As the colder weather creeps into town, it’s important to make sure your home remains warm and inviting for family, friends, and guests. From maintaining your HVAC equipment to safeguarding your plumbing and electrical systems, a little bit of preparation can go a long way in saving you from costly repairs and discomfort during severe winter weather.

In this blog post, the home service experts at R Buck Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical share some helpful tips to ensure your home remains cozy all season.

HVAC Tips for Winter

Your HVAC system is vital to your continued comfort throughout the winter. Proper maintenance can keep it running efficiently, lower your energy bills, and prevent unexpected breakdowns from disrupting your indoor comfort. Below are a few of the most important steps to take to ensure your system remains in good working condition all season:

• Schedule professional maintenance: Ensure a licensed technician inspects and services your heating equipment to keep it working safely and efficiently.
• Replace air filters: Dirty air filters restrict airflow, causing your system to work harder and increasing energy usage. Replace or clean them once every 30 to 90 days.
• Seal drafty areas: Inspect doors, windows, and ducts for signs of leaks or drafts, and seal them to help improve your system’s efficiency and prevent discomfort.
• Test your thermostat: Make sure your thermostat is calibrated properly, and consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat for increased control and energy savings.

Plumbing Tips

Colder weather can wreak havoc on your plumbing system, potentially leading to frozen pipes, leaks, and water damage. Preparing your system ahead of time can prevent these issues and keep your water flowing smoothly. Follow the tips below to keep your plumbing system in proper working order this winter:

• Insulate exposed pipes: Wrap pipes with foam insulation or heat tape in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, and garages.
• Drain outdoor faucets: Disconnect outdoor hoses and shut off outdoor water lines to prevent freezing and bursting.
• Keep water flowing: Allow a slow trickle of water from faucets connected to exposed pipes during freezing temperatures.
• Schedule professional inspections: Have a plumber assess your system for vulnerabilities like weak pipe joints or hidden leaks.

Electric Tips

Winter storms and increased electrical usage can strain your home’s electrical system. Proactive maintenance can help you avoid dangerous outages or issues that compromise your safety. Here’s what to do:

• Inspect your electrical panel: Ensure your panel is free from moisture and that circuit breakers and fuses are functioning properly.
• Check outlets and cords: Look for frayed wires, loose outlets, or other damage that could pose a fire hazard.
• Install a surge protector: Protect your appliances from power surges caused by storms or sudden outages.
• Schedule prompt electrical repairs: Be sure to have any system failures addressed immediately by a professional electrician.

Prepare Your Home for Cold Weather with R Buck Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Don’t pass the buck on your heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical service needs. R Buck Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical has your back when you’re looking to keep your home safe and functional through the winter. With 100% satisfaction guaranteed and over 30 years of local service experience, you can count on us to deliver the fast, reliable home services you need to keep your property in top working condition no matter how cold it gets outside.

Schedule HVAC, plumbing, or electrical services in Pueblo by contacting our team today.