- Shut off the valves to outdoor water spigots. “[This] prevents pipes from bursting,” says Chaim Cohen of Chaim Cohen Plumbing, Heating, and Air in Mamaroneck. “And make sure you do this before the temperature falls below the freezing point.” Cohen also suggests disconnecting garden hoses and closing all windows in the basement to keep cold air from entering the house, which can also affect the water lines in your home.
- Clean the gutters says Michael Kowgios, co-owner of Sunrise Building and Remodeling, Inc. in Briarcliff, to prevent ice damming which can lead to roof damage and interior leaks. You should also, of course, repair any roof leaks and inspect and clean fireplaces and chimneys. Kowgios also recommends servicing your heating system well in advance of the chilly weather. Plus, if you haven’t already done so, install weather stripping, insulation, and storm windows throughout your home.
- Drain your sprinkler system and check your AC. If you have a sprinkler system, it should be emptied by a professional before freezing temps arrive. And, by the end of summer, your air conditioning unit has done its fair share of work and will need some TLC. “Regular tune-ups keep your AC running at peak performance, which can save you money on energy bills,” Dan Singer, president of Port Chester’s Robison. Make sure you have a professional check the system, change your air filter, and clean the coils and drain lines.
- Consider geothermal heating and cooling if you are building a new home or looking to make a larger investment in winterizing your home. “Depending on location and preference, homeowners can install an air-source or a ground-source heat pump,” explains Singer. “They are quiet and efficient, regulate temperature in different zones simultaneously, require no fossil fuels, and produce significantly less carbon.”
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