(888) 474-3391

Winter storms and freezing temperatures can happen almost without warning in Columbia, Maryland, and if your home isn’t ready, you could end up left out in the cold. However, blizzards with single-digit temperatures aren’t the only thing you have to worry about. Air leaks, water damage, and performance issues can cause significant problems in your Columbia, MD home, so make sure you know what to look for and how to amend these problems.

Furnace Issues

With so much happening around the holidays, the last thing on your mind is your furnace, yet it’s central to your comfort throughout the season. Because of its importance, you need to ensure its mechanical integrity. That’s why you should call us for a tuneup before the winter temperatures hit. During our maintenance visit, we’ll check out every component of your furnace system to make certain that it’s all in working order. The earlier you schedule this maintenance, the better, as prices can go up and availability can dip due to high demand during the holiday season.

Air Leaks

Have you ever noticed a drafty room in your house, especially near doors and windows? Those are air leaks along the molding of these areas, and without proper sealing, they can wreak havoc on your monthly energy bills. If there’s an upside to the situation, air leaks are relatively easy to fix. All you’ll need is a caulking gun, a tube of caulk, and another tube of 100 percent silicone.

To start, close your windows and use your hands to feel the leaks. Obviously, you won’t want to seal your windows shut, but other areas just need a thin bead of caulk to seal the leak. If you still notice air getting in, you may also want to seal areas on the exterior of your home using 100 percent silicone. This waterproof, clear sealant prevents air and moisture from leaking into your home, and because it’s clear it won’t do any cosmetic damage to wood, brick, or siding.

If this still doesn’t fix the problem, odds are you need new weatherstripping. These thin strips of rubber, vinyl, or foam fit around doors and windows to provide an extra layer of protection from the cold air outside.

Water Issues

Although you won’t see thunderstorms like you would in the spring or summer, Maryland still has its fair share of ice storms during winter, and this can lead to substantial problems if you aren’t prepared. Clogged gutters can hold ice, causing them to break, while also creating ice dams on your roof. When the weather starts to warm, these ice dams can fall like an avalanche, breaking anything in its path including the exterior compressor of your air conditioner.

When temperatures go below freezing, your pipes can also fall victim to the weather and burst, which can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage. To avoid this sticky situation, insulate your pipes with foam or other similar products. In addition, loosen your outdoor water lines to ensure that water doesn’t freeze within the line.

Electrical Problems

Christmas lights are a festive way to bring in the holiday season, but if you don’t watch out for electrical problems, you may end up with more than you bargained for. Before winter hits, make sure to look for bird’s nests or other debris that sits on electrical lights or outlets. You should also check every connection on your Christmas lights to ensure that they’re waterproof and airtight.

Chimney Fires

Fireplaces are one of the best places in the home to curl up after a long day and enjoy time with friends and family. But if they haven’t been cleaned, they’re prone to fires. With frequent use, creosote builds up within the chimney. This carbon-based substance can withstand low temperatures, but when exposed to extreme heat, it can combust and cause a fire.

Don’t let the winter weather leave you shivering in your home. With one call to Griffith Energy Service, you can enjoy our top-rate service, expert installation, and anything else you require. Give us a ring today at 888-474-3391.

Image provided by Shutterstock

Pin It on Pinterest

Compliance Settings
Increase Font Size
Grayscale
Simplified Font
Underline Links
Highlight Links
Reset
Close