As Edmonton's winter approaches, it?s crucial to prepare your home for the cold months ahead. Winterizing your home not only keeps it warm and comfortable but also prevents costly damage from freezing temperatures. At Boisvert & Croft Plumbing and Heating, we specialize in plumbing and heating services, and we?re here to share expert tips to ensure your home is winter-ready.

1. Inspect and Maintain Your Furnace

Your furnace works overtime during winter, so it?s essential to ensure it?s in peak condition.

• Schedule a professional furnace inspection.
• Replace or clean the air filter for optimal airflow.
• Test your thermostat to ensure it?s functioning correctly.

Regular maintenance prevents breakdowns and ensures efficient heating throughout the season. Our team offers comprehensive plumbing and heating services, including furnace inspections and repairs.

2. Protect Your Pipes from Freezing

Frozen pipes can burst, leading to expensive water damage. Prevent this with these steps:

• Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas like basements or crawl spaces.
• Seal gaps and cracks around pipes to keep cold air out.
• Let faucets drip slightly during extreme cold to prevent pressure buildup.

If you experience a frozen pipe, contact us immediately for emergency plumbing services.

3. Seal Drafts and Improve Insulation

Cold air leaks can make your home less efficient and drive up heating costs.

• Check for drafts around doors and windows. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal gaps.
• Inspect attic insulation and add more if necessary.
• Close vents in unused rooms to focus heat where it?s needed most.

Proper insulation helps your heating system work efficiently, saving energy and money.

4. Check Your Water Heater

Your water heater works harder during the winter. Ensure it?s up to the task:

• Flush the tank to remove sediment buildup that can reduce efficiency.
• Test the pressure relief valve to ensure it?s functioning properly.
• Insulate the water heater and pipes to minimize heat loss.

If your water heater isn?t performing well, our experts can provide top-notch services to repair or replace it.

5. Clean and Inspect Gutters

Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, which can cause roof damage and leaks.

• Clear leaves, debris, and dirt from gutters and downspouts.
• Ensure water flows away from your home?s foundation.
• Install gutter guards to minimize buildup during the season.

6. Test and Replace Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors

Winter means closed windows and increased use of heating systems, which can elevate the risk of carbon monoxide buildup.

• Test detectors to ensure they are working properly.
• Replace batteries and units that are past their expiration date.

Safety should always be a top priority during the winter months.

7. Service Your Sump Pump

Heavy snowmelt in late winter can lead to basement flooding. Ensure your sump pump is in good working order:

• Test the pump by pouring water into the sump pit.
• Clean the pump and ensure the discharge line is clear.
• Consider a backup battery system to keep it running during power outages.

Our team can provide expert sump pump maintenance as part of our plumbing and heating services.

8. Winterize Outdoor Plumbing

Outdoor plumbing is highly susceptible to freezing temperatures.

• Disconnect and drain garden hoses.
• Shut off outdoor faucets and drain any remaining water.
• Use faucet covers to add an extra layer of protection.

These small steps can prevent costly repairs come spring.

9. Schedule a Professional Inspection

The best way to ensure your home is fully winterized is by scheduling an inspection with professionals. Our experienced team at Boisvert & Croft Plumbing and Heating can assess your plumbing and heating systems, identify potential issues, and provide proactive solutions.

Why Choose Boisvert & Croft Plumbing and Heating?

With decades of experience, we?re your trusted partner for plumbing and heating services. From furnace maintenance to emergency plumbing repairs, we?re committed to keeping your home safe, warm, and efficient during the harshest winters.

? Contact us today to schedule your winterization service or for any plumbing and heating needs. Don?t let the cold catch you unprepared?trust Boisvert & Croft to keep your home winter-ready!

Final Thoughts

Winterizing your home is an essential part of cold-weather preparation. By following these tips and partnering with reliable professionals, you can avoid costly repairs and enjoy a warm, stress-free winter. Let Boisvert & Croft Plumbing and Heating help you stay ahead of the freeze with our top-tier Edmonton plumbing and heating services!