Cold Weather Advisory

Seasons Greetings,

Please take these very important precautions to avoid emergencies related to the freeze expected in Denver this weekend.

Get Your Furnace Checked
One of the most important things to do before winter sets in is to get your furnace checked before you need to rely on the heat. A regular checkup for your furnace will prolong its life, prevent carbon monoxide leaks, and ensure everything is in working order. This tune-up will also ensure you’re getting maximum efficiency from your unit.

Change Furnace Filters
A visit from your HVAC professional can tell you if it’s time for your furnace filters to be replaced if you aren’t already doing this. Changing the filter allows you to keep the furnace from clogging, keeps it running more efficiently, and stops it from circulating allergens or other harmful particles. How often the filter needs to be replaced will vary depending on what type of filter you get, so a little research may be needed.

Keep the Pipes Warm
Frozen pipes can burst, if not properly taken care of. To prevent this from happening, don’t completely turn off your heat if you leave the house. Keep the temperature above 55°F to ensure pipes stay sufficiently warm. Open the doors to all rooms which will allow airflow to warm any pipes behind closet walls. Furthermore, if you’re going to be gone for an extended period and don’t want a high gas bill, you can turn off the water, leave faucets in the ‘on’ position and drain the water pipes.
It’s easy to forget the outdoor hose spigot, but the water will freeze up and cause problems. To prevent this, buy an insulated covering that goes over the spigot and creates an air pocket around it. If you’re looking for a more low-tech option, put a towel around the faucet, although it may not seal as well. If possible, you can also turn off the outdoor faucet’s water supply and drain the remaining water. This will eliminate the need for extra insulation.
 
Get your Sprinkler System Blown Out
Please call your landscaping professional and ask that they blow out the irrigation system. Draining the system yourself will not be enough since there are peaks and troughs in the lines which may hold water without proper winterization.  

Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
In the summer months, the slightly angled blades of a ceiling fan turn counterclockwise to move air down, making people feel cooler due to a concept known as the wind chill effect. During winter, the warm air generated by your heating system naturally rises to the ceiling while cooler air sinks. By switching the direction that your fan blades turn, that cooler air is drawn upwards, which forces the warmer air near the ceiling back down into the open space. The fan blade direction can be changed usually by a small button located on the motor unit and may require a ladder to reach.

Fire Up the Fireplaces
It is normal if your fireplace doesn’t start right away after being dormant for the spring and summer months. IF this happens and your fireplaces are not starting you can contact your fireplace distributor to walk you thru how to get them started and ready for use again.

AMI Fireplace: 303-371-0123
Fireplace warehouse: 303-296-3823

From all of us at Sterling Custom Homes we hope you enjoy the wonderful autumn season!