5 Ways to Winterize Your Home

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Photo: Flickr/ USDAgov

Just like you don’t want your air conditioner to break down in the middle of summer, having no hot water during the winter is an unpleasant situation. Performing basic maintenance on your water heater twice a year will reduce the chances that it malfunctions at the wrong time, like when you have visitors staying with you for the holidays.

So what are you checking for when you perform this maintenance? The main projects are to check the pressure valve and flush the tank. You can also look for any leaks in the tank or valves which would increase your energy use. Another option is to insulate your water heater to protect it from the cold.

If you decide to replace your water heater, you’ll want to consider a number of options, such as electric vs. gas and size of the tank. Every homeowner has different demands for hot water, and you’ll want to choose the right heater for your conditions.