home maintenance Archives - Central Carolina Air Conditioning

Light bulbs keep burning out? Here’s why.

Posted on April 30, 2020 by Julie Swanner - home maintenance, electrical, electrical service, Electric Service, Blog

Not only is it frustrating, but even worse, in some cases, it can mean there’s a fire hazard. Finding out why your light bulbs keep burning out too soon is crucial.

How long should bulbs last?

Incandescent bulbs should last for about a thousand hours. Compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs and LEDs (light-emitting diode) typically last much longer – about 10 thousand usage hours for CFLs and 25 thousand hours for LEDs. Still, if your bulb is burning out before it should, it’s time to find out why.

Why do my light bulbs keep burning out too soon?

There are many possible reasons, here are the main ones: Light bulb that is not working

You may be using the wrong type of light bulb in a certain fixture.
A bulb may be loose or incorrectly connected.
The bulb’s power supply voltage may be too high.
The dimmer switch may require a different bulb.
Recessed lighting may be causing overheating in the insulation about it.
Filaments in the bulb could be broken due to excessive vibrations.

Wrong bulb type

If a lamp is rated for 40 watts, placing a 1o0-watt bulb in the fixture creates excess heat. This can shorten the bulb’s life, and possibly even cause a fire to start. Always make sure the bulb’s wattage is not more than the fixture’s wattage recommendation. Another possible problem is that the bulb is not right for its location. LED bulbs are better to light fixtures that have frequent on/off usage throughout the day, but CFLs are not.

Loose bulbs

You may notice a bulb flickering if it is loose. Check to make sure that the bulb is correctly connected into the socket and if it’s loose, turn it until it’s snug. Ideally, the fixture’s tab and the bulb solder should be roughly the same size. This will create a good connection between them. If they are not, try switching light bulb brands.

Wrong power supply voltage

In the United States, 120-volt electrical outlets are standard in homes. Be sure that the light is connected to a standard outlet. If it is, use a multimeter to check if the reading is more than 120 volts. If you are having electrical supply issues, contact a licensed electrician right away.

Dimmer switch with incompatible bulb

Using CFL or LED bulbs can damage the bulb or circuitry in an older dimmer switch. Those were made to be used with incandescent bulbs. Be sure your dimmer switch and light bulb are compatible.

Recessed lighting overheating

“Can lights” hang inside the ceiling. Newer models may be designed to be in contact with insulation (IC-rated) and not cause any problems with overheating, but older recessed lighting fixtures can overheat. If they are not, this situation poses a fire risk. Be sure to install IC-rated fixtures so that they don’t overheat insulation.

Broken bulbs due to vibration

Excessive vibrations like ceiling fans or automatic garage doors can crack or prematurely cause incandescent bulbs to burn out. If the problem bulb is near an entrance, in a ceiling near heavy upstairs foot traffic, or in other places where there are vibrations you may want to switch to an LED bulb. They are better designed to handle vibrations.

If you’re concerned about your home’s electrical system, call Central Carolina Air Conditioning, Plumbing, & Electrical at 800.461.3010.

Keep pet dander and hair under control

Posted on April 24, 2020 by Julie Swanner - home maintenance, air quality, Blog

Millions of Americans have a pet (or a few!) in their homes. Along with the joy they bring, there are duties – daily feeding, love and attention, and cleaning! It can be a challenge to keep pet dander and hair under control. To keep your pet and your family living the healthiest life, be sure and follow our tips.

Fur, dander, feathers and tracking-in outside germs all take a toll on your home’s air quality and cleanliness.

Symptoms of highly-polluted indoor air include:

dizziness
nausea
headache
sneezing
dry nose, eyes, and throat
flu-like symptoms

Follow these tips to maintain a clean and healthy home and keep pet dander and hair under control:

Clean your HVAC system with a regular maintenance appointment

Ask the technician to clean your HVAC system, so it is clear of dust, mold, pet hair, and other indoor contaminants. Do this twice a year and ask the technician if he recommends having your air ducts cleaned.

Clean your carpets

You can improve the health of your indoor air with a little spring cleaning. Airborne contaminants, especially in spring during peak allergy season, cause a worsening of asthma, allergies and respiratory illness.

Clean the rest of your home

When living with pets, dander is a major allergen found in our homes. People and pets also bring in other allergens into our homes. Wash laundry, dust, vacuum and mop often to remove allergens as much as you can.

Use an air purifier

In addition to removing pet dander, a purifier can neutralize other pollutants like bacteria, viruses, mold spores, smoke and pollen.

Groom your pet

If your pet is clean and trimmed, your indoor air stays cleaner because there’s less shedded fur in the filter and ducts. You should brush your dog every few days and bathe her every two to four months.

Keep your floor vents clean

Check around your home to see which vents need attention. Pets like to lay on floor vents, so their hair can get caught in the vents. To clean the floor vents, turn off your HVAC system, remove the vent covers and clean them using a duster, cloth, brush or vacuum. You can also take an extra step and wash them with soap and water. If you do, be sure they are completely dry before putting them back. Clean floor vents will help with airflow and allow cleaner air to move throughout the house.

Keep your outdoor unit clean

Check the condition of your outdoor unit. Sometimes dogs may claw at the unit or unintentionally cause other damage, such as “marking” the unit. If you need to protect the unit from your pet, choose a small fence that doesn’t block airflow. This will keep it protected from the elements and your curious pet.

Keep the filter clean

If you have pets, you should be changing your air filter every 30-60 days. Using a HEPA or ionic filter may not be heavy-duty enough to capture pet dander. Check with your HVAC technician to find out which air filter will work best in your home.

Keep the ducts clean

Dander, tiny particles of skin that animals with fur or feathers shed can be a problem for those with allergies. While most people will experience typical symptoms, prolonged exposure to pet dander can lead to bronchitis and other respiratory problems. If ducts aren’t clean, they will continue to circulate particles in the home every time the HVAC system is turned on. We recommend professional duct cleaning every 3-5 years.

For professional assistance, call the experts at Central Carolina Air Conditioning, Plumbing, & Electrical at 800.461.3010.

Spring Home Maintenance

Posted on March 31, 2020 by Julie Swanner - home maintenance, plumbing, home improvement, Plumbing Repair, Blog

Spring has arrived! If you are ready to clean out the closets, scrub the floors and purge excess items, don’t forget to give some TLC to your plumbing and fixtures that keep your home running smoothly. Our spring home maintenance list will help. From kitchens and bathrooms to appliances, drains and outside pipes, your systems need inspection and cleaning. Here are some tips to be sure you don’t miss a thing!

General spring home maintenance

Check the basement and sink pipes for leaks.
If you have a sewer in an area, install a back flow valve in the floor drain. This could prevent future problems.
Fill drains with a gallon of water to also help prevent odors. Snake slow floor drains so they continue to carry water away in the event of rushing water.
Do you have a sump pump? Keep it running properly by pouring a few buckets of water into the pit. After the pump turns on, it should discharge the water then shut off without problems.
Help mitigate flooding with a flood alarm. It will operate like a smoke alarm and sound when it comes in contact with water, alerting you to potential flooding or leaks.

Appliances

Adjust the temperature on the water heater to no higher than 120°F. This will prevent scalding and energy overuse.
Flush the water heater tank with several gallons of water to flush out corrosion causing sediment. By doing this you will reduce heating inefficiency and lengthen the life of the heater.
If your water heater is more than 15 years old, consider replacing it. There are more energy efficient models out there.
Remove flammables if they are stored near the water heater or furnace.
Check all the supply hoses on your washing machine, dishwasher and ice maker for bulges or leaks. Replace any hoses that are showing age or are older than ten years – stainless steel hoses are most reliable.
Check on your washing machine lint trap, and if you can, place a wire trap or a piece of pantyhose over the end of the hose that drains the washer.
Clean your garbage disposal. It’s a very important part of your kitchen, be sure to give it some love! Clean it and be sure to only put in it what’s intended to go down the drain.

Kitchen and bathrooms

Repair dripping or leaky faucets. This will help you to save water.
Pop in a drain strainer to catch soap, hair and debris from clogging the drain lines.
Test the toilets for leaks. To do this just add six drops of food coloring to the toilet tank. Color will appear in the bowl if the toilet is leaking.
Give the area behind the toilet a good cleaning, especially if it isn’t part of your normal routine.
You may need to replace toilet parts if the handle must be held down for a thorough flush or jiggled to stop the water from running. By doing this inexpensive task you will lower your water bill.
Don’t neglect your shower head. Mineral deposits collect, but it can be cleaned – soak it overnight in a plastic baggie of vinegar. In the morning, remove and gently scrub with an old toothbrush. While you’re at it, tackle everything from the doors to the floor to remove soap scum and shine dull-looking fixtures.

Outdoors

It’s the perfect time to clean out gutters, downspouts and yard drains. Use a drain snake to clear out any debris that could cause a clog.
Clean out any birds nests in plumbing vent pipes.
Check hoses and faucets to make sure water is flowing freely. If you have an outdoor faucet dripping you may have had a frozen pipe that needs to be replaced.

Need professional help? Call Central Carolina Air Conditioning, Plumbing, & Electrical at 800.461.3010.

Spring Plumbing Checklist

Posted on March 31, 2020 by Julie Swanner - home maintenance, plumbing, Blog

Spring is on its way and for homeowners it’s often an opportunity for home improvement projects, cleaning and updating. Longer days and warmer temperatures may motivate you to get started on major projects. Before diving in, complete our spring plumbing checklist. The last thing you want to overlook is a costly broken pipe or leak that puts all those dream projects on hold.

Check for cracks and leaks

Before taking on a makeover, start by inspecting your plumbing for cracks, leaks or other damage that might have occurred during winter. Doing high-level evaluation helps, but you want to make sure everything is working properly.

Bathroom Tasks

In the bathroom be sure to clean your shower head. Since the shower gets used every day grime and soap scum build up and tend to slow water flow. For the easiest way to clean your shower head, attach to the shower head a bag filled with vinegar and baking soda and secure it with a rubber band. Remove the bag after an hour and let the shower run until the vinegar smell is gone.

While you are in the bathrooms don’t forget to check your toilets for leaks. To do this, put food coloring in the toilet’s water tank. After 20-30 minutes check to see if the water in the bowl is colored. If it is you have a leak that needs to be addressed.

Water Heater

Water heater checks are also important so you can stay ahead of leaks and corrosion. Your water heater is usually set at 120 degrees, but if you turned it up in winter you’ll want to check it when you turn it back down. If you notice moisture, rust or corrosion around the control panel you’ll want to call a plumber for a second opinion. Also remember that the lifespan of most water heaters is only 10 years. If yours is older continue to inspect it on a regular basis. Sediment will likely build up in your water heater over time. This can affect efficiency of the unit which will use more energy to heat water. Inevitably this will cost you more money every month.

Outside

Head outdoors for the next part of our plumbing checklist. Outside there are plenty of opportunities for clean up and improvement as spring approaches. You can start with cleaning your gutters. During winter debris such as pine needles, twigs, leaves and other debris gather in your gutters, This. can cause drainage issues and leaks inside your home if they aren’t cleaned out.

If you are working in your garden or lawn check for leaks in outdoor spigots and sprinklers. Cold temperatures can cause outside water sources and pipes to freeze and crack causing leaks when you turn on your outside water for spring. If you find any leaks fix them right away so they don’t become worse. Likewise check for leaks under your sinks and with any supply hoses. Freezing temperatures can also make your indoor water fixtures susceptible to leaks. Be sure to check the parts to your washing machine and dishwasher and look for water, corrosion, mold and rust.

Need the help of a professional? Call Central Carolina Air Conditioning, Plumbing, & Electrical at 800.461.3010.

Electrical upgrades that add value and safety

Posted on March 31, 2020 by Julie Swanner - home maintenance, electrical service, home improvement, Electric Service, Blog

Making electrical upgrades in your home can give you peace of mind that safety hazards are minimal and your electricity is reliable. You also want to add electrical features that add to your home’s value. Consider modern upgrades that make your home look and feel brand new and that are a positive investment to the home.

New wiring

Updated wiring is attractive to future potential homeowners and it gives you security knowing your home’s electrical system is safe and secure for many years to come. If you are considering an electrical project hire a professional for an evaluation.

Electrical panel

An electrical panel that is old and worn can contain damaged wiring. This can leave your home unprotected from fire hazards and cause an electric shock. If your home was built more than 30 years ago, it’s advisable to hedge your risk and upgrade your electrical panel.

More outlets

Broken outlets usually get all the attention, but if you are running a bunch of extension cords through your home it might be time to install additional outlets. Not having enough outlets is not only a hassle, it’s dangerous. Evaluate your home to identify where more outlets could improve safety and convenience.

Surge protection

Whole-home surge protection prevents the need for many individual surge protector strips attached to your electronics. Installing a single system to protect your home during a lightning storm or unexpected surge saves you worry and unsightliness of a bunch of extra wires.

Lighting under cabinets

Kitchen prep, cooking, cleaning and entertaining in the kitchen is better with under-cabinet lighting that include fixtures installed on the underside of cabinets. They make working in the kitchen easier by lighting countertop surfaces that are usually in the shadows. Also consider other rooms where you have cabinets such as the living room, bedroom and laundry room. This upgrade makes a huge difference in the look of a room with a warmer, more contemporary appeal.

Laundry room lighting

Most laundry spaces use 4-foot fluorescent tube lighting. When the light isn’t flickering or buzzing it’s still probably not serving you or the space well. Recessed lighting is a better option that fills the space with warm, comfortable light. Overall it’s directed well for the the tasks at hand.

Ceiling fans

Ceiling fans are one of the most-wanted decorative home features. They are extremely efficient and can save energy dollars in every season. In the winter, setting a ceiling fan to work in reverse draws down the warm air from the ceiling. In the summer, you reverse the direction to create a cooling effect. Ceiling fans are also an attractive addition in most rooms.

Landscape lighting

When considering electrical upgrades don’t forget the outdoors. Outdoor lighting creates a more inviting look and adds a layer of safety around your home. There are many types of landscape lighting options including up lights that are installed below a tree or structure and down lights installed at a high level to highlight objects below. Accent lights are another option to highlight a specific landscape feature, and path lights illuminate walkways or steps for safety and security purposes.

If your electrical upgrades require a professional, call Central Carolina Air Conditioning, Plumbing, & Electrical at 800.461.3010.

Preparing for a power outage

Posted on March 31, 2020 by Julie Swanner - home maintenance, Blog

Preparing for a power outage can keep panic at bay when the weather is cold or stormy and the power goes out unexpectedly. If you have emergency items ready you will be able to ride out an outage in comfort. Whether you live in an area prone to outages or have a reliable connection, stock up on supplies now to avoid a crisis later.

Some of the ways that you can prepare for a power outage include:

Creating an emergency plan

Make sure that everyone in your house is aware of what to do when the power goes out and where supplies are located when they are needed. Keep your written plan in an easily accessible location and make sure everyone knows where to find it.

Assembling an emergency kit

Putting together an emergency kit, non-perishable food, and supplies for heating and communication. Be sure your family is familiar with the contents of the kit and where it is located.

Some of the supplies that should be included in your kit are:

Water
First-aid supplies
Flashlights/lanterns
Batteries
Cell phone battery back-up
Clock
Radio
Non-perishable food
A copy of your emergency plans

Cold weather plans

In the colder months think about how you will stay warm in the event of an electrical outage. Consider how you will stay warm if the power goes out. If you use a gas fireplace you may want to install a battery backup for the starter. If your heat is powered by a wood stove, stock up on firewood. Never use a propane heater inside your home unless it is one specifically designed for the indoors because carbon monoxide can build and create a deadly hazard.

Your pipes can freeze and burst in a power outage if they aren’t properly insulated. If you’re concerned about your pipes freezing, shut off the main water valve in your home and open all the faucets until the pipes are empty.

Other considerations

When preparing for a power outage, you should also consider your valuables. Be sure surge protectors are in place to protect electronics. Put battery-operated flashlights in a centralized location so you can reach them quickly, especially in the dark.

Make sure you have plenty of batteries in many different sizes for all emergency needs. From your flashlights and radios to clocks, appliances and smoke detectors batteries will be very important to make life easier.

Don’t forget to prepare your car. Always want to fill up the car gas tank when you are expecting a storm. Gas stations are powered by electricity, so if there’s no power, there’s no gas!

Lastly, but certainly not an afterthought, think about how you will prepare food without electricity. You can light a match to ignite a gas appliance. But if you have an electric stovetop and oven you will need to find an alternative way to cook. A great substitute will be using a propane grill or an open fire outdoors. Stock up on propane or wood and make sure you have a manual can opener.

If you need help from a professional, but sure and contact Central Carolina Air Conditioning, Plumbing, and Electrical for your home maintenance needs.

Cold Weather Home Maintenance

Posted on February 24, 2020 by Julie Swanner - energy efficiency, home maintenance, Blog

Temperatures have been cold across most of the country this month. You may be waiting until spring to tackle big home improvement projects, but here are some easy cold weather home maintenance tasks to consider. Many of these jobs can be done yourself, but in some cases you will want to enlist a professional’s help.

1. Check Your HVAC System

It’s a good idea to do some basic maintenance to help keep your heating system working at optimal capacity. Check your filters, and change them if they look dirty. Filters should be replaced at least every three months. It’s also a good idea to have your HVAC system cleaned and checked by your heating professional.

2. Fill Gaps Around Windows and Doors

Drafts around windows and doors can leave you feeling cold, and they could be wasting energy as your HVAC system works harder to warm that cool air. Apply caulk around the window trim to seal off any drafts. You can also install weatherstripping around edges of doors and windows to create a tight seal. Another DIY tip is to make a simple door draft blocker to help keep heat from escaping under your door. Warm and cozy home

Adding insulation can also lower your utility bill, make your home more environmentally friendly and ensure that you stay nice and toasty! Since heat rises, most of the heat loss in your home escapes through your roof. To fight the cold, add an extra layer of insulation in your attic. Consider adding layers of insulation in your basement or garage to prevent heat loss from these areas as well. You can also insulate your garage door for extra protection.

3. Test the Sump Pump

As water drains from under and around your home, your sump pump pushes it out of the house and away from the foundation. You can consult your sump pump’s owner’s manual and perform some basic maintenance and regular testing yourself. Also have a professional inspect your sump pump each year.

4. Inspect Your Chimney and Fireplace

If you want to enjoy a warm fire this winter, be sure to get your chimneys, vents and fireplace cleaned first. A professional chimney sweep can clean and inspect your fireplace and chimney. If you have a gas fireplace, your chimney and flue should be inspected for any blockages. A professional will also inspect the gas lines and vents for leaks and can make necessary repairs.

6. Turn Off Outside Faucets

In cold weather, water in exterior pipes can freeze and cause pipes to burst. So, before the temperatures reach freezing disconnect garden hoses from outdoor faucets. If your exterior faucets have shutoff valves, turn them off. Then, release any water remaining in the pipe by opening and closing the outside tap. You can also help protect exterior faucets with an insulated cover.

These cold weather home maintenance tips will help keep your home warm and energy efficient this winter. If you need professional assistance, be sure and call Central Carolina Air Conditioning, Plumbing, & Electrical at 1.800.461.3010.

Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips

Posted on January 29, 2020 by Julie Swanner - air conditioning maintenance, home maintenance, heating, heating maintenance, Blog

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas produced by the incomplete burning of any carbon-containing material, like gasoline, natural gas, propane, coal or wood. CO is dangerous. It replaces oxygen in the blood and interferes with the transport of needed oxygen to cells in the body. It is deadly, and since symptoms often come on like other illnesses, they may be ignored. It’s important to educate yourself on carbon monoxide safety.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning

Everyone, including pets are at risk; however, young children, the elderly, and those with heart or lung problems are particularly vulnerable. Low levels can cause flu-like symptoms, such as nausea and headache, as well as shortness of breath. Moderate levels can cause dizziness and light-headedness. High levels of CO can be fatal within minutes of exposure. Carbon monoxide can be present even if you’re not experiencing any symptoms. So when you hear the alarm, you should take action regardless of how everyone in your household feels.

What to do if you suspect CO poisoning

If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning and people and pets in your home aren’t feeling well, it’s best to evacuate. Leave the door open for ventilation and contact the fire department immediately. If the alarm sounds, even if you and your family are symptom-free, contact the fire department anyway to be safe.

Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips

Many incidents involving carbon monoxide poisoning can be prevented. Below are seven tips to help keep your home and family safe from carbon monoxide.

1. Know the risks.
Anything that burns a fuel including a furnace, fireplace or generator, gas appliance or car produces a toxic by-product called carbon monoxide (CO). When these devices are properly maintained and vented this gas can be effectively channeled out of your home. If not, inhaling carbon monoxide can trigger serious health issues.
2. Keep your vents clear.
During and after a storm, make sure nothing is obstructing the outside stack or vent for your dryer, stove, furnace and fireplace. In the event of a snow storm, be sure to prevent snow from building up and blocking these areas.
3. Do not run engines in a closed area.
Proper ventilation is critical to avoiding CO poisoning. Do not start a car, fire up a grill or stove, or run a generator in a closed area like a basement or garage.
4. Schedule regular maintenance.
At least once a year, have a qualified professional inspect your fuel-burning devices to make sure they continue to operate properly.
5. Keep fireplaces clean and well vented.
If you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove, make sure you keep it clean and that the flue is working properly.
6. Install CO alarms.
If you have fuel-burning appliances, a fireplace or an attached garage, install CO alarms in your home. Install one on every level within the vicinity of each sleeping area and in other locations required by any applicable building codes.
7. Maintain your CO alarms.
Your CO alarms need to be maintained regularly. Many come equipped with a battery backup to ensure uninterrupted operation, even if the power goes out. But you will need to remember to change your batteries at the frequency recommended by the manufacturer, like you do with your smoke detectors.

To schedule an inspection of your HVAC system to make sure it is safe and properly ventilated, contact Central Carolina Air Conditioning, Plumbing, & Electrical at 1.800.361.4010.

Checklist: HVAC Winter Weather Prep

Posted on January 21, 2020 by Julie Swanner - home maintenance, heating maintenance, Blog

Winter is very much upon us! Ideally, before you turned your system over to heat, you performed a quick HVAC winter weather prep. If not, it isn’t too late to assess the performance of your HVAC system, as we still have plenty of cold days ahead.

There are some basic maintenance tasks you can perform on your own to check the readiness of your
system. Most newer heating systems require little maintenance, so a quick winter weather prep can greatly extend the life of your HVAC equipment.

1. Power down & do a sound check

Turn off all power to the unit before performing any maintenance and wait for the blower to stop. Next, run a sound check by turning your unit back on and checking for unusual sounds, like banging or rattling.

2. Look for signs of moisture

Check for moisture on windows, or rust or dirt accumulations on the vent pipe. This can indicate improper operation.

3. Replace filters

Replace air filters at least four times a year, or once each season. If you haven’t changed them this winter, do it now. Dirty filters can cause your system to work harder, resulting in lower efficiency.

4. Assess the room temperature

Check your thermostat’s temperature while the unit is on to ensure rooms are reaching their full comfort potential.

If, during your basic checklist rundown you discover any unusual noises, excess moisture or other signs
your unit is not functioning properly, contact your HVAC technician.

In addition to your DIY maintenance, regular inspections by a qualified HVAC technician are vital. Call Central Carolina Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical at 1.800.461.3010 for full details. We provide 24/7 service so that your family doesn’t have to endure the cold if your HVAC system stops working suddenly. We can also clean your heat exchanger, check the wire connections on your thermostat to make sure they’re connected properly, and ensure that your igniter switch is functioning. Let us provide peace of mind that your HVAC system is running properly so you can enjoy a comfortable and warm home with family and friends!

Prepare Your Home for Snow and Ice: Winter Safety Tips

Posted on December 20, 2019 by Julie Swanner - home maintenance, plumbing, electrical, electrical service, Central Carolina Plumbing, Blog

Falling snow is a beautiful part of winter, but it can also pose potential dangers for homeowners. It’s important to prepare your home for snow and ice so you can stay safe and prevent extra work down the road. To ensure no problems show up and to keep your family safe, these projects should be done throughout the coldest months.

Prevent Water Damage

Ventilate the attic and insulate the attic floor to stop warm air in the house from melting snow and ice on the roof.
Wrap exposed pipes with insulation sleeves.
Caulk cracks and holes in the home’s outer walls and foundation. Holes left by cable installation can also leave pipes exposed.
Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors so warm air can circulate around pipes.
Trickle water from any faucet connected to pipes that run through unprotected spaces.
Locate the home’s main water valve, usually found in the basement or outside near the curb. Turn water off quickly if a pipe does burst.
If you are traveling and leave the house unoccupied for an extended period, shut off the water and have a professional drain the system. Turn the heat down, but don’t turn it off.

Buy a carbon-monoxide detector.

Install carbon-monoxide detectors on all floors of your home to prevent one of the biggest winter dangers, carbon-monoxide poisoning. This can happen when ventilation of furnaces, generators, charcoal-burning or propane-burning devices, or wood-burning stoves are not properly ventilated.

Buy a generator

Use a generator to keep your heat and power running. This includes your sump pump, and your fire and burglar alarms.
Consider installing an automatic standby generator, which immediately turns on after a power outage. You may qualify for a discount on your homeowners insurance, too.

Prepare for a Flood

When snow and ice begin to melt, be aware of flooding for localized trouble spots around your house. Water can buildup can seep into your foundation and flood the basement.
If you have a sump pump, check to ensure it’s working properly in advance.

Ensure Proper Ventilation

Clean exhaust fans and filters in the bathrooms and kitchens because we spend more time indoors.
Dust and airborne particles can cause indoor air quality issues in the absence of adequate ventilation. They can even become a fire hazard.
Monitor other filters in your home, including cleaning out the dryer’s filter and replacing the furnace filter.

Prepare Your Pipes for the Cold

Prevent water issues by insulating water pipes exposed to freezing temperatures. Pipes that border an exterior wall have the greatest freezing potential, so they should be insulated with a towel or other piece of cloth.
In extreme cold weather, open water lines slightly to allow water to drip slowly into an indoor sink.

Prevent Icy Gutters

Clean gutters before the snow falls to help prevent water and ice buildup that could eventually find its way into your home.
After the colder weather arrives, look for clogged gutters by checking for large icicles hanging from them and/or an accumulation of ice on the roof.

Eliminate Outdoor Electrical Problems

Prevent electrical problems by inspecting the outside of your home. Specifically, look for damaged or frayed wires vulnerable to harm from snow and ice.
Check for any bird nests near electrical fixtures. Nests can cause a fire.
Make sure any electronic decorations have tight-fitting connections: three-pronged outlets are optimal. These cords should be stored away from main walkways, and never beneath a carpet or rug, as this creates a fire hazard.

For professional help with your HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work, contact Central Carolina Air Conditioning at 1.800.461.3010. This winter, we can help you prepare your home for snow and ice!