As Daylight Saving Time comes to an end, now is the perfect moment to set your clocks back and prepare your home for the cooler months ahead. At EcoHome Solutions, we want to help Knoxville homeowners ensure their homes are winter-ready, comfortable, and energy-efficient with a few essential tips.
A well-maintained furnace keeps your home warm and efficient. Schedule a tune-up with EcoHome Solutions to ensure everything is working smoothly, and replace your furnace filters to improve airflow and indoor air quality.
Reprogramming your thermostat for cooler weather can make a big difference in energy use. If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, update the settings to heat your home efficiently when you’re there and lower it when you’re away.
With colder weather, your water heater will be working harder. Now’s a good time to:
Freezing temperatures can cause pipes to burst, leading to costly repairs. Insulating exposed pipes is a simple step to protect your home. Focus on areas like basements, garages, and crawl spaces where pipes are more vulnerable.
If you rely on a generator for power during outages, a quick test run will ensure it’s ready for winter storms. Check fuel levels, and if your generator uses batteries, inspect or replace them as needed.
With heating systems running more frequently, now is a great time to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries if needed, and test each device to ensure they’re functioning properly.
Winter preparation often involves a few tasks best handled by experts:
Preparing your home for the end of Daylight Saving Time is about more than just resetting clocks; it’s an opportunity to make sure your Knoxville home is ready for a safe and efficient winter. Following these steps can help protect your home, conserve energy, and keep your family cozy all season. For help with heating, plumbing, or generator maintenance, reach out to EcoHome Solutions—we’re here to support you every season!
Happy Daylight Saving Time!
Look out for these signs: rising energy bills, uneven heating or cooling, strange noises, frequent repairs, the system's age, poor air quality, lack of comfort, leaks or moisture, outdated tech, and humidity issues at home.
Look out for slow drains, discolored water, and low water pressure. Also, watch for hidden water leaks, high water bills, noisy pipes, smelly drains, and a wobbly toilet.
Winterizing your home's plumbing means getting it ready for cold weather. It helps prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. This saves you from the damage and costs of leaks and pipe bursts.
An aging HVAC system uses more energy to keep your home comfortable, raising your bills. Watching your energy bills can show when it's time for maintenance or a new system.
Slow drains might just mean a clog. But if many drains are slow, it could be a big issue. This could lead to water damage or sewage backup if not fixed.
Freezing water expands and can burst your pipes. This can cut off your water supply. A burst pipe can also flood your home with hundreds of gallons of water, causing big damage.
Uneven temperatures might mean ductwork problems, old equipment, or an inefficient system. Getting a new, right-sized, and balanced system can fix this and keep your home comfortable.
Discolored water, like yellow, green, or brown, means your pipes might be rusting. This can cause leaks and burst pipes if not fixed.
Start by turning off the main water valve. Then, open all faucets, flush toilets, and add antifreeze to drains. Set your water heater to the lowest setting or 'vacation mode' to prevent freezing.
Keep your thermostat at least 55°F. Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air in. This helps protect your pipes from freezing.
Noises like banging, rattling, or squealing suggest mechanical issues, like worn parts or loose components. These sounds are serious and could lead to expensive repairs or system failure if ignored.
Low water pressure can come from many things. This includes faulty fixtures, clogged pipes, closed valves, or corrosion. A professional should check it out.
First, shut off the valves to the outside water supply. Then, open all outdoor faucets to drain the water. Disconnect and store garden hoses to prevent freezing.
Clean out gutters and downspouts to stop ice buildup. Seal any cracks or gaps in your home's exterior to keep drafts out.
Older HVAC systems need more repairs to keep working. If repairs happen often, it might be cheaper to get a new, reliable system in the long run.
Hidden leaks can show as bubbling or peeling paint. You might also see wet stains on walls and ceilings. This means the leak is getting worse and harming your home's structure.
Use foam pipe insulation sleeves to cover your pipes. This keeps heat in and cold out. Wrap pipes in insulation, especially in areas without insulation, to prevent freezing.
Most HVAC systems last 10-15 years, depending on use and care. If your system is getting old, it's time to think about a new, energy-saving model.
A high water bill without a clear reason means there might be a leak. Fixing it quickly can prevent a lot of water damage.
Close any openings in your home to keep cold air out. Seal crawl space vents and doors, and plug other gaps. Use caulking or spray foam to fill cracks around pipes and foundations.
Weatherstrip doors and windows, and seal around chimneys and vents. This improves energy efficiency and keeps your pipes safe.
Bad air quality, with more dust or allergens, means your system isn't filtering air well. A modern system with better filters and humidity control can improve your air quality.
Noisy pipes, like crackling or gurgling, suggest a problem. This could be trapped air, high pressure, clogged drains, or worn-out parts. A pro should take a look.
First, turn off your home's main water supply. Then, open all faucets, flush toilets, and run appliances to empty the system. This prevents water from freezing and damaging your plumbing.
If you have a hot water tank, follow the manufacturer's instructions to drain it safely. This helps prevent any issues during the winter.
If you're always adjusting the thermostat or feeling uncomfortable, your system might not be working right. A new, efficient system can give you better control over your home's climate.
Bad smells from drains mean there's likely a blockage or a broken sewer pipe. A pro needs to check it out to find and fix the issue.
Keep your thermostat at least 55°F to prevent pipes from freezing. Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air reach the pipes. This helps protect them from freezing temperatures.
Regular maintenance, like tune-ups, filter changes, and inspections, can catch and fix problems early. This can save you from big repairs or replacing your system too soon. It also makes your system last longer and work better.
A wobbly toilet might just need loose bolts. But if it's still unstable after tightening, it could mean a broken seal around the drain. This lets water leak into the floor and cause damage.
Mobile homes need special care to prevent frozen pipes. Insulate all accessible pipes and seal any gaps. Consider using heat tape or cable for extra protection.
New HVAC tech improves energy use, performance, and comfort. Old systems miss out on these benefits. Upgrading to a newer system can save energy and make your home more comfortable.
Keeping up with plumbing maintenance can catch problems early. This saves you money and prevents water damage later on.
If you're not sure how to winterize your plumbing, hire a professional. A skilled plumber can check your home and make sure everything is ready for winter.
