To inspect your windows and doors in Minnesota, thoroughly check for cracks in the glass, gaps around the frame, damaged weather stripping, signs of rot or warping in the wood, proper functioning of locks and handles, and ensure seals are intact, paying particular attention to areas where extreme weather could cause issues like leaks or drafts; also...Read More
Here are some ways to prevent frozen pipes: Insulate pipes: Insulate water supply lines to protect them from cold temperatures. Keep the thermostat up: Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F during cold weather. Open cabinet doors: Open cabinet doors in your kitchen and bathrooms to allow warm air to circulate around pipes. Let water drip: Turn on...Read More
To prepare your house for a Minnesota winter, you should: clean your gutters, inspect your attic, insulate pipes, test your heating system, seal air leaks around windows and doors, change your furnace filter, trim tree branches near your house, consider a programmable thermostat, and stock up on winter supplies like snow removal tools. Key points to...Read More
Open cupboards and vanities to warm pipes. Close inside valves that control the water supply. Open the outside spigots to allow to drain water out. Keep outside valves open so water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing a break. Does wrapping pipes keep them from freezing? One of the best and most cost-effective...Read More
You should add insulation to your attic if you notice any of the following signs: High energy bills If your energy bills are increasing for no apparent reason, your attic may be under-insulated. Temperature fluctuations If your home has different temperatures in different rooms, or if you have hot and cold spots, your attic may...Read More
Here are some ways to test your heating system: Check the thermostat: Set the thermostat to heat mode and turn the temperature up a few degrees above the room temperature. If the heat doesn’t come on, check the thermostat batteries or replace it. Check for strange noises: Turn on the furnace and listen for any unusual noises like...Read More
Yes, you should reverse your ceiling fan blades in the winter, as this allows them to rotate clockwise, which creates an updraft that pushes warm air that rises to the ceiling back into the room, helping to distribute heat more evenly and potentially lowering your heating costs. Key points about reversing ceiling fan blades in...Read More
To drain exterior faucets, you can: Turn off the water supply: Locate the shut-off valve for the exterior faucets and turn it off. This valve may be located near the water heater, on the outside of the house, under the sink, or behind the toilet. Disconnect the hose: Unplug any hoses connected to the faucets. Open the spigot: Go...Read More
Most professionals recommend you to have your gutters inspected at least 1-2 times a year in the spring and fall. But where you live also plays a factor. For gutter cleaning in Seattle, where it rains the majority of the year, you might have to have it done more frequently, especially if your home is...Read More
The easiest and cheapest way to insulate your windows is to apply weather stripping around the window frame, which seals gaps and prevents drafts, making it a simple and affordable solution to insulate your windows. Other inexpensive options include: Caulking: Sealing cracks and gaps around the window frame with caulk is another easy and cost-effective way...Read More