Here are 11 tips to follow to protect your home from freezing weather and all the problems that go with it. When indoor plumbing pipes run through exterior walls, take care to monitor them in the winter and make sure wall insulation is up to recommended standards. In regions with cold winters, checking the home’s exterior for cracks and gaps should be an annual routine. dpproductions / Getty Images Your local energy utility company may offer free in-home energy audits that can evaluate your energy usage and recommend the necessary steps to bring the R-value in walls and ceilings up to advised levels for your region. For maximum effectiveness, make sure both the hot and cold lines are opened slightly since both are vulnerable. Also, consider leaving cabinet doors open, so your pipes will be warmed from the room air. Go a step further, and make sure everyone in your house knows where the shut-off valve is located and how to use it to turn off the water. Note: If you live in a warmer climate, the shut-off valve may be located outside at the water meter. Note: Your city may have regulations against shutting off the water yourself. If so, keep the water department’s emergency number handy, so you’ll be able to report problems quickly. There are also a variety of freeze alarms you can purchase for your home, which can monitor the temperature in your home and send you a text message or email alerting you if temperatures fall to a dangerous level. If you are a “snowbird” that leaves your northern home for a warmer climate in the winter, such a monitor is indispensable insurance. Costs can range from $50 to several hundred dollars, but the peace of mind is well worth the investment. And speaking of insurance, make sure your homeowner’s policy is up to date and has good coverage for the type of damage that can be incurred by freezing temperatures.
