This weather is record-breaking! With subfreezing temperatures lasting for weeks, and nearly the whole surface of the Lake being frozen over, you may be looking for ways to conserve energy and preserve the heat in your home. John Elliott Interiors has some great suggestions to help you stay warm while putting less of a strain on your heating system during this season. Keep reading to learn how to protect each of these areas of your house!
Plumbing
When the temperatures drop this low, it's very easy for your water pipes to freeze. When that happens, it can cause cracks and even major breaks in the pipes. To help prevent this from happening in your home, it could be a good idea to "drip" the faucets. This means to turn the faucets on and allow a slight drip - at least 5 drips per minute. This keeps water flowing through the pipes and allows for the expansion that can happen when water freezes and rethaws. It's also a good idea to open the cabinets so that the heat from the house can get to the pipes under the sinks and keep them warmer. If they start to freeze, you may choose to point a portable space heater to the underside of the sink's piping. Just make sure to remove any chemicals and cleaning products that are heat sensitive first.
Windows
Windows and glass doors are a big source of heat loss in a house. In order to conserve energy and preserve the heat inside the house, improve the sealing of these spots. There are some kits that can be heat sealed onto your windows. You can also tape thick blankets, towels, or pillows on your windows to add insulation between the freezing outdoors and the interior of your home. Dry, cold air can also cause the sealant around your windows and doors to crack, so you may want to reseal them with fresh caulk.
HVAC Units
Your furnace may have a hard time keeping up with such low temperatures. If you are feeling cold air coming out of your vents instead of hot, then there could be a serious issue outside. Go outside and check your furnace to see if there are any obvious issues. For example, some units have had frozen condensation drain lines that affected the furnace's ability to turn on properly. Make sure to call an HVAC professional to come check your unit if it's not keeping your home as warm as it should.
Life at the Lake of the Ozarks
Homes at the Lake of the Ozarks are designed to withstand typical Missouri winters which can get very cold. However, they are not usually designed to take on negative temperatures for this long. Be careful and make sure your home is well-insulated to protect yourself and your family during this weather. After being stuck inside for so long, you may be ready for a change... Give John Elliott Interiors a call for the best interior design at the Lake of the Ozarks! We can help create a fresh space you won't mind staying in.
