, 
, 
As winter temperatures drop, your home systems are put under serious stress. Plumbing lines face freezing risks, heating systems run nonstop, and electrical demand increases as households rely more on heaters, lighting, and appliances. Without proper preparation, small winter issues can quickly turn into expensive emergencies.
At Harts, our licensed plumbing, HVAC, and electrical professionals help homeowners prepare for cold weather every year. With decades of hands-on experience serving Washington homeowners, we’ve seen how proactive winterization can prevent major damage, reduce energy costs, and protect your home all season long.
Below is our expert guide to winterizing your home safely and effectively.
Prevent Frozen Pipes Before the Cold Sets In
Frozen pipes are one of the most common and costly winter home disasters. When water freezes, it expands—often causing pipes to crack or burst, leading to flooding, structural damage, and expensive repairs.
To prevent frozen pipes our plumbing experts recommend:
- Insulating exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls
- Disconnecting outdoor hoses and shutting off exterior water supply valves
- Sealing gaps or cracks where cold air can reach plumbing lines
- Keeping your thermostat set to a consistent temperature, even when away
- Letting faucets drip slightly during extreme cold to keep water moving
Frozen pipe damage often happens suddenly and without warning. A professional plumbing inspection before winter can identify vulnerable areas and help you avoid costly emergency calls later.
Identify vulnerable pipes before freezing temperatures arrive.
Schedule a Furnace Inspection for Reliable Heat
Your furnace works harder in winter than any other time of year. Without proper heating system maintenance, efficiency drops, energy bills rise, and unexpected breakdowns become more likely—often during the coldest days.
A professional furnace inspection can:
- Improve heating efficiency and lower energy costs
- Identify small issues before they become major repairs
- Ensure safe operation and proper ventilation
- Extend the lifespan of your heating system
Replacing air filters, checking airflow, and inspecting safety components are simple steps that make a big difference. For Harts Home Care Plan members, routine furnace inspections are included—helping you stay warm and worry-free all winter.
Ensure safe, reliable heat all winter long.
Book Now
Harts is your one-stop shop for comprehensive home services!
Protect Your Home From Winter Leaks
Winter weather can expose hidden weaknesses in plumbing systems and home structures. Snow buildup, ice dams, and freezing temperatures increase the risk of leaks that can go unnoticed for weeks.
Key leak-prevention steps include:
- Inspecting water heaters, washing machine hoses, and supply lines
- Checking roofs, flashing, and attic spaces for moisture intrusion
- Testing sump pumps to ensure proper operation
- Installing leak detection devices for early warning
Even a slow leak can cause significant water damage if left undiscovered. Our licensed plumbing technicians are available 7 days a week to inspect your home and help prevent winter water damage before it starts.
Early detection prevents expensive water damage.
Avoid Electrical Overloads During Peak Winter Use
Winter often brings increased electrical demand from space heaters, holiday lighting, and additional appliances. Overloaded circuits can lead to tripped breakers, damaged equipment, or fire hazards.
To reduce electrical risks this winter:
- Never plug space heaters into power strips or extension cords
- Spread high-energy appliances across multiple outlets
- Replace damaged cords, outlets, or switches immediately
- Schedule an electrical safety inspection if breakers trip frequently
Washington winters can also bring strong winds and power outages. A licensed electrical inspection ensures your system is properly grounded, safely loaded, and ready to handle winter demands.
Make sure your system can safely handle winter demand.
Get Peace of Mind This Winter
Winterizing your home isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protecting your investment, your safety, and your peace of mind. Professional inspections of your plumbing, heating, and electrical systems can help you avoid unexpected emergencies and costly repairs when you need reliability the most.
If you’d like expert help preparing your home for winter, our licensed technicians are here to help. Schedule a professional inspection and avoid costly winter repairs. Our licensed technicians inspect your plumbing, heating, and electrical systems for total peace of mind so you can enjoy a warm, safe, and worry-free season.
