As the days grow shorter and the temperature drops across the Treasure Valley, now is the perfect time to make sure your home is ready for winter. A few smart steps can help you avoid expensive repairs, lower your utility bills, and keep your home warm and comfortable.
Here are some practical HVAC, plumbing, and electrical winterizing tips every Boise homeowner should know.
HVAC: Keep Your Furnace Ready for the Cold
Your heating system works hard all winter long, so a little preparation now can make a big difference later.
Replace Your Air Filter:
A clean filter helps your furnace breathe easier and heat more efficiently. Replace it every 1 to 3 months to keep your system running smoothly. If you have a 1" filter, change it every month, or more frequently if you have pets or usage of your system is high. If you have a 4" filter, change this every 3-6 months, or more frequently if you have pets or usage of your system is high.Check Vents and Registers:
Make sure furniture or curtains aren’t blocking airflow. Clear vents help heat spread evenly through your home.Test Your Thermostat:
Turn your thermostat to “heat” and raise the temperature a few degrees. If your furnace doesn’t start up, it may need a tune-up or repair.Schedule a Furnace Inspection:
Regular maintenance prevents breakdowns during freezing nights. A Diamond Heating technician will clean and inspect your system, check for carbon monoxide leaks, and make sure it’s running safely and efficiently.
Plumbing: Prevent Frozen Pipes Before They Burst
Winter plumbing issues are common in Idaho, especially when temperatures dip below freezing. Use these simple steps to protect your pipes:
Insulate Exposed Pipes:
Pipes in garages, crawl spaces, and basements should be wrapped in foam insulation sleeves. It’s a small investment that can save thousands in water damage.Disconnect Outdoor Hoses:
Drain and store hoses, then shut off and drain outdoor faucets. Ice inside hose bibs is a major cause of burst pipes.Let Faucets Drip on Cold Nights:
A small trickle of water keeps pipes from freezing solid when the temperature drops sharply overnight.Locate Your Main Shut-Off Valve:
If a pipe does burst, shutting off the water fast can limit damage. If you’re not sure where your shut-off is, our Diamond plumbing team can help you find and label it.
Electrical: Keep Your Home Safe and Powered Up
Winter storms and cold weather can strain your home’s electrical system. Stay safe with these electrical winterizing tips:
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors:
With furnaces and fireplaces running, it’s crucial to ensure detectors are working properly. Replace batteries twice a year.Inspect Extension Cords and Space Heaters:
Check cords for fraying or cracks, and avoid plugging heaters into extension cords. Always plug them directly into a wall outlet.Install a Whole-Home Surge Protector:
Power surges during storms can damage your electronics and appliances. A Diamond electrician can install a surge protector to keep your system safe.Consider a Standby Generator:
If you live in an area that loses power during storms, a standby generator can keep your heat, fridge, and lights running until power is restored.
A Little Preparation Brings Big Peace of Mind
Winterizing your home isn’t just about comfort, it’s about protection. Taking a weekend to prepare your HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems can save you stress and money when temperatures drop.
If you’d rather leave it to the professionals, Diamond Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Electric is here to help. From furnace tune-ups and plumbing winterization to electrical safety inspections, our experienced team can make sure your Boise home is ready for winter.
📞 Call Diamond today or schedule online to winterize your home with trusted local experts who have been keeping Idaho homes safe and comfortable for over 25 years.