Look at the insulation across the attic rather than checking only one spot. If it is level with or below the tops of the floor joists and the joists are easily visible, additional insulation may be needed....

A hair dryer can be used to apply gradual heat to an accessible frozen pipe. Keep electrical equipment away from standing water and use caution. Never use an open flame to thaw plumbing. A portable space...

Keep the heat on and maintain a consistent indoor temperature. During extreme cold, consider allowing a small amount of water to drip from faucets supplied by vulnerable pipes and open appropriate sink...

Frequent cycling can be caused by restricted airflow, a dirty filter, thermostat problems, an oversized furnace, overheating, or other mechanical issues. If changing a dirty filter doesn’t resolve the...

For many residential heating systems, annual professional maintenance is a good practice, with fall being a convenient time for a pre-season inspection. Your furnace manufacturer may have specific maintenance...

Yes. It’s a good idea to test your furnace before cold weather arrives. Set the thermostat to Heat and raise the temperature enough to activate the system. Make sure the furnace starts normally, warm...

Caulk can be useful for sealing appropriate stationary gaps around window frames and trim. However, don’t caulk moving parts or block drainage openings designed to allow water to escape. How to Seal...

Not necessarily. Drafts can sometimes be corrected with weatherstripping, caulk, adjustments, or other repairs. Replacement may make sense when windows are badly damaged, inefficient, improperly installed,...

Yes. Disconnect garden hoses and other attachments from outdoor faucets before freezing weather. This is particularly important for frost-free faucets because a connected hose can interfere with proper...

Yes. Because warm air naturally rises, upstairs rooms are usually a few degrees warmer. However, if the difference is significant, poor airflow, inadequate insulation, or HVAC issues may be contributing....