Prepare for Winter with Replaced Gas Lines & Water Heaters

Even as warm summer weather persists into fall, the cold of winter isn’t far behind. Don’t let mother nature deceive you. It’s important to prepare for winter in Austin, TX before the cold sets in. This will promote comfort, heating efficiency, and lower energy bills, as well as increased safety. Gas water heater repair and other home maintenance tasks should be completed now, so you’re ready for the winter cold as it sets in around San Antonio, TX.

Here is a checklist for preparing for winter, starting with your gas lines and water heaters.

Gas lines:

• Have them checked for leaks. A rotten egg smell and hissing sound can indicate a problem, which can create a very dangerous situation, so contact a professional for an immediate repair.
• If you aren’t on mains gas and you rely on gas bottles to get you through the colder months, make sure your bottles are in good condition. There should be no dents or deep scratches in the metal and the pressure should be at the recommended level. Remember to always transport your bottles safely on a trolley – you can find great deals on gas bottle trolleys here.

Water heaters:

• Flush the tank so there is no sediment that can cause damage or lead to hot water heater failure during a cold snap.
• Seek professional hot water heater installation of newer, more energy-efficient models.

Plumbing:

• Insulate basement, crawlspace, and attic pipes to protect them against freezing.
• Use heat tape on pipes especially prone to freezing.
• Roll up and store garden hoses inside the house.
• Have in-ground sprinkler systems blown out to purge them of freeze-prone

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning

Gas water heater repair isn’t the only important preparation. Your ventilation and air conditioning system can be the source of many issues that affect your Temple, TX home in winter. Here are a few items to consider in terms of efficiency:

• Remove window-mounted air conditioners or seal them with insulated liners.
• Switch fans into reverse to blow warm air toward the floor.
• Install a programmable thermostat for better heating control.
• Limit the flow of outside air by sealing duct leaks, installing insulating sheets behind exterior outlets and switch plates, and replacing the damper in a drafty fireplace.
• If you have a whole house humidifier, clean it and have the evaporator pad replaced.
• Inspect the firebox and flue system for soot, cracks, and other fire hazards.
• Clean or replace furnace air filters, which improve air quality and efficiency.

Seal Windows and Doors

• Replace leaky weatherstripping around doors and doorframes.
• Replace door and window screens with stormproof materials.
• Caulk any drafty windows or doors to prevent heat loss.
• Repair or replace windows with cracks, gaps, or broken glass.
• Repair or fix rotted or decayed wooden window frames.

Professional Service

If you live in Austin, San Antonio, Temple, or New Braunfels, TX, you can ready your home for winter by detecting hot water heater problems early and having professional technicians look for other issues. For example, Christianson can provide expert air conditioning repair or conduct an airflow analysis to detect duct leakage and other inefficiencies. We can repair gas lines and install water heater systems that save energy and stay reliable for years to come.

Protect your home and family, comfort, and wallet. Contact Christianson Air Conditioning & Plumbing for seasonal or emergency AC or plumbing service.

Tags: Gas lines water heaters winter, Prepare HVAC winter