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How Can I Prevent My Pipes From Freezing During Maryland’s Cold Spells?

Maryland has relatively mild winters. The average temperature typically stays above freezing, with only the occasional cold snap. However, when those stretches of frigid weather arrive, you might be concerned and wondering, “How can I prevent my pipes from freezing? 

The good news is that pipes will only freeze when exposed to low temperatures for an extended period. In most cases, as long as your furnace is running and your home stays warm, you won’t have any trouble. Still, if you want to be sure that the water inside the pipes won’t freeze and cause them to burst, there are a few preventive measures you can take. 

Invest in Furnace Maintenance

Keeping pipes warm is the key to avoiding a messy disaster. One of the first things we recommend when customers ask, “How do I prevent my pipes from freezing?” is investing in furnace maintenance before the cold weather arrives. A well-maintained furnace is considerably less likely to break down and will keep your home warm enough so the pipes don’t freeze. 

Protect Pipes in Exposed Areas 

Exposed water pipes that travel through colder parts of your home, like the basement, crawlspace, or attic, are more likely to freeze than interior pipes when the temperature drops. Insulating water pipes in these areas can keep them warm. Ask a plumber about adding thermostatic heat tape or heating cables to ensure consistent warmth. 

Open Cabinets 

Wondering about how to avoid frozen pipes? During cold spells, opening the cabinet doors allows warm air to circulate around the pipes and keep them warm. 

Block Cold Air 

Keeping your home warm is just as much a matter of keeping cold air out as it is about producing heat. Before winter arrives, inspect your home for air leaks, especially in the attic and basement and around windows and doors. Seal them with weather stripping and caulking, use draft stoppers, and cover your windows with insulated drapes or shades to keep your home toasty warm and more energy efficient.

Turn on the Faucets 

During extremely cold weather, turn on the faucets to let a slow, continuous stream of water flow. Maintaining water flow through the pipes can prevent freezing. 

Protect Outdoor Plumbing 

When people ask, “How do I prevent my pipes from freezing?” they cannot overlook the importance of winterizing outdoor plumbing. Turning off the water supply to spigots, disconnecting and draining hoses, and protecting external faucets with insulated covers can reduce exposure to freezing temperatures and the risk of a frozen pipe. 

Protect Your Pipes This Winter With Help From J.C. Warner HVAC 

When you call J.C. Warner HVAC in Queenstown, MD, our licensed plumbers will make sure you have all the winter plumbing tips you need. 

Are you having problems and need plumbing emergency solutions? We’re here to help with that, too. Call (410) 758-2278, and we’ll be there to help right away. 

What’s the Best Way to Prepare My Heat Pump for Colder Months in Maryland?

The Mid-Atlantic states have mild winters compared to our neighbors to the north, making a heat pump an ideal choice for energy-efficient heating. However, like any heating system, heat pumps require ongoing maintenance to work reliably.

Heat pump maintenance isn’t difficult, and spending a few hours checking some important tasks off your winter preparation checklist can keep your home warm and cozy on even the chilliest days. 

The Three Critical Heat Pump Preparation Tasks for Maryland Homeowners 

For homeowners who want to know the best way to prep their heat pump, the answer comes down to three main tasks: a professional system inspection, outdoor unit protection, and updating the thermostat settings. 

Schedule an HVAC Maintenance Appointment 

Heat pumps typically need professional maintenance twice a year, at the start of the cooling and heating seasons. During these visits, a technician will change the air filter, check all the critical components (including the electrical wiring, motor, and coils), recalibrate the thermostat, and make sure that there aren’t any issues that could cause a breakdown later on. The system inspection and tune-up help maintain energy efficiency and keep your costs down.

During the visit, the technician will also provide tips and recommendations for maximum heat pump performance. For example, making insulation improvements and adding more protection in the attic can help reduce heat loss and wear and tear on the heat pump.  

Protect the Outdoor Unit 

The outdoor unit requires plenty of space around it to maximize airflow, but you should take steps to protect it from snow and ice. Even though Maryland winters aren’t necessarily as fierce as elsewhere, the outdoor unit can still sustain damage from falling icicles or snow from the roof. 

To get the system ready for winter, install a cover (ideally one designed by the manufacturer) to protect the unit from hazards. Some homeowners also opt to add a windbreak to improve heat pump performance, but be careful to avoid impeding airflow. 

Adjust the Thermostat 

To ensure that the heat pump produces enough warmth to keep your home warm, be sure to switch the thermostat to “heat.” This should trigger the reversing valve to engage and tell the unit to pull heat from outside and blow it into your home. 

Now is also a great time to check your thermostat settings and confirm that they are ideal for winter temperatures. You may need to make some changes to ensure your home remains comfortable without wasting energy to keep it excessively warm when no one’s at home. 

Let J.C. Warner HVAC Help With Your Winter Preparations 

Call J.C. Warner HVAC at (410) 758-2278 and schedule a system inspection and maintenance visit. We’ll make sure everything is ready for when the temperatures drop and the snow flies. Contact us today.

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