When temperatures change, it can disrupt many parts of life. For example, as the cooler weather sets in, it can wreak havoc on your home’s air conditioning unit and other utilities. Here is an explanation of what happens and how to prevent damage to the home.
What Happens to Pipes in the Cold Weather?
As the outside temperatures plummet, it is common for pipes to freeze and burst. This occurs because of the molecular structure of water. As water freezes, it expands. When it is located in a home’s pipes, it builds and bursts. Besides water lines, it can affect pipes in an air conditioner as well. This can lead to costly HVAC repairs.
The same happens with the utility pipes underground. When the ground freezes, the soil expands and contracts. This places a great deal pressure onto the pipes until they become damaged. Unfortunately, this often results in a messy break in the street’s water lines.
Tips to Prevent Pipes from Freezing
A regular homeowner has no control over the outside elements, but there are many home utility maintenance practices that can keep your home’s pipes from becoming damaged. The most important way to keep pipes from bursting is to properly insulate all areas of the home that come in contact with cold air. For instance, the attic and garage are spaces where pipes are open to freezing. If possible, you should add insulation around pipes in the areas. Foam wraps are available and are simple to use.
As fall winds down, it is smart to drain all outside hoses and spigots. This will prevent damage to the pipes. It is also wise to drain sprinklers as well.
It is important to take care of your home’s air conditioning system. Proper A/C maintenance will keep the unit from requiring costly repairs. When temperatures plunge below 60 degrees, the appliance’s coils become chilled and may freeze. It is vital to clean dirt from the vents and pipes. If the unit begins to exhibit problems, basic HVAC troubleshooting recommends removing accumulated debris from the pipes. This should make the air conditioner work smoother and more efficiently.
Following the above tips should help you avoid facing pipes that have burst because of the changing temperatures. It is wise to schedule a maintenance HVAC or utility pipe inspection from a professional company. This will ensure that nothing has become damaged from the previous season. The earlier problems are found, the easier they are to fix, and the less harm that is done.