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Here are some ways to prevent frozen pipes:  Insulate pipes: Insulate water supply lines to protect them from cold temperatures.  Keep the thermostat up: Keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F during cold weather.  Open cabinet doors: Open cabinet doors in your kitchen and bathrooms to allow warm air to...

To prepare your house for a Minnesota winter, you should: clean your gutters, inspect your attic, insulate pipes, test your heating system, seal air leaks around windows and doors, change your furnace filter, trim tree branches near your house, consider a programmable thermostat, and stock up on winter supplies...

Open cupboards and vanities to warm pipes. Close inside valves that control the water supply. Open the outside spigots to allow to drain water out. Keep outside valves open so water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing a break. Does wrapping pipes keep them from freezing?...

You should add insulation to your attic if you notice any of the following signs:  High energy bills If your energy bills are increasing for no apparent reason, your attic may be under-insulated.  Temperature fluctuations If your home has different temperatures in different rooms, or if you have...

Here are some ways to test your heating system:  Check the thermostat: Set the thermostat to heat mode and turn the temperature up a few degrees above the room temperature. If the heat doesn't come on, check the thermostat batteries or replace it.  Check for strange noises: Turn on the furnace...

Yes, you should reverse your ceiling fan blades in the winter, as this allows them to rotate clockwise, which creates an updraft that pushes warm air that rises to the ceiling back into the room, helping to distribute heat more evenly and potentially lowering your heating costs.  Key...

To drain exterior faucets, you can:  Turn off the water supply: Locate the shut-off valve for the exterior faucets and turn it off. This valve may be located near the water heater, on the outside of the house, under the sink, or behind the toilet.  Disconnect the hose: Unplug any hoses...

Most professionals recommend you to have your gutters inspected at least 1-2 times a year in the spring and fall.  But where you live also plays a factor. For gutter cleaning in Seattle, where it rains the majority of the year, you might have to have it done...

The easiest and cheapest way to insulate your windows is to apply weather stripping around the window frame, which seals gaps and prevents drafts, making it a simple and affordable solution to insulate your windows.  Other inexpensive options include:  Caulking: Sealing cracks and gaps around the window frame with...

A smoke detector beeps for several reasons, including:  Low battery The most common reason for a beeping smoke detector is a low battery. The alarm will usually emit a single beep every 30–60 seconds to indicate that the batteries need to be replaced.  Dirty smoke detector Dust, dirt, and...

1. Remove the cover Most smoke detectors can be opened by twisting them, but some may have a plastic lock that requires a screwdriver, or you may need to pop it open with your fingers. 2. Replace the battery Take out the old battery and put in the...

Smoke alarms Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including outside of sleeping areas. Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of everyone in your family, including those with disabilities.  Electrical safety Check electrical wiring for frayed or exposed wires, and replace any that are damaged. Don't overload...