Freezing weather may be rare in New Orleans, Kenner, Metairie, Gretna, and the surrounding areas, but when it arrives, it can wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing, heating, electrical and whole home generator systems. With a little preparation, you can keep your home safe, warm, and comfortable. Surgi’s Heating, Cooling, Electrical & Plumbing is here to help with expanded expert advice for protecting your home from freezing temperatures.
Prevent Frozen Pipes
One of the most common and costly problems during freezing weather is burst pipes. Protect your plumbing with these essential tips:
- Insulate Exposed Pipes: Wrap pipes in unheated areas such as attics, basements, garages, and crawl spaces with foam insulation or heat tape.
- Keep Water Moving: Let faucets drip to prevent standing water from freezing inside the pipes.
- Open Cabinet Doors: Allow warm air to circulate around pipes under sinks, especially those along exterior walls.
- Seal Gaps and Cracks: Use caulk or foam sealant to close openings where cold air could reach your pipes.
- Locate and Test Your Shut-Off Valve: Ensure everyone in your household knows how to quickly turn off the main water supply in case of a burst pipe.
Prepare Your HVAC System
A reliable heating system is essential during cold weather. Make sure it’s ready to handle freezing temperatures:
- Schedule a Heating System Tune-Up: A professional inspection by Surgi’s can identify potential issues and ensure your system is running efficiently.
- Replace Air Filters: Dirty filters restrict airflow and overwork your system. Change them regularly for better efficiency and performance.
- Seal Drafts Around Your Home: Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal air leaks around doors, windows, and ductwork to keep warm air in and cold air out.
- Test Your Thermostat: Ensure your thermostat is working correctly and set it to a consistent temperature to avoid unnecessary strain on your system.
Protect Outdoor Plumbing and Fixtures
Outdoor plumbing is particularly vulnerable to freezing temperatures. Safeguard these areas with simple steps:
- Disconnect Garden Hoses: Remove and store hoses indoors to prevent freezing and cracking.
- Drain and Cover Outdoor Faucets: Shut off the water supply to exterior faucets, drain them, and use insulated covers for added protection.
- Winterize Sprinkler Systems: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to properly drain and protect your irrigation system.
Whole-Home Generator Preparation
A properly functioning generator can provide peace of mind during power outages caused by freezing weather.
- Schedule a Maintenance Check: Test your generator and schedule a professional inspection to ensure it’s ready to handle the load.
- Stock Up on Fuel: Ensure your generator has an adequate fuel supply. Check your owner’s manual for proper storage and handling instructions.
- Inspect Connections: Make sure all connections and cables are secure and free from damage or corrosion.
- Review Usage Instructions: Familiarize yourself with your generator’s operation and safety guidelines to ensure you’re prepared for an outage.
Stay Safe Indoors
Cold weather isn’t just about keeping your home warm. Here’s how to maintain safety indoors:
- Use Space Heaters Safely: Keep electric space heaters at least three feet away from flammable materials like curtains and furniture. Never leave them unattended and avoid plugging them into power strips or extension cords to reduce fire risk.
- Improve Indoor Air Quality: Consider using a humidifier to combat dry air caused by heating systems and schedule professional duct cleaning to ensure clean airflow.
- Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Verify that your detectors are functioning properly, especially if you’re using fireplaces or other alternative heating sources.
Don’t Forget Your Pets
Extreme cold temperatures can be just as dangerous for your furry family members. Keep them safe with these tips:
- Bring Pets Indoors: Whenever possible, keep pets inside during freezing weather.
- Provide Warm Bedding: Ensure your pets have a warm, dry, and comfortable place to sleep away from drafts.
- Check Outdoor Water Bowls: If pets are outside, make sure their water bowls don’t freeze over.
Stay Weather Aware
Freezing weather can arrive suddenly in our region, so stay tuned to local weather updates for the latest conditions. Being informed can help you react quickly to protect your home and family.
Surgi’s is Here to Help
Surgi’s Heating, Cooling, Electrical & Plumbing is prepared to assist with any plumbing, heating, or electrical issues that may arise during cold weather. From burst pipes to furnace repairs, our experienced technicians have the tools and expertise to provide fast, reliable service when you need it most.
Contact Surgi’s Heating, Cooling, Electrical & Plumbing
Don’t wait until freezing temperatures cause a problem. Prepare your home today with help from Surgi’s. If you encounter an emergency, we’re just a phone call away. Serving New Orleans, Kenner, Metairie, Gretna, and nearby areas, we’re your trusted local experts. Call us at (504) 215-7421 or conveniently schedule an appointment online today!
