Winterizing Your Home: Essential HVAC and Plumbing Tips

Fall is a gorgeous season in northern Michigan, but, as we all know, after fall comes winter – which can be much more challenging. If you want to be comfortable this winter, and protect your home from damage and your pocketbook from high utility bills, now is the time to prepare. Properly winterizing your home can also help prevent unexpected breakdowns or costly repairs. Here’s how to effectively winterize your property and keep your furnace and plumbing running smoothly throughout the colder months in Michigan.

Steps to Take to Winterize Your Home 

HVAC

Let’s start with your HVAC system, since that is what will keep you and your family warm when it’s frigid outdoors. To keep it operating at peak efficiency, you should: 

Schedule a Furnace Tune-Up: Before the cold sets in, have Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating inspect and clean your furnace. We will check for leaks, lubricate parts, and ensure that your  system is in tip-top shape.

Replace Your Furnace Filters: Dirty filters make your furnace work harder and lower your home’s air quality. Regularly change your furnace filters at least 4 times a year for optimal airflow and efficiency. If you have pets or a respiratory condition, consider replacing your filters more frequently – otherwise the pet hair and dander can have a negative effect on your HVAC system and lungs. 

Check Your Thermostat’s Settings: Consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat to save on energy costs. You can easily set your thermostat to a lower temperature when you’re away or asleep and warm up the house when you wake up or return home.

Insulation

Heating and insulating are complementary steps in winterizing your home. Proper insulation is key to keeping it comfortable and reducing strain on your HVAC system. To do this you should check for drafts around your windows and doors and use weatherstripping or caulk to seal any gaps. 

Also check your attic insulation. A well-insulated attic can prevent heat loss and reduce your heating bill. If your current insulation is not at the recommended level, consider adding more. Northern Michigan has a Cold Humid (6A) climate. See the attic insulation recommendations below (from Energy Star) for guidance. 

Plumbing 

Frozen pipes are a common problem during winter, and they can lead to major damage if they break. Here are ways to prevent freezing pipes:

• Keep the Heat On: If you’re away from home, keep your home heated to at least 55°F to prevent pipes from freezing.
• Let Faucets Drip: On particularly cold nights, let cold water drip from faucets connected to exposed pipes. The water flow helps prevent freezing.
• Disconnect Outdoor Hoses: Drain and store outdoor hoses in the fall, and shut off water to outdoor faucets to prevent freezing in the pipes.
• Insulate Pipes: Protect your plumbing by insulating exposed pipes in attics, basements, or crawl spaces. This will reduce the risk of freezing and bursting during cold snaps.

Your water heater works harder in the winter to deliver hot water, so it’s important that it’s ready for the job. The ideal temperature for your water heater is around 120°F to balance both comfort and energy efficiency. If your water heater is located in a colder area of your home, like your garage or basement, consider insulating the tank to reduce heat loss.

Sediment buildup can reduce efficiency, so flush the tank to remove any debris. If you’re unsure how to do this or want to avoid the hassle, call us at Weinkauf, and one of our professional technicians will promptly take care of it for you. 

Ventilation and Airflow

Maintaining proper airflow is crucial for a safe and efficient HVAC system during winter. For safer and more even heating, clear your air vents from blockages like furniture or curtains. Outside, snow, ice, or debris can block your HVAC system’s exhaust vents. Make sure these vents remain clear to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.

Along with ensuring proper ventilation, test your carbon monoxide detectors and replace the batteries before the winter season begins. While you’re at it, change the batteries in your smoke detectors as well. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. 

Humidity

Michigan is humid, but running your furnace for months on end will suck the moisture out of your air, making your home dry and uncomfortable. Adding a whole-home humidifier will maintain proper humidity levels and improve your comfort and your health during winter.

Protect Your Home and Your Health

Winterizing your home is about more than just comfort – it’s about protecting your investment in your home by preventing costly HVAC and plumbing repairs. By following the above tips, you can prepare your home for the cold weather ahead. If you’d like to schedule a furnace tune-up or consult with a professional about adding a humidifier to your furnace, contact Weinkauf today. We would be happy to inspect your systems, address any concerns, and ensure everything is functioning optimally before winter hits.