The last thing you want to do in the middle of a freezing Utah blizzard is run to the hardware store for a spare furnace filter or haul the wood out of your basement to turn on the furnace. With a little forethought, however, you should be able to stay warm and comfy all winter. Here are three steps to take to prepare for the long coming winter:

1. Prep your furnace. Remove any debris from around your furnace to prevent fires. Stockpile furnace filters so you can change them out monthly.
2. Prep your fireplace. One of the best things about winters is cozy evenings by the fire – make sure your fireplace is ready to go! Have a chimney sweep come clean out the creosote and soot from last winter. Make sure no little creatures have made their home in your chimney. Store up some firewood, but make sure to keep it far from your home: firewood makes for a favorite hiding place for bugs, in addition to being a fire hazard.
3. Prevent freezing pipes. If your home is newer, your pipes should be insulated enough that you don’t need to worry about them as long as the heat is on. However, if your home is older, you may want to consider opening your faucets slightly. Pipes burst because of the pressure that builds up when ice congeals inside the pipe – a slow drip releases the pressure and prevents the pipes from bursting.

For help winterizing your home, contact the best Utah plumbers and electricians.

Oct 31st 2012

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