How to Prepare Your Home for a Freeze

Winter has officially arrived which means it’s time to prep your home for a freeze! We may not get snow days and white Christmases here in Jacksonville, Florida, but we still get a few good freezes in our part of town. Before the winter weather rolls in, here are 7 ways to make sure your home is ready for Jack Frost’s chilly arrival! 

1. Keep your pipes protected

Freezing temperatures means your pipes are at risk of freezing. This means your pipes can not only sustain permanent damage but they can also burst. To prevent this, make sure ALL of the water from your outdoor faucets and/or sprinkler systems is drained. Also, don’t forget to unplug all of your hoses. We then recommend covering your outdoor faucets with foam insulators.

2. Block Out The Cold

Icy drafts can easily make their way into your home which will make your heat bill skyrocket. This can happen due to holes caused by phone lines and/or cable wires. You can prevent this by using a tube of insulation to patch up those holes. Then cover any cracks around your door with weather stripping. These steps will ensure your home stays nice and toasty!

3. Close Your Garage Door

Be sure to minimize the amount of time you leave your garage door open. This will prevent cold air from entering your home. It will also protect any garage plumbing you may have as well as your water heater.

4. Thermostat Precautions

Keeping your thermostat running is essential to any freeze. Be sure to have extra batteries around just in case! The last thing you want during a freeze is your thermostat shutting down. 

5. Fireplace and Chimney Safety

Everyone loves sitting by a warm fire during a freeze. In order to do that you need to make sure your chimney is safe and ready to go! We recommend contacting a chimney sweep, this will ensure your chimney is safe enough to keep you and your home warm. Don’t forget to keep your flue closed tight when you are not using your chimney. This will prevent warm air from escaping your home. 

6. Clean Your Gutters

Cleaning your gutters before a freeze is essential. A buildup of leaves in a gutter can cause snow to melt and leak into your basement or attic.

7. Have fun and stay warm

Don’t forget to embrace the cold weather and stock up on all the essentials. Our list includes hot cocoa, mini marshmallows, blankets and board games!

We hope this guide will help you when the first freeze of the year arrives. For assistance with any outdoor maintenance requirements, give the Diamond team a call at (904) 747-4DPW (4379). Remember to stay warm and enjoy your hot chocolate! 

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