4. Check pipes. Look closely for cracks and leaks and have the pipes repaired immediately. Wrap exposed pipes with heating tape.
5. Install an emergency pressure release valve in your plumbing system. This will protect against the increased pressure caused by freezing pipes and can help prevent your pipes from bursting.
6. Make sure that smoke and fire alarms are working properly. Also, consider installing a carbon dioxide detector.
7. Learn how to shut the water off and know where your pipes are located. If your pipes freeze, time is of the essence. The quicker you can shut off the water or direct your plumber to the problem, the better chance you have to prevent pipes from bursting.
8. Hire a licensed contractor to look for structural damage. If damage is discovered, have it repaired immediately rather than waiting for a problem to occur.
9. Check doors and windows for leaks and drafts. Add weather-stripping, and caulk any holes you see that allow heat to escape. Be sure doors seal properly.
10. Replace windows with newer, more efficient ones. Replacing windows can be expensive, but new windows also provide other benefits, such as improved appearance and comfort.
11. Wall plugs and switches can allow cold air in. Get simple-to-install, pre-cut foam gaskets that fit behind the switch plate and effectively prevent leaks.
12. Close the damper on your fireplace. Of course the damper needs to be open if a fire is burning; but if the damper is open when you’re not using the fireplace, your chimney functions as a large open window that draws warm air out of the room and creates a draft. Close that damper - it’s an effective energy-saving tip that costs you nothing!
Woodstove Safety Tips
Woodstoves are a popular alternative heating source for many
manufactured homeowners, especially those who own older model homes. Make
sure to take proper precautions to ensure that you enjoy the added comfort
while minimizing the risk to your family and home.
stove.
2. Vent your stove properly and insulate vent from
flammable materials.
3. Use paper and kindling wood to ignite a fire. Avoid
using lighter fluid, kerosene or gasoline.
4. Keep dry wood away from the stove.
5. Remember that slow burning fires can create creosote
and soot problems Small hot fires are more efficient.
It is important to do regularly scheduled maintenance on your wood stove to keep it working properly and safely.
Weekly:
We recommend cleaning the ashes from your stove every week during the heating season. Dispose of ashes in a metal container with a lid and store away from your home and combustibles.
Monthly:
Inspect your pipes and connections monthly for creosote and soot build-up.
Warning signs of chimney problems:
1. Build up of creosote (dripping from the base of the
chimney or staining of the outer chimney shell).
2. Sluggish draft (smoke spilling out when the woodstove
door is opened).
3. Corrosion of the outer shell of a factory built chimney.
4. Deterioration of the brickwork of a masonry chimney.
