Winterize Your Appliances for the Coming Winter

This winter, while you’re inside keeping warm, some of your appliances are outside toughing the cold and snow. If you don’t want to pay up to $70,000 in the spring to repair frozen pipes, you should plan to winterize your appliances soon. Whether you have a full outdoor kitchen, a refrigerator in the garage, or another property sitting empty, winterizing is an important precautionary step to take for your home, appliances, and bank account. 

What does it mean to winterize appliances and why is it important?

Winterization is the act of preparing equipment for winter. This specifically applies to appliances that are located in places where the temperature is not regulated. Winter temperatures can cause appliances to freeze, crack or explode, causing severe, irreversible damage. Not only does winterizing help prevent detrimental damage, but it also staves off mold growth and leaks – keeping your appliances in working condition and extending their lifespan.

What appliances need to be winterized? 

Any appliance located in a space where the temperature is not regulated needs to be winterized. This could be a refrigerator in a cold garage or household appliances in an empty rental property. Even an appliance that is up against an unheated wall runs the risk of damage and should be winterized. Don’t forget to winterize your RV appliances as well! 

A general rule-of-thumb is any appliance that holds water, such as a water heater, washing machine, dishwasher or ice maker, needs to be winterized. We also recommend winterizing gas-powered appliances such as grills, ovens, stoves and fireplaces. Preparing your gas-powered appliances for colder weather helps prevent internal corrosion and deterioration, thereby  ensuring they remain in pristine condition and are ready to use once warmer weather returns.

When is the best time to winterize?

The short answer is, it depends on where you live and when you anticipate the first freeze to happen. Keep an eye on the temperature and weather forecasts to ensure you winterize your appliances before the first freeze of the season. For our customers in the Midwest, we recommend winterizing your appliances in October and November.

Can I winterize my appliances myself? 

While it’s possible to winterize appliances on your own, we highly recommend calling your Hometown Hero Appliance Repair professionals. They will ensure your appliances are expertly winterized and safe from the weather. The winterizing process can be extremely nuanced. Even one mistake can prove to be extremely expensive. 

Give us a call today to schedule your winterization appointment! We look forward to being your hero.