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How to Prevent Power Surges During Winter Storms
Winter storms bring more than just snow and ice—they often cause power surges that can damage your home’s electrical systems and expensive appliances. A power surge occurs when the voltage in your electrical system spikes unexpectedly, often due to lightning strikes, downed power lines, or sudden power restoration after an outage. Fortunately, with a few proactive steps, you can protect your home and electronics from the havoc of winter power surges. Here’s how to keep your home safe and your devices intact during the coldest months. 1. Install Whole-House Surge Protectors A whole-house surge protector is your first line of...
Winter Plumbing Tips to Protect Your Home from Burst Pipes
When winter’s chill sets in, frozen pipes become a major concern for homeowners. Burst pipes can cause significant water damage, expensive repairs, and unwanted stress. Thankfully, with a little preparation and a few simple steps, you can safeguard your plumbing and avoid winter disasters. Here are essential winter plumbing tips to protect your home from burst pipes. 1. Insulate Exposed Pipes Exposed pipes in unheated areas are the most vulnerable to freezing temperatures. 2. Keep a Trickle of Water Running Running water, even at a slow trickle, can prevent pipes from freezing. 3. Open Cabinet Doors Cold air can get...
How to Avoid Frozen HVAC Systems in Extreme Winter Weather
When extreme winter weather hits, your HVAC system works overtime to keep your home warm. However, freezing temperatures, ice, and snow can take a toll, potentially causing parts of the system to freeze and shut down. Preventing frozen HVAC components is essential to maintaining a cozy and efficient home during the coldest months. Here’s how to keep your HVAC system running smoothly all winter long. 1. Insulate Exposed Pipes and Components Exposed pipes and refrigerant lines are particularly vulnerable to freezing. 2. Keep Outdoor Units Clear of Snow and Ice Snow and ice can block airflow and cause your HVAC...