As winter approaches across the US, HVAC specialist TJ Laury offers practical tips to prevent issues like burst pipes and HVAC failures. His advice covers inspecting heating systems, plumbing, electrical wiring, and preparing for emergencies. These steps help homeowners and renters avoid costly repairs during cold weather.
TJ Laury, president of Ben's ProServ and an HVAC expert, recommends a thorough winter preparation to safeguard homes from freezing temperatures. With dropping temperatures nationwide, common winter hazards include burst pipes, chimney fires, and heating system breakdowns, which can lead to expensive fixes especially during holidays.
For HVAC systems, Laury advises watching for unusual noises like rattling, drafts, or uneven heating, which signal inefficiency. Everyone should wipe radiators, use window insulator kits, adjust thermostats to heat mode, turn off air conditioners below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, reverse ceiling fans, and manage curtains for solar gain and heat retention. Homeowners should replace furnace filters, clean chimneys and fireplaces, recaulk doors and windows, cover outdoor AC units, and check attic insulation.
Plumbing winterizing focuses on preventing frozen pipes and leaks. Look for visible cracks, mineral buildup, corrosion, or condensation on pipes, which could indicate humidity issues fostering mold. Tasks include draining garden hoses, installing leak detectors, insulating exposed pipes, covering spigots, shutting off sprinklers, and checking sump pumps.
Electrical safety involves inspecting cords for damage, avoiding overloaded outlets, and not daisy-chaining power strips, particularly with space heaters. Test surge protectors, repair minor cord issues with tape, replace worn items, and ensure space heaters have dedicated wall outlets clear of clutter. Homeowners should replace loose outlets, weatherproof outdoor ones, and trim trees near power lines.
Additional essentials include testing smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers; inspecting roofs, walls, foundations, and gutters; and preparing snow removal tools. For emergencies, assemble a bug-out bag with flashlights, batteries, blankets, water, nonperishable food for three days, and a power bank. Laury suggests a portable propane heater stored outside, used with ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide risks.
Laury emphasizes annual professional inspections: 'Professionals can often detect small issues before they become a bigger problem and save the homeowner from having to spend a lot of money on a more serious issue.' Renters should coordinate with landlords for maintenance.