How to Prepare Your Home for Extreme Cold in Western North Carolina

As temperatures drop in Western North Carolina, it’s essential to protect your home from freezing weather. A little preparation now can save you from burst pipes, heating failures, and costly damage later. Here are six essential tips to safeguard your home and keep your family comfortable during the coldest months of the year:

1. Check Your Heating System
   Your HVAC system is your first line of defense against the cold.

• Schedule a Maintenance Check-Up: If you haven’t already, call us to ensure your furnace or heat pump is working efficiently.
• Change the Air Filter: A clean filter helps your system run better and keeps the warm air flowing.
• Test Your Thermostat: Make sure it’s functioning properly and set to your desired temperature before the worst of the cold hits.

2. Insulate Pipes and Faucets
   Frozen pipes are a common winter issue, but they’re easy to prevent:

• Insulate Exposed Pipes: Focus on basements, attics, and garages.

• Disconnect and Drain Hoses: Install faucet covers on outdoor spigots.

• Let Faucets Drip: A small trickle keeps water moving and reduces freezing risk.

3. Seal Drafts and Gaps
   Drafty windows and doors let cold air seep in, making your heating system work harder. Combat drafts by:

• Sealing gaps with weatherstripping or caulking around windows and doors.
• Adding draft stoppers at the base of doors.
• Using heavy curtains to block out cold air.

4. Prevent Ice Buildup Around Your Home
   Heavy snow and ice can cause damage to your home and HVAC system.

• Clear Vents and Units: Keep outdoor HVAC units and vents free from snow and ice to maintain efficiency.
• Inspect Gutters: Remove leaves and debris so melting snow doesn’t refreeze and cause ice dams.
• Protect Outdoor Faucets: Drain hoses and cover outdoor spigots to avoid frozen pipes.

5. Emergency Preparedness
   Power outages are common during winter storms. Be prepared by:

• Stocking up on emergency supplies like blankets, flashlights, and non-perishable food.
• Having backup heating sources such as space heaters or wood stoves (ensure proper ventilation).
• Keeping phones and batteries charged.

6. Keep an Eye on Indoor Temperatures
   Even if you’re away, it’s important to maintain indoor temperatures:

• Set your thermostat to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Open cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around plumbing.

Stay Safe and Warm with Ward Plumbing, Heating & Air

Don’t let the extreme cold catch you off guard! These simple steps can make a big difference in keeping your home comfortable and protected. Need heating system maintenance or emergency repairs? Call us today at (828) 202-3461. We’re proud to serve Western North Carolina and ensure your family stays warm when it matters most.