Surviving the Winter Freeze - To Do and Not To Do
It’s winter, and we are doing our best to survive it. There are a lot of things about winter that are uncomfortable and inconvenient, but high up on that list is going out to start your car in the morning only to find your door locks are frozen. What’s worse than that? What about finally getting home in the evening and being frozen out of your house! Frozen pipes that cause water damage? All of these are hazards that we can cause you inconveniences, cost you time or money….. read on to see how you can survive them.
We’ve all read the headlines, “Be sure to wash the salt off your car!” right? The carwash lines are crazy after we’ve had winter weather, and it makes sense. You want to get that grime off and keep your car in pristine condition. What those news stories don’t mention, and the carwashes aren’t clarifying, is that it is important to make sure that when you wash your car in the wintertime you have to make sure to get it very dry! If your temperatures are below freezing, washing your car and letting it sit can cause frozen locks. These can cause, inconvenience and expense.
A few helpful tips:
Wash your car on the way to work when it will be parked in the sun, during the warmer temperatures. (If the temperatures are warming during the day.)
Wash your car on the way home from work if you park in the garage.
Lubricate your locks often. This will keep your locks in good working order and prevents freezing (lubricating agents include anti-freeze properties)
Frozen house locks are just as frustrating as car locks. Fortunately, most homes have more than one door that you can usually get into your home, but a frozen lock can still cause problems. The best way to prevent frozen locks is to keep them lubricated. The lock freezes from moisture inside the locking mechanism, and proper lubrication can eliminate that. We recommend lubricating your locks in the fall, before the first freeze of the year to ensure proper functionality as well as preventing freezing.
Not only are frozen pipes inconvenient, but they can also cause damage that can cost thousands of dollars to repair. Busted pipes are an extreme risk in unoccupied homes and rental properties. Pipes exposed to extremely cold temperatures are most susceptible to damage including those outside of the home, and water supply lines in unheated areas like basements, attics, and kitchen cabinets. These pipes are often not seen, and damage to them can go unnoticed. Leaks can cause expensive water bills, even if there is not damage done.
Learn more about our Smart Water Valve and Meter. This smart meter is a great addition to any unoccupied home. It can save you worry and expense!
We are all just doing our best to survive until Spring! Hopefully these tips and tricks will help you get through until the days are warmer and the sun shines! If we can help you with any of your lock or security needs, contact us anytime!