First Time Homeowners Winter Tips

Your Tuscon, AZ home won’t typically be  covered in snow this winter, but you should still prepare for cold temperatures. An unexpected frost in an area where temps are usually 50 or 60 degrees during the winter can have a catastrophic effect. To protect against problems from unexpected cold weather, there are some steps you should take.

Insulate Your Pipes

Pipes freeze and wreak havoc on your home. Add a thick layer of insulation around your pipes as a precaution. You could spend hundreds of dollars on a fix that would have cost you less than $40 to do the pipes in your home. You can find this insulation at any home improvement store or even in the home improvement section of your local department store.

Let it Drip

Turn on a facet and allow it to drip on nights when the temperature is expected to drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. This helps to prevent the pipes from freezing. It allows pressure to be released through the pipe and reduces any ice blockage. This prevents the ice from expanding and doing damage to the pipe.

Crawl Spaces and Vents

Make sure you seal off crawl spaces and cover your vents. Use a heavy-duty cardboard and duct tape.

Insulation

Check the insulation in your home for tears or missing pieces. This is especially the case in utility rooms and garages.

Make Temperature at 55 Degrees

Always make sure the temperature in your home is at least 55 degrees all winter long. Any lower increases your risk of the pipes freezing.

Reduce All Cold Air

Reduce all the cold air in your home by using a space heater near where the pipes are.

For more tips or to inquire about what insurance you need for winter, contact Shaner Insurance Group Inc. at 520-333-6224.