Stay ahead of the cold: winter prep tips.
Winters in the Hudson Valley can turn on a dime. One day mild, the next day a deep freeze that settles in for a week. At Carpenter & Smith, we know how quickly temperatures can drop across Dutchess, Ulster and the surrounding communities, and how important it is to keep your home protected when that happens. A little preparation now can go a long way toward preventing frozen pipes, no heat situations and the stress that comes with sudden winter weather later.
Use these easy-to-follow tips to help your home stay warm, safe and ready for whatever the next cold snap brings.
Heating and home comfort
- Keep warm air moving – Make sure vents, radiators and baseboards aren’t blocked so heat can circulate throughout your home.
- Give your heating system some attention – Clean or replace your air filter to help your system run efficiently and avoid unnecessary strain.
- Use space heaters wisely – Keep them at least three feet from anything flammable and plug them directly into a wall outlet.
- Know who to call – Keep your utility and fuel delivery contacts handy so you’re not scrambling during an emergency.
Pipe and plumbing protection
- Let water trickle during extreme cold – A slow drip can help prevent pipes from freezing.
- Warm up exposed plumbing – Open cabinet doors on exterior walls to let heat reach vulnerable pipes.
- Add insulation where it counts – Basements, crawl spaces and unheated rooms benefit from pipe insulation to reduce freeze risk.
Home access and safety
- Clear snow and ice around your driveway and fill pipe – This ensures fuel delivery drivers and utility crews can reach your home safely.
- Mark your fill area – Use a stake or flag if snow is deep or visibility is low.
- Check carbon monoxide detectors – Replace batteries and confirm alarms are working, especially during long stretches of extreme cold.
Power and prepardeness
- Charge essential devices – Phones, flashlights, battery packs and backup generators should be ready before a storm hits.
- Plan for outages – Keep flashlights, blankets and bottled water in an easy-to-reach spot.
- Check your thermostat batteries – Fresh batteries help prevent unexpected heat loss.
- Seal up drafts – Weatherstripping or rolled towels can help keep warm air inside and cold air out.
Carpenter & Smith is always here for you.
When winter weather gets tough, homeowners across the Hudson Valley rely on Carpenter & Smith for fast, dependable service. If your heat goes out or you’re facing a cold weather emergency, our local team is ready 24/7 to help keep your home safe and warm.
For more seasonal tips, updates and winter alerts, follow us on social media and remember, we’re just a call away when you need us most.
