have to figure it out on your own. A little preparation and a few things to watch for can go a long way toward keeping your home warm all season, and for everything else, that’s what we’re here for.

At Atlas Butler, we’ve been helping Central Ohio homeowners stay comfortable since 1921, so we know a thing or two about Ohio winters. Here’s what every new Columbus homeowner should know before temperatures drop.

1. Find It Before You Need It

Imagine waking up to a burst pipe and not knowing how to shut off the water. Before freezing temperatures arrive, take a few minutes to locate these key parts of your home.

Main Water Shutoff Valve

In many Columbus homes, the valve is in the basement near where the water line enters the house, or in a utility room or crawl space. Label it and make sure everyone in your household knows how to use it. If it's stuck, call a plumber rather than forcing it.

Gas Shutoff Valve

If your home uses natural gas, locate the shutoff valve. If you ever smell gas, leave immediately and call your gas utility's emergency line or 911 from a safe location. Also make sure you have working carbon monoxide detectors on every level and near sleeping areas.

Furnace Filter

Note your filter's size, keep a few replacements on hand, and change it every 1–3 months, especially if you have pets or allergies. A dirty filter makes your furnace work harder.

Water Heater and Sump Pump

Know where your water heater and sump pump are, and who to call if something seems off. Atlas Butler offers water heater services and sump pump services.

2. Get to Know How Old Your Home's Systems Are

You probably know when your house was built, but do you know how old your furnace, water heater, or sump pump is?

• Furnace: Once a furnace is about 10 years old, it may be nearing or past its manufacturer's warranty.
• Water heater: Tank models about 6 years or older are more likely to fail. Tankless models often last up to 15 years.
• Sump pump: Worth a closer look after about 6 years, depending on how often it runs.

Not sure how old yours are? Check the data plate on each unit. The serial number often includes the manufacture date.

For an older furnace, professional furnace maintenance is a smart place to start.

3. Learn What's Normal for Your Home

Pay Attention to Your Furnace

When your furnace runs, a gentle hum or rush of air is normal, while banging, grinding, squealing, or rattling noises can signal a problem. So can one room that stays much colder than the rest, or a furnace that runs constantly without reaching the set temperature. Any of those is worth scheduling furnace repair before the coldest nights arrive.

For more tips, read The First Cold Night: Is Your Furnace Ready?.

Watch Out for Dry Indoor Air

Running your furnace can dry out indoor air, leading to dry skin and static shocks. If dry air is a persistent problem, ask about a whole-home humidifier.

4. A Few Winter Tasks New Homeowners Often Overlook

Disconnect Your Outdoor Hoses

A hose left on an outdoor spigot can trap water that freezes, expands, and damages the pipe, sometimes inside your wall. Before the first hard freeze, disconnect and drain your hoses. If your outdoor faucets have a shutoff valve inside, turn it off and open the outdoor faucet to drain it.

Test Your Sump Pump

Snowmelt and winter rain can send water toward your basement. Pour water into the sump pit until the pump turns on, then make sure it empties the pit and shuts off. If it doesn't, call a professional for sump pump repair.

Protect Your Pipes From Freezing

Pipes in garages, crawl spaces, basements, and along exterior walls are most at risk. Insulate exposed pipes and seal nearby drafts. On very cold nights, let faucets drip and open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls. If a pipe freezes, never use an open flame to thaw it.

Learn more in our blog, Beneath the Surface: What Cold Weather Really Does to Your Pipes.

Atlas Butler offers frozen pipe services when winter weather causes plumbing trouble.

5. Save a Trusted Local Number Now

One of the smartest things you can do as a new homeowner is find a trusted local heating and plumbing company before there's an emergency. Atlas Butler covers HVAC and plumbing in Columbus and the surrounding suburbs.

New to booking HVAC or plumbing service? Read What to Expect When an Atlas Butler Tech Visits Your Home.

You can also explore the Atlas Butler Comfort Club for ongoing maintenance.

For more advice, download the Atlas Butler Homeowner's Guidebook.

Let's Get Your Home Winter-Ready.

New to the neighborhood? Call 1-800-FURNACE or visit atlasbutler.com to schedule an appointment. Our team can check your home's systems and help you prepare for whatever an Ohio winter brings.

Because your first winter in Columbus should be about enjoying your new home, not worrying about what's happening in the basement.