You don't need to do everything yourself — but a few checks before the cold settles in will save you money and stress. Run through this, and call us for the parts you'd rather leave to a pro.
Heating
- Schedule a furnace tune-up before the first hard freeze — efficiency, safety, and warranty all depend on it.
- Replace the furnace filter (and set a reminder to do it again mid-winter).
- Test the thermostat; consider a smart thermostat for scheduling and savings.
- Bleed radiators if you have hot-water/steam heat.
- Test smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors — non-negotiable with combustion heat.
Plumbing
- Disconnect and drain garden hoses; shut off and drain outdoor hose bibs (or upgrade to frost-proof ones).
- Insulate exposed pipes in crawlspaces, garages, and along exterior walls.
- Know where your main water shut-off is — and keep the heat above ~55°F when you travel.
- Test the sump pump and its battery backup before the spring melt and winter storms.
Electrical
- Test your standby generator and confirm it'll carry your essentials.
- Add or check whole-home surge protection (winter storms = power surges).
- Don't overload circuits with space heaters — a common cause of winter electrical faults.
When to call a pro
No heat, low water pressure, a sump that won't run, a tripping breaker, or a furnace that smells off — don't wait it out. We're on call 24/7, and catching these early is almost always cheaper than the emergency.