A Lesson on Home Winterization from Mat-Su College
Contributed by Nick McDermott
As the crisp autumn air gives way to the looming chill of winter, homeowners are reminded of a critical task: winterizing their property. This annual practice is more than a simple chore; it’s a vital investment in your home’s longevity and your family’s comfort and safety. Taking proactive steps now can prevent costly damage, reduce energy bills, and ensure a warm and worry-free season.
Starting outside your home, it’s important to turn off the water supply to all exterior faucets from inside the house and disconnect and drain all outdoor hoses. Refrigeration and Heating Professor Chad Petrie says, “Few things can disrupt the holidays like the inconvenience and expense of burst pipes.” This is also a good time of year to have your chimney inspected and cleaned, and to check around your windows and exterior door frames to ensure there is a good seal. Fix and patch as needed, and remember, a door sweep or draft guard at the bottom of exterior doors can make a noticeable difference.
Now that the heat will stay where we want it, it’s time to fire it up (figuratively). Your heating, plumbing, and safety systems require special attention before winter sets in. Schedule an annual inspection and tune-up with a qualified HVAC professional to ensure your furnace or boiler is operating safely and efficiently. Chad shares, “A simple professional inspection won’t run you very much money but can save you time and expense, possibly preventing the heat from going out when it’s 50 degrees below freezing.” This is also a good time to replace your furnace filter, as a clean filter will improve air quality and reduce your heating system’s workload.
The days of the celebrated and heroic Maytag repairman may be relegated to the nostalgia centers of our brains, but the time and effort these professionals put in to protect us from the elements make them unrecognized lifesavers every day.
The Refrigeration and Heating program at Mat-Su College is a proven training ground for those interested in this vital and in-demand set of skills. The program can be completed in two semesters, and graduates have many career opportunities, can specialize in specific areas, and often graduate with a job in hand.
With the onset of winter being unavoidable, why not learn how to minimize any negative impact from the cold while supporting yourself and your family?
For more info on this and all the programs available at Mat-Su College, visit mat.su.alaska.edu.