Posted By Tammy Emineth @ Jan 4th 2016 11:04am In: Sedona

It may not get that cold around the Sedona area in the winter but low temperatures in December, January and February can reach freezing. You want to protect your home year-round and even though we don't have below freezing or zero temperatures during the winter there are some things you can do to protect your home year-round. Here are some basic tips to protect your home during cold weather, especially in our dry weather.Cold weather checks to protect your home

Disconnect any drain hoses and cover up your faucets with protective foam covers. Turn off all the water to outside faucets if this is available and is even a good idea to open the valves on faucets to allow them to drain so that you don't get freezing water in your hoses, which can stretch and wear down the hose over time.

Related: Selling Your Home When It's Cold Outside

Turn off your sprinkler system during the coldest months so that the pipes don't crack and freeze. You may want to blow compressed air through the lines in order to train them out.

If possible, close or at least cover-up foundation vents under the house and in crawlspaces. Cold air can leak through into the house reducing your energy efficiency.

Insulate any exposed pipes for both hot and cold air under the house and in crawlspaces with foam pipe insulation. If you're planning on being gone for several days or even a week or more it might not be a bad idea to leave your faucets on at a very slow drip so that the water still moves through the pipes and doesn't freeze.

Check the pipes to the washing machine, dishwasher and water heater and insulate if necessary.

You'll also want to keep the house warm inside if you're staying home so it's a good idea to have your furnace and water heater checked and service before the weather really gets bad or before you need an emergency service call. An inspector will check the heat exchanger for any cracks, install a clean filter and check the thermostat to make sure it's working properly.

If you haven't already, it's a good idea to put away any window air conditioners as they can leak a lot of cold air into your home and make a lot of hot air escape.

Seal or caulk any cracks or holes around window frames and door frames.

Reverse your ceiling fans so that it circulates warm air down. This would be clockwise when you're looking up at it.

If you use propane, make sure your tank is well-stocked and full before heading into the winter season so it doesn't run out in the middle of a cold snap.

Drain any swimming pools, hot tubs unless you're using them, fountains and birdbaths to avoid freezing and cracking.

We want your home to stay safe and protected the whole year through. Are these just a few great ways to protect the energy efficiency of your home, avoid any unnecessary repairs and keep you warm this winter.

More Tips: Winterizing Your Home and Budget



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