As the temperatures drop in Athens, it's a good idea to give your home a little attention to avoid expensive repairs later. Here is our checklist for January.
1. Protect Your Pipes
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Frozen pipes are the most common cause of winter water damage. When the forecast calls for freezing weather:
- Disconnect all garden hoses.
- Cover outdoor faucets with foam covers.
- Let indoor faucets drip a little during extreme cold.
2. Check Your Heating System
Before the coldest nights, change your HVAC filters. A dirty filter makes your system work harder, which raises your bill and could cause it to break down.
3. Smart Home Winterization
If you have a smart thermostat (like Nest or Ecobee), don't set 'Eco Mode' too low. I'd keep the house at least 60°F even when you're away to protect pipes and floors.
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure—especially when it comes to water damage."
4. Inspect the Roof
From the ground (use binoculars!), look for loose or missing shingles. Winter winds can turn a small flap into a big leak.