Love it or hate it, winter is a New Jersey reality. That one time Winter of year that most people love or hate, with very few indifferent feelings.
In addition to sledding, skiing, and snowball fights, you can expect the season to bring ice, snow, sleet, and freezing temps. These conditions can make life temporarily more challenging but less so if you take the time to prepare.
Check out these winter survival solutions for an easier, more bearable experience.
De-Icing Cables –
Sure, a white fluffy blanket of freshly fallen snow looks pretty but left on your roof, it can lead to ice dams. De-icing cables positioned where ice is most likely to build up will melt accumulated snow before it can freeze and cause an ice dam.
Leak Detectors –
Imagine having the power to detect and stop a leak in its tracks, potentially preventing thousands of dollars of damage to your home and valuables. This isn’t the stuff of super-hero movies – all you need is a leak detector. Installed within range of a water-using appliance or pipe, the sensor detects water leaks and, if so, sounds an alarm and sends you a mobile alert so you can take swift action to eliminate or minimize damage.
Heat Tape – You know the importance of draining and shutting off outdoor spigots to prevent them from freezing, but what about other exposed pipes in your home, especially those in unheated areas? Wrap heat tape around metal or PVC pipes to keep them from getting too cold (or too hot). It’s a great, fast, and very affordable solution.
Whole-House Humidifier – Dry, itchy skin, chapped lips, lifeless hair, and even respiratory issues can all be caused by insufficient humidity in the air, a common problem during the winter months. Alleviate them all with a whole-house humidifier that connects to your existing HVAC system. It will add needed moisture as your furnace sends warm air through the ducts so you can breathe a little easier.
Radiant Heat Mats – Having a new driveway or walkway poured? Consider having radiant heat mats installed that will keep concrete surfaces ice-free all winter long and save you the back-breaking work of shoveling.
Ductless Heating System – If you use an unheated garage as a workshop, you no doubt find it hard to work when your hands are numb – assuming you even bother to try. A ductless heating system can turn any unheated space – garage or otherwise – into a perfectly comfortable place to live or work – or both. What’s more, you can purchase one system that provides warm and cool air for year-round comfort.
Anthony’s Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning can install or repair most of the items on this list. Plus, we have other solutions to help make winter even more fun or less painful – depending on your perspective. Contact us for service today.
