To prevent fires, get your furnaces, space heaters, chimneys and radiators cleaned regularly. Keep flammable materials like bedding, curtains, paper and Christmas decorations away from heat sources to prevent a disaster. With home automation , you can schedule the heat and lights to turn on and off at set times.
Some smart thermostats pair with your mobile device and security system to enable geofencing , which automatically dim the lights and adjust the thermostat as you drive away.
This adds convenience to your daily routine and helps you save on utility bills. If you want to discover more home automation products to link your security system, smart home devices and smartphone for a more convenient home this winter, start here. By Vector Security Team. Call Us. During the cooler months, homes face an array of potential issues, including: Harsh weather that takes a toll on your home.
Bursting pipes from freezing temperatures. Fires caused by heating sources. Foundational issues are some of the most expensive problems to fix for homeowners. Avoid such issues caused by freezing water by following this step to winterize your home. It might be Celsius one day but drop to Celsius the next, so that added heat will help prevent pipes from bursting while you're gone. Even if you're not going away, a little more heat will help you stay cozy and warm at home, assuming there are no serious issues with your furnace or leaks to the outside.
Check with your insurance company on what your exact policy is. This is important because not all insurance policies cover what you would think. Being away from home for an extended period of time without someone checking your place on a regular basis can sometimes void your insurance in the case of frozen pipes or when other winter-weather-related issues occur.
Drain any air conditioners you might have. If there is a water shut-off valve for your air conditioner, close it. Also drain all pipes leading to outdoor water faucets as well as any garden hoses you might have. Irrigation systems also need to be blown with clean with air so that water doesn't accumulate and crack the pipes in sub-zero temperatures.
Fixing cracked irrigation systems and piping are expensive to fix. Winterizing your home appropriately will help avoid having to make any piping-related repairs. Your home should have quite a few pipes that run close to the outside walls, especially in the basement. Insulate the pipes using a made-for sleeve which you can get from your local department store. It's an inexpensive way to winterize your house before any expensive accidents happen that could cost you thousands.
Wrapping these pipes in insulation will go a long way in preventing any freezing, potentially costing you big bucks to fix. Let's say a pipe does become frozen and it causes a back up of water flow in your basement. Now your basement is flooding, and you need to know where to turn the water off quickly.
With that in mind, take some time to locate where the main water-valve is in your home. In Canada this valve is usually in the basement somewhere.
Make sure to label it somehow just in case you aren't home and a family member or roommate needs to turn the valve off instead. Knowing where the main water shut-off valve is could save you a big mess, and lots of money while you're at it. Programmable thermostats sense and adjust your home's temperature accordingly.
By installing one, you'll do your wallet and the environment a favour. Keep the trees trimmed and remove dead branches and debris from your yard. Ice, snow and wind can weaken trees and cause branches to fall and potentially damage your home, car or even yourself and others. Remove all attached garden hoses, drain them and store them away. Shut off the valves and insulate the faucet.
Turn the water completely off and consider having the plumbing system drained to keep pipes from freezing. Also, have a friend or neighbor check on your home regularly to look for any issues. If a problem is detected, time is of the essence. This article is for information purposes only. If insurance policy coverage descriptions in this article conflict with the language in the policy, the language in the policy applies. What hazards and liabilities lurk within the four walls of an average home?
Posted in Home , Business. If low temperatures cause water to freeze inside pipes, pressure can build up and cause weak points inside the pipe to burst. EfficiencyBC : This is B. You can save on fridges, heat recovery ventilator, insulation, etc. NB Power Total Home Energy Savings Program : Get money back on efficiency upgrades on everything from insulation and air-sealing to high efficiency central heating systems to windows, doors and more. TakeCHARGE : Get money back and enjoy lower electricity costs with tips and rebates on Insulation, thermostats and lightbulbs, and get financing for energy efficient renovations.
Energy Efficiency Incentive Program : Get rebates when you purchase energy efficient appliances, heating appliances, LED lightbulbs, drain-water heat recovery systems and residential insulation.
Efficiency Nova Scotia : Get rebates on energy savings items such as insulation, efficient appliances and programmable thermostats. Home Winterproofing Program : If you qualify, you can receive new insulation and draft-proofing installed by experienced professionals for free! The Good Energy Program also offers rebates on energy-efficient appliances, windows and insulation.
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