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
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.