Home Winterization

Early November traditionally brings below freezing temperatures to Albuquerque. To avoid costly repairs for things like frozen or burst pipes, leaks, and water damage, it’s critical that all heating and cooling systems in the  home be winterized. These simple steps below can also help you save on heating and other utility bills during the winter.

 Winterizing your swamp cooler:
 1)      Turn off water, disconnect and drain the water supply line
 2)      Drain the swamp cooler pan
 3)      Unplug pump and fan
 4)      Oil the swamp cooler fan bearings
 5)      Install the cookie sheet under swamp cooler pan or inside the swamp cooler under the fan to prevent heat from escaping
 6)      Cover swamp cooler with swamp cooler cover
 7)      If your swamp cooler vents directly down into your home, install R-32 fiberglass insulation in the duct above the cooler grill on the ceiling

 Prepare your furnace for winter use:
 1)      Replace the furnace filter located above or below your furnace or in the return grill
 2)      Remove the cookie sheet from the duct above the furnace and store until Spring or turn the damper handles located      above your furnace from “Summer” (S) to “Winter” (W)
 3)      Remove any air closure from the return air grill and store it until Spring
 
 General Damage Control:
 1)      Disconnect gardening hoses
 2)      Use a hose bib cover over exterior spigots (a towel wrapped around the spigot can be used as a substitute)
 3)      Turn off irrigation sprinklers
 4)      Leave cabinet doors open where you have sinks adjacent to exterior walls to let warm air in
 5)      Keep your thermostat consistent during day and night to regulate interior home temperatures