Allen Edwin Homes

2186 E. Centre Street

Portage, MI 49002

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Fall & Winter Tips

As we watch the leaves turn and snowflakes fall, the Customer Care Department would like to share some helpful reminders for weather-sensitive issues. We recommend reviewing our New Home Care Guidelines document for additional information. 


Please take a moment to help ensure your home is ready for the seasonal changes.


  • Turn your humidifier to winter mode
  • Change your furnace filter
  • Check thermostat batteries, set to “Heat”, “Auto” and at a higher temperature then currently in your home
  • Keep your garage door closed
  • Lubricate your garage door
  • Clean gutters
  • Remove hoses from all outdoor spigots
  • Winterize your irrigation system


As we prepare for the upcoming cold season, meteorologists are predicting we could experience another frigid winter. Unfortunately, this puts every home at risk for frozen pipes. When the temperature drops below 32°F, water pipes can freeze. Frozen pipes can burst and flood the home when they thaw. When a pipe bursts from the freeze, you will either hear or see the water leaking out. If you suspect a frozen water pipe, please turn off the water at the main shut-off value to stop flooding and water loss should a pipe burst. Please note that frozen or burst pipes are only warrantied during the first year of coverage, if the temperature at the time of damage is zero degrees Fahrenheit (0°F) or above and not due to a lack of homeowner maintenance or heat.


Here are some tips you may want to consider in order to protect your home:

Suggestions to prevent frozen pipes:

  • Remove garden hose and any attachments from the spigot before cold weather to prevent the hose bib from freezing.
  • Keep your home heated at a comfortable temperature - at least 65°F.
  • Do not leave the garage door open for extended periods of time.

 

During extremely low temperatures:

  • Keep all the faucets, both hot and cold, dripping at a slow pace.
  • Leave closet and cabinet doors open so that the pipes can be exposed to warm air.
  • Keep garage doors closed


When leaving the home for an extended time during cold weather it is best to:

  • Shut off the water supply at the water meter.
  • Drain all the pipes by opening all the faucets and flushing the toilets or hire a plumber to flush the water out of the lines.
  • Keep heat on in the home – at least 65°F.


If the temperature drops to below zero for an extended period, it is possible that pipes may still freeze if the above precautions are taken.


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