Furnace Exhaust vents:
- just as breathing is important to us, it is important for our furnaces to be able to breathe as well. Without the intake and exhaust lines (pictured below) fully clear from obstruction our furnaces will face a decrease in efficiency as well as effectively venting the harmful exhaust fumes such as Carbon Monoxide.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- noted in the above section carbon monoxide is one of the most dangerous exhaust gases our homes produce. It is odorless and colorless making the necessity for properly functioning Carbon Monoxide detectors even greater during a winter storm.
Downed Power lines
- Be sure to keep an eye out for any overhead powerlines that may be at risk of being struck by tree limbs throughout the year. As the snow weigh the branches down, they can come in contact with your power lines and sometimes even tear them down.
Concrete safe Ice Melt:
- If you have a concrete walkway or patio covered in ice, this can be a major safety concern. When remediating ice, make sure you are protecting your investment and using concrete safe Ice melt! Rock salt or sodium based ice melts are corrosive to concrete. Make sure the ice melt you are using is Potassium Chloride, Magnesium chloride or calcium chloride based Ice melt.
Frozen Plumbing Vents:
If you are noticing a smell similar to that of driving to closely behind a sewage truck after using a sink or a shower during the winter, a likely cause could be a frozen vent pipe. Steam produced by hot water in the winter can freeze to the inside of your plumbing vent lines and eventually close off the vent line. Make sure you contact a professional to clear this blockage to make sure your plumbing lines are all functioning correctly.
Home Damages can and WILL Happen!
- Don't be discouraged! Homeownership is challenging to all of us. Unexpected maintenance and damages can certainly kill the buzz of the joys of a fresh snowfall. But do not forget that Capital Region Construction is just a phone call away for any repairs or maintenance that you may encounter.