Ok Calgarians – this weather cannot last forever!!!!! We can only HOPE that these tips won’t be needed in the months ahead, but you may want to keep this handy -
just in case.
Freezing Pipes
As long as the home is above freezing, pipes should continue to operate properly. If the house temperature drops below freezing, issues will develop. In these instances I advise running a bit of water at every tap. This keeps the pipes from freezing. Additionally, remember that the water in traps below every fixture and floor drain are also at risk of freezing. In general, it doesn’t make sense to shut off the water altogether and drain the pipes, unless the house is below freezing for an extended period of time or if the home is vacant.
If the situation is long-term, shutting off water and draining pipes may prevent flooding damage if pipes burst. Proper winterization includes removing water from traps and other low-lying areas, or replacing the water with antifreeze. There may be localized damage to areas where water was not drained or protected with antifreeze, but in severe conditions that may be the best you can hope for. If your home has a hot water boiler and radiators, turning it off and draining it will probably leave water in low spots. This can lead to expensive damage.
Adding Heat
Focus on heating just one room, preferably one with little or no exterior wall surface. You will not be able to heat the whole house. Insulate the doors and windows of the room you are heating - as much as possible. Operating gas or wood burning fireplaces will add heat, but make sure you have adequate air for safe combustion. Gas fireplaces are typically more efficient than wood fireplaces. Wood stoves are much more efficient than open wood-burning fireplaces.
Candles used for light or heat create the risks of both starting a fire and creating toxic gases such as carbon monoxide. Have a battery powered smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector on hand if possible.
Do not bring your BBQ inside to generate heat, and do not try to use your gas stove for heat. If you have a gas or propane generator, run it outdoors; never indoors. The carbon monoxide gas from these devices may kill you.
Ok Calgarians – this weather cannot last forever!!!!! We can only HOPE that these tips won’t be needed in the months ahead, but you may want to keep this handy - just in case.
Freezing Pipes
As long as the home is above freezing, pipes should continue to operate properly. If the house temperature drops below freezing, issues will develop. In these instances I advise running a bit of water at every tap. This keeps the pipes from freezing. Additionally, remember that the water in traps below every fixture and floor drain are also at risk of freezing. In general, it doesn’t make sense to shut off the water altogether and drain the pipes, unless the house is below freezing for an extended period of time or if the home is vacant.
If the situation is long-term, shutting off water and draining pipes may prevent flooding damage if pipes burst. Proper winterization includes removing water from traps and other low-lying areas, or replacing the water with antifreeze. There may be localized damage to areas where water was not drained or protected with antifreeze, but in severe conditions that may be the best you can hope for. If your home has a hot water boiler and radiators, turning it off and draining it will probably leave water in low spots. This can lead to expensive damage.
Adding Heat
Focus on heating just one room, preferably one with little or no exterior wall surface. You will not be able to heat the whole house. Insulate the doors and windows of the room you are heating - as much as possible. Operating gas or wood burning fireplaces will add heat, but make sure you have adequate air for safe combustion. Gas fireplaces are typically more efficient than wood fireplaces. Wood stoves are much more efficient than open wood-burning fireplaces.
Candles used for light or heat create the risks of both starting a fire and creating toxic gases such as carbon monoxide. Have a battery powered smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector on hand if possible.
Do not bring your BBQ inside to generate heat, and do not try to use your gas stove for heat. If you have a gas or propane generator, run it outdoors; never indoors. The carbon monoxide gas from these devices may kill you.