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Winter is on the doorstep!
All Weather Heating and Air Conditioning and Noble Plumbing are both Snoqualmie Valley-based businesses aligned to provide honest and quality HVAC and Plumbing services. The two companies are trusted for their commitment to the needs of their customers and clients.
They have seen the damage that winter freeze events can cause their neighbors and the unexpected financial stress. They are working together to prepare residents to mitigate unnecessary expenses due to weather-related damage. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
Here are some basic steps you can take: Seal the crawl space vents to prevent cold air from entering. This simple measure can help protect against freezing pipes and improve the overall energy efficiency of your home during super cold and windy days. This project can be as basic as using cardboard, or you can get foam board from the local hardware store. Adding a space heater to the crawl space or outdoor closet may be required if the temperature drops below 32 degrees for an extended period. Don’t forget to unblock the vents in the spring!
Plumbing Winterization Steps:
- Know where your home water shut-off valve is located and label it. Show your family members where it is located. Purchase a water meter key for $15 in case your main valve doesn’t shut off. This will allow you to shut the meter in the street in an emergency.
- Install a whole-home automatic shutoff valve that detects leaks and shuts off the water before your home can flood. Models like the Flo By Moen Smart Water Shut-Off Valve are the go-to. Costs vary based on size and location, but many home insurers offer a rebate or discount once you have this installed.
- Know how old your water heater is: If it’s over 10 years old, start planning for a replacement soon. We highly recommend replacing it if it’s over 15 years old. These emergencies are not only inconvenient but can be costly in emergencies. If you have a tankless water heater, you should be servicing it every one to two years to extend its longevity. The cold months are the worst time to experience a cold shower!
- Noble Plumbing received over 200 calls for broken hose bibbs this year. Disconnect your hoses and put an insulation cover over them. If there’s a shut-off valve to your hose bibb line, shut it and drain it for the winter. This is usually found next to the water heater in the garage.
- Look at your plumbing system, particularly in uninsulated spaces (garage and crawl space). If the pipes are exposed to the cold, they are more likely to burst in deep freezes. Have two or three space heaters available to warm up these spaces in extreme cold in the event of a deep freeze. Make sure your pipes are insulated! Heat Tape is also a good option for vulnerable pipes. This can be purchased at Home Depot and is very easy to install.
HVAC Winterization Steps:
To prepare your home for super cold freezing situations, you can take several steps to protect your heating systems. Here are some measures you can consider:
- Preventative maintenance: Your HVAC must be properly maintained every winter. Maintenance is important for several reasons. Firstly, regular maintenance ensures the system runs safely, efficiently, and effectively, allowing optimal airflow and heat transfer within the equipment. Over time, dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate in the system, particularly on the registers, coils, and filters, which can restrict airflow and hinder heat transfer. This can lead to decreased efficiency and higher energy consumption. Most importantly, if there is a drainage system, the pipes are cleaned and sediment-free.
- Protect the heating system drain line: Insulate the heating system drain line to prevent it from freezing. You can also consider adding a heated drain line to ensure it remains functional in extremely cold temperatures.
- Maintain garage or exterior closet temperature: If your heating system is in the garage, keep the temperature above 32 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent the furnace and drainage system from freezing.
- Thaw exterior drainpipes: If you notice exterior drain pipes freezing, pour hot water on them to help defrost the ice and prevent blockages.
- Attic furnaces: If your furnace is in the attic and the heat stops working, a safety device called a wet switch may detect water. If the wind is blowing and the snow is like champagne power, snow can get into your attic vents. Look in the attic to see if the wet switch has gotten wet and where the moisture is coming from.
For expert assistance with your winter home preparation, trust the local professionals.
- Noble Plumbing is ready to help with all your plumbing needs—call 425-200-5642 or conveniently book online at noble-plumbing.com.
- For reliable HVAC service, visit All Weather Heating & Air Conditioning at 425-463-9814 or visit allwhvacr.com.
Together, these trusted Snoqualmie Valley businesses are here to ensure your home stays warm, safe, and protected all winter long.
