Low Temperatures and Holidays
Low temperatures during the holidays in a country like the United States are in the vast majority of the states that make it up, upholstered and set by snow and the cold of winter, which inevitably changes the dynamics of the days of warmth and summer of cities and families, and it is that, with this, everything is transformed and generates a winter atmosphere that in turn is dressed in festivity.
It is necessary to double check your homes not only to be an optimal space in order to protect yourselves from low temperatures, but also from the ravages of freezing pipes and wiring, and in overview of everything that can be affected by winter, so then we will list the most relevant measures to take into account so that both the end-of-year festivities and days off are not affected by winter.
Winter is a factor that should occupy us when going on vacation, or going out on holidays and leaving the properties uninhabited for a few days, since, if the corresponding measures are not taken, when returning to home, it is possible to encounter situations such as: frozen pipes and wiring, due to the freezing caused by snowfall, which obviously prevents the use of everything that is inside the house, since actions as basic as taking a shower or making use of the sanitary services, turning on the television or operating any appliance, will not be an easy task, which constitutes a true plumbing emergency, since winter is a continuous and prolonged fact of nature.
When leaving the house for a considerable period, during the winter, the ideal is to turn off the water system that provides the entire property, but it is necessary to keep in mind that the sprinkler system for fire protection inside the house could be deactivated when closing the supply, which must be carefully analyzed before making such a decision
Winter Maintenance
Actions such as a maintenance inspection of the heating and air conditioning system are essential, since aspects such as filters are parts that must be changed periodically, and it is that the heating system is generally constantly on all the time during the winter, therefore an annual inspection is a necessary measure, in order for its operation to be efficient, and thus avoid or prevent inconveniences or serious accidents with CO, added to it and as already expressed, changing, monthly, the filters for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), is an obligation with the health and well-being of those who inhabit each home.
Pipes that tend to freeze at low temperatures, and that is, if they can freeze overnight, several days with the house uninhabited can make you have a hard time, so keep in mind to use or install the elements of which the market has available for the correct insulation of pipes.
Another relevant factor is the inspection of places in the house such as the roof, attic or basement, as the case may be, and that is that leaks can be important leak points, therefore, isolating them is extremely important, keep in mind that the air Heat rises and leaves the house through the roof, so insulating the roof is an action to take, just as insulating the basement will help keep the floor of the house warm, but at the same time allow the spaces to be ventilated.
Frozen Pipes and Low Temperatures
Now, let’s focus our attention on the pipes that tend to freeze at low temperatures, and that is, if they can freeze overnight, several days with the house uninhabited can make you have a hard time, so keep in mind to use or install the elements of which the market has available for the correct insulation of pipes, and that is that pipes located in attics, semi-basements, basements and near exterior walls are prone to continuous freezing.
For this reason, covering or embracing them with accessories made of materials compatible with the pipes and special for low temperatures is of special importance, since it protects them from freezing, also leaving the doors of the cupboards open during the night and part of the day, allows them to hot air to circulate in places like under sinks. It is noteworthy that, when leaving the doors of the cupboards open, it is your duty to make sure to remove any object or product that could put the safety and health of the children and inhabitants of the house at risk.
Clearly, technology has put a lot of its part at the service of homes, so smart homes generally may not be as exposed to these mishaps as are frozen pipes and wiring, since allied tools such as a smart thermostat, can help you integrate winter management into your home.
The use of tape or thermal cables is a true ally when it comes to preventing the pipes from freezing, but when wrapping them, if your choice is thermal cables, you must make sure that these elements are controlled by a thermostat. , as it is necessary to verify that the products to be used are compatible with the pipe and the intended use, that is (only for the specified use (exterior or interior)), in addition to this you must strictly follow the instructions of installation and use given by the manufacturer.
Outdoor hoses, valves, and faucets also play an important role, so before winter sets in, disconnect garden hoses and, if possible, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to they go to the outdoor water faucets, this clearly reduces the chances of freezing in the short part of the pipe that is inside the house.
Leaving the house during the winter
When leaving the house for a considerable period, during the winter, the ideal is to turn off the water system that provides the entire property, but it is necessary to keep in mind that the sprinkler system for fire protection inside the house could be deactivated when closing the supply, which must be carefully analyzed before making such a decision.
Holidays or winter vacations can be enjoyed without fear of finding a home with frozen pipes, for this reason and with respect to the prevention and maintenance plan, it is necessary to have a team of expert plumbers that carry out a real job of maintenance and support to the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, and protection and insulation of pipes, which will allow you to go in the right direction facing to preparing your home for winter and in an emergency involving frozen wiring or pipes, clearly the ideal is to put yourself in expert hands in the area of plumbing.
