winterize

Time to think about winterizing

Posted on by Teresa Boardman

 The heating season officially begins on October 15th.  We have not had a hard freeze here in the Twin Cities and we still have some time before water will freeze inside of an unheated home.  

If you own a vacant home consider having it winterized.  Furnaces can fail and frozen pipes can burst when they thaw and that leaves a really big mess.

The process involves turning off the water and draining anything that has water in it like pipes, the water heater and the heating system if it is a hot water type boiler.  You can winterize your own home it isn’t all that difficult especially if you have a forced air furnace but most people prefer to use a contractor.  If you don’t know who to call try your local heating and plumbing company.

. . .and just a reminder let your home owners insurance company know that your property will be vacant. 

FallRamseyHouse w
Fall Alexander Ramsey House 
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Heating season is upon us

Posted on by Teresa Boardman

Here we go with the winterize your vacant home 2011 edition.  This nice warm fall is bound to end one day. 

ThermometerOctober 15th is considered the beginning of the heating season here in the Twin Cities.  If you home is vacant you need to either winterize it your self or hire a pro. The water needs to be turned off and the pipes drained.  Most people can do this themselves by turning off the water and turning on the faucets. Don’t forget to drain the toilets. The water heater needs to be drained and that isn’t that hard to do either it has a valve on it.  There should also be a valve to shut off the gas to it.

Boilers are another matter.  The water should be drained and I have a forced air unit so I don’t know much about boilers. If you use a company to inspect and repair your boiler call them.

Even if the heat is left on your home still needs to be winterized.  If the furnace stops running and the pipes freeze trust me the home will be destroyed.  I have seen how a home looks after a few pipes have burst and it isn’t a pretty picture. 

**Bonus tip**

If your home is going to be vacant do not forget to let your insurance company know because if you have a claim and they find out it is vacant they may not pay out.  Insurance companies are all about collecting premiums not paying claims.