shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com September 18, 2018 • Page 9 Fall Home Improvement & Car Care Protect Your Home (And More) From Winter’s Freeze Freezing temperatures may be good for ice skating or building snowmen, but subfreezing temperatures can be dangerous for the average person and his or her home. Cold weather often leaves people scurrying to do whatever is necessary to safeguard themselves from the big chill. But it’s important homeowners also protect their homes in cold weather. Plumbing Plumbing and pipes may be vulnerable to cold weather. Frozen pipes may burst and cause substantial damage to a home, potentially causing flooding and structural damage. Homeowners should disconnect and drain garden hoses before winter arrives. Water to outdoor hose bibs should be turned off, though the valves on these outdoor faucets should be left open to drain. Also, outdoor faucets can be covered with insulating foam covers. The Red Cross says pipes that freeze most frequently include pipes in unheated areas, such as basements, attics, garages, and crawl spaces. Close vents to the outside in areas like attics and basements to limit the amount of cold air that gets indoors. Think about insulating unheated areas, as well as using pipe sleeves, heat tape or wraps on exposed pipes. By opening kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors, homeowners can allow warm air from a home to reach pipes under the sink. During extreme freezes, keep cold water dripping from a sink to prevent pipes from freezing. Service HVAC systems It’s important to ensure that heating systems are working properly prior to the cold-weather season. It may only take hours for the interior of a home to reach dangerously low temperatures without adequate heat. Homeowners should schedule annual checkups of furnaces and hot water heaters. Inspect the heat exchanger for cracks, install a clean air filter and make sure all thermostats are working properly. Have fuel ready Homeowners who heat their homes with oil, wood or coal should make sure they have plenty of fuel on hand in advance of winter. Shortages can occur, and it may take some time for new fuel to arrive in the midst of a cold snap. As a precaution, homeowners can rely on portable space heaters to fill in the heating gaps during freezing temperatures. Exercise extreme caution with these devices, turning them off when leaving the room and remembering to avoid overloading outlets. Protect outside Drain birdbaths, clean out downspouts and remove water from other items where water can freeze and cause damage. Inspect roofing prior to the snowy season, but stay off roofs during freezing weather. Remove snow shovels and other winter gear from storage and make sure the items are easily accessible during snowstorms. Winter’s bite can be severe. Homeowners can protect themselves and their properties when the freeze sets in. Did You Know? According to Energy Star, the U.S. Department of Energy and Consumer Reports, homeowners who want to curb their energy consumption can consider upgrading, repairing or replacing the biggest energy consumers in their homes. The following appliances tend to consume the most energy in a typical home. • Heating & cooling unit: Nearly half of all energy used in a home is consumed by HVAC systems. Regularly inspecting and servicing the system can conserve energy and save money. • Water heater: Energy Star suggests ? MetroCreativeConnection Andersen® Rated the highest quality windows and patio doors by professional builders. replacing water heaters that are more than 10 years old. Also, washing clothes in cold water can reduce energy consumption. • Kitchen/laundry appliances: Trade in old appliances for new models, which are more energy-efficient. For example, an Energy Star-rated refrigerator uses 50 percent less energy to run than a refrigerator manufactured 15 years ago. Innovations in laundry appliances also help make units more efficient without compromising on performance. ? MetroCreativeConnection Come Check Out Our All Star Lineup Of... Power equipment at your locally owned and operated... Kopetsky’s Hardware 2404 Broadway Ave. Yankton 605-260-2813 Monday-Friday 8-8, Saturday 8-6, Sunday 10-5 www.kopetskysace.com Merkel Electric, Inc dba Johnson Electric Rick Merkel • Ben Merkel Chris Merkel • Rural • Residential • Commercial • Electrical • Telephone • Overhead Wiring • Trenching • Bucker Truck Reaches 80’ • Digger Truck Fast Courteous Service 500 W. 12th, Yankton 665-5686 Plan Design • Estimating • Showrooms • Truss Plants • Installed Sales • Millwork Shops Builder References • Project Consultation • Delivery Coordination • Financial Arrangements Quality Building Materials • Knowledgeable Sales Team & Support Staff 2409 N. Broadway, Yankton 605-665-9651 Fall Flooring Festival • Carpet • Vinyl • Tile • Wood • Laminate en Carpet Lars Sales & Installation 208 Walnut Meridian District 605.665.2067 Serving Yankton And The Surrounding Communities For Over 40 Years