If you've been out shopping recently, you've probably noticed one thing: Christmas stuff is already starting to show up on the shelves. And while Christmas itself may still be a couple of months away, all that festive merchandise is a good reminder that cold weather may already be upon us. After all, cold weather can set in pretty early here in Kansas, and the average date for the first freeze of the year here in Olathe is October 23rd, according to the National Weather Service.
That means that while you're out enjoying your pumpkin spice lattes and watching the changing leaves, you should also be thinking about getting your plumbing and HVAC systems ready for cold weather. Here are a few tips from Davenport Services, your source for plumbing and HVAC services in Olathe:
Know where the main shutoff valve in your home is, and make sure everyone else in the house knows it, too. If your pipes do burst, you don't want to have to wait until the plumber arrives to be able to turn off the water. In most houses the main shutoff valve is located near the water meter or in the same area as your furnace.
Don't leave hoses connected outdoors. Hoses connected to outdoor faucets can freeze, causing damage to the faucet and the hose. Drain hoses and store them indoors, and turn off and cover outdoor faucets.
Keep your gutters clean! Fall is a bad time for gutters in Kansas. Lots of rainy weather gives them a workout, and falling leaves can clog them up pretty quickly. A clogged gutter is more than an inconvenience; it can lead to standing water that can cause serious and costly damage. So the beginning of fall is a perfect time to get your gutters cleaned, and keep an eye on them throughout the season to make sure they stay that way.
Now's a good time to check on your water heater. It'll be getting a lot more of a workout once cold weather sets in, and it's a good idea to drain and do a routine maintenance check on your water heater at least once a year, so fall is a good benchmark.
Speaking of checks, have your HVAC system inspected. The switchover from cooling to heating may not seem like a very big deal, but that's only because we rely on systems that take care of most of the heavy lifting for us. Those systems still need to be maintained if you want them to keep working, and the switch from summer to fall is a perfect time to have your system checked out. It's more than just cleaning filters; make sure a licensed HVAC specialist checks out your entire system. Don't just focus on the heater, either. Your AC unit has been running all summer, and if it has developed any leaks or other issues and they're left to sit unaddressed all winter, you'll be sorry when the time comes to fire it back up again next season.
Fall is also a good time to check in with your parents or with any older or ill neighbors and see if they need any help with their HVAC system, plumbing, or gutters. And of course, for anyone who needs plumbing or HVAC services in Olathe, Davenport Service Company wants to be your go-to spot. We've been serving Olathe for more than three decades, and we'll be happy to help you with anything you might need!
Founded in 1980, Davenport Service Company has provided "Customer First" service in Johnson County, Kansas for over three decades. We provide 24/7 emergency service, preventive maintenance service, and seasonal tune-ups for commercial and residential heating and air conditioning systems. If you're looking for a furnace tune-up in Olathe, call 913-441-2222 for hassle-free scheduling today!
