Get your home ready for Fall with these easy tips!

The temperature has suddenly dropped in Atlanta signaling the end of summer and cooler winter temperatures in the near future. Everyone in Atlanta remembers the great snow and ice-storms of 2014, and has learned the lesson that you shouldn’t wait for winter weather to find out you have a problem! Fall is the perfect time to do some preventive maintenance in your home and the best time to get your plumbing and electrical systems checked by a professional. Finding out ways to reduce energy costs as Daylight Savings Time ends, and making sure your plumbing system is in good working order can significantly reduce the chance that your pipes freeze in the event of an ice storm and can save homeowners money.

DISCONNECT GARDEN HOSES AND DRAIN OUTDOOR PIPES
If a garden hose is left connected during a cold spell, ice can form and pressure can increase in the water lines inside the home. Water in an outdoor pipe can freeze during the winter and since water expands when it freezes, this can cause outdoor or indoor pipes to burst.

COVER ALL EXPOSED PLUMBING PIPES
Take a look around your house and check for exposed plumbing pipes outside, in the basement and in the garage. Exposed pipes can be insulated with pipe-wrap tape or plumbing wrap that can be easily purchased at your local hardware store. Insulated pipes can prevent them from freezing over in the winter and help save on energy costs.

FLUSH YOUR WATER HEATER
As cooler temperatures arrive, it is expected that your hot water heater will now be kicked into full gear with everyone in the family taking hot showers and baths. Deposits and sediment can build up in the water heater and reduce its efficiency over time. Manufacturers recommend that your water heater is drained at least once a year to flush out deposits and to prevent it from malfunctioning. Fall is a good time to get that water heater flushed and working at its best to reduce your energy bills, and no one wants to have an unexpected cold shower in the middle of winter if the hot water heater malfunctions!

REDUCE ENERGY COSTS BY SWITCHING TO LED LIGHT BULBS
You might have sticker shock at first sight of the LED’s price, but in the long run, you will be saving lots of money and energy. According to the United States Department of Energy, LED bulbs use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting. LED lighting and LED fixtures are a great investment that saves money in the long run. The Georgia sales tax holiday for ENERGY STAR and Water Sense products will take place October 2 – 4, 2015 making it a great time to invest in energy-efficient and water-efficient products for your home. For more information or ideas on getting ready for winter weather and energy efficient solutions for your home, call Allgood Plumbing today or visit our website at www.callallgood.com.