We are seldom exposed to the low temperatures that are currently in the Atlanta area. Here are a few tips that may prevent you from costly repair bills.
1. Go to each of your outside water faucets and remove the garden hose. Removing the hose will allow any excess water to escape from the faucet and will help to prevent the faucet from freezing. If there is a cutoff for the outside faucets on the interior of the house, it is a good idea to trun the water supply off there as well.
2. Make sure your HVAC system has a clean filter in it. This will allow the furnace to work more efficently.
3. Many modern furnaces produce condensation during the summer using the AC side of the unit and in the winter using the heat side of the unit. On the outside of your house where the HVAC pressure lines come in from the compressor, there will often have a clear plastic tube that is used to drain the excess condensation from the system. When the temperatures are cold like they were today and tonight, ice can form at the end of this tube preventing the furnace from draining off the excess condensation. The furnace will often recongize that there is a line blockage and will shut itself down to prevent water from flooding the house. If you have not experienced problems with your furnace in the past and it suddenly ceases to provide warm air, check the condensation line for a ice blockage. You can always call a qualified HVAC technician to come check your furnace if other problems exist with your HVAC unit.
4. If your house has a crawl space or basement, take the time to visually check the space for water leaks after a spat with cold weather. You might catch a small leak that could amount to serious trouble over time.
I hope everyone makes it through our winter weather without incident. But remember, if you suspect a problem, the quicker you fix it, the less costly it will be in the long run.
