Shenita Persaud-Zalloni

Frozen is great for Disney movies, not so great for the pipes in your home. As winter settles in Alberta, the risk of freezing pipes increases.

What makes frozen pipes dangerous? Think back to elementary school science class. When the temperature approaches zero, water freezes. And just before water freezes, it expands, putting pressure on a pipe and bursting it.

That could mean injury, property damage, and – if it’s not addressed quickly – black mold.

Remember to drain any outdoor faucets. It’s as easy as:

1. Turn off the valve to outdoor water faucets
2. Disconnect and drain your hoses
3. Drain the outdoor faucet so there's no water left in the pipe

If you’re planning a getaway for more than four consecutive days during the regular heating season (months your furnace is on), keep these tips in mind:

• Turn off your home’s main water valve and drain your pipes. Keep your thermostat set at 15 C or higher. This helps uninsulated pipes in an uninsulated space stay above freezing during a cold snap.
• If you can’t drain your pipes, have a trusted friend or neighbour check your home every day and run water through the taps. If you don’t and damage happens from frozen plumbing, your insurance may not cover it.

Source: Alberta Motor Association

Indoor

We spend a lot more time indoors during the winter season, especially when the chill becomes unbearable. Make your home more comfortable and safe with the following winter-prep tips:

 Inspect doors and windows for cracks/drafts; use caulking and weather stripping to seal any gaps

 Clean or replace furnace fi lters

 Get a furnace tuneup by a qualifi ed HVAC technician

 Inspect for and clean out debris and residue from fi replace/chimney

 Test smoke alarms. Batteries should be replaced bi-annually (ideally when the clocks change for DST and ST)

 Test carbon monoxide detectors - replace batteries annually

 Switch the ceiling fan rotation clockwise to blow warm air down

 Clean home humidifiers

 Check the attic, basement and crawl spaces for proper air ventilation and insulation

 Replace an older thermostat with a programmable unit to save money on heating costs

 Assemble an emergency preparedness kit for your home and vehicle

Outdoor

Your home’s exterior will endure the brunt of winter, so protecting the outside structure, lawn and outdoor equipment is crucial for proper winterization.

 Turn off exterior faucets and irrigation systems (outdoor pipes, sprinkler heads, etc.)

 Detach, drain and store hoses

 Insulate faucets/pipes

 Clean and remove debris from eavestroughs and gutter downspouts

 Ensure downspouts extend away from the house to prevent fl ooding and water damage

 Trim branches away from your home and power lines

 Clean up garden beds and wrap shrubs

 Inspect roof and replace missing or damaged shingles

 Clean the garage to store your car and winter equipment and tools

 Ensure winter tools are ready for use (snow blower, ice chopper, shovels, etc.)

 Stock up on sand, kitty litter, calcium chloride or other ice-melting materials to make walkways, steps and driveways safe

credit: directenergy.ca