Freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on your home and cause lasting damage. Luckily, you can protect your property and stay more comfortable by making a few quick fixes and tweaks around the house.

Change Your Thermostat Batteries
Your thermostat serves as the brain of your residential HVAC system. Even an efficient, modern HVAC will see performance hiccups as thermostat batteries drain. It may read temperatures inaccurately, cycle frequently, and waste energy. In most cases, however, all you need is new batteries.

Set Your Faucets to Drip
Frozen pipes are a major hazard that can cause damage and flooding throughout your home. If a faucet is located on an exterior wall, slightly open both your hot and cold lines to let the fixture drip. Be sure outdoor fixtures are turned off and the lines are completely drained.

Add Insulation to Your Attic
Insulation works together with your HVAC system to help you stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. The more insulation you have, the easier it will be to adjust your indoor temperature with minimal energy waste. Basements and attics are ideal places to start.

Keep Outdoor HVAC Components Clean
After snow or rain, be sure that any outdoor cooling or heating components are clean. It’s vital not to let vents become clogged by leaves, slush, or ice. You can use landscaping, such as shrubs and sculptures, to create windbreaks for components and stop them from getting clogged.

Replace Your Furnace Air Filters
If it’s winter, it’s about time to take a look at your furnace air filters. Clean, tidy filters help to enhance airflow inside your home, keeping you toasty without drawing too much electricity. Filters should be maintained every six months; you may need to wash them out or replace them.

Clean Out Your Gutters
It’s a chore nobody looks forward, but very important for preserving the value and safety of your home. When gutters become too full, they can lead to ice build-up on the roof and cause improper drainage – water soaks into the ground near the building and erodes the foundation.

Last but not least: To stay comfortable in every season, consider calling the professionals to perform preventative maintenance on your HVAC system. In addition to better performance, you’ll save money by avoiding costly repairs in the long run.