By Barbara Lehrer
Real Talk
Barbara Lehrer
The New England weather this year is a strong reminder of the responsibilities associated with owning a home and the value of its care. There is plenty of information on the dangers of cold weather, such as space heaters overheating while you sleep or generators that are not used strictly outdoors away from the building.
Let’s make sure our children, who are newer homeowners, know these things. Another important thing to look out for are the vents from the basement directed outside from heat sources that can be blocked by heavy ice or snow, creating carbon monoxide backup.
Always check your carbon monoxide detectors and make sure that they are all functioning properly. If you wake up nauseated or dizzy, check those carbon monoxide detectors again, as it could be a poisoning symptom.
Look out for what this cold weather is capable of damaging in the next six weeks. Here is a short checklist.
How is the insulation on your attic floor? This helps prevent ice damage and backups. Watch for icicles hanging off the gutters, as that can be a sign of this issue starting. Try to remove the snow on the roof if this starts happening. You can damage the gutters and leaders, so leave it to the professionals.
Cover your air conditioning unit outside with bricks and boards, and this will keep ice and snow out of the unit while letting it breathe. Of course, turn off all the water spickets from the inside that lead out, as they can be the first to freeze up when the temperatures are in the 20s.
The basement is usually a little neglected. If it is unfinished, those low temperatures outside can really wreak havoc. If your basement has above-grade walls, there needs to be heat in the area. Only a boiler gives off heat in the basement, so check that the temperature stays above 50-55 degrees. A forced-air furnace offers no warm air in the basement.
You want to prevent pipes from freezing. An unfinished lower level needs foam sleeves on the water pipes, especially near doors and windows. Local housing supply stores have plenty. If you can add a small furnace supply vent to the area, that would be a great preventative measure.
Bulkheads need weatherstripping. Caulking the cellar windows is another suggestion, as is tree branch clearance. Even reversing ceiling fans to bring down rising heat can help.
If you have an old house, the hallways for the front and back exits may need electric heating wires, as there is never enough insulation in those walls.
A little prep, a lot of supervision and awareness of the dangers can keep you on your toes this winter. Be safe; see you in the spring.
If you need more information on these issues, email Barbara.Lehrer@cbmoves.com.