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While many of us spent most of December decking the halls, there’s a chance you got a little lost in the décor and forgot this important winter home prep. While staying on top of your plumbing is important all year long, it’s especially important when temperatures dip below freezing. Let’s not encourage the winter blues with some serious pipe issues this year.

Frozen pipes not only deprive your home of its water supply until they’re completely thawed, but if also not treated quickly enough, ruptures can cause catastrophic water damage — and major costs.

If you haven’t prepared your pipes for the winter yet, don’t worry. It’s not too late to improve your plumbing system and avoid expensive repairs. Here are five quick tips what you can do now to prepare your pipes for the winter weather.

Start Outdoors

There are several water lines around the exterior of a house that can cause pipe problems. To avoid any flooding this winter, start with outdoor water sources. Disconnect and drain all hoses, as these can freeze and lead to a buildup of pressure that will cause pipe bursts. You should also drain the water supply to any faucets of your outdoor living spaces and make sure they run dry. Then protect your outdoor pipes from freezing by adding insulation, such as an outdoor faucet cover, that you can buy online or at any home improvement store.

Insulate

Pipes in areas like your attic, crawl space, or garage have a much easier chance of freezing especially when temperatures drop below 20 degrees. Utilizing heat cables or insulating these spaces will better protect your pipes from the cold and prevent them from causing damage in other areas of your home too. Insulation is easy to find, affordable, and simple to set up. And when paired with heat cables, you can rest assured your pipes are nice and warm.

Keep Your Home Warm

The best way to fight the cold is to simply keep your home warm. Maintaining a temperature of at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit all winter is your best bet in avoiding potential pipe bursts.  If you have zoned heating, be cognizant of your thermostats during the winter. And if you’re going out of town, make sure you don’t turn your heat off.

Check around doors, windows, electrical wiring, and plumbing to make sure there are no air leaks making your heat work harder than it has to. Seal any leaks you do find with caulking, weatherstripping, or insulation where needed. And make sure you don’t leave the garage open, allowing cold air to affect the plumbing on neighboring walls.

Let the Water Run

On extra cold nights, a simple trick to avoid frozen pipes is to let your faucets drip. Pipes burst when water freezes and expands, which can be prevented when the water continues to flow. Let your taps along exterior walls drip through the cold. This eliminates the pressure that can build between your faucet and any ice blockage that may form.

Heads-up: If you notice the water pressure drops on one of your running taps, it’s a sign that your pipes are starting to freeze.

Open Door and Cabinets

If the pipes under your kitchen and bathroom sinks within cabinets, they’re often isolated from your home’s air flow. By opening these cabinets regularly, the warm air is better able to reach your pipes. It’s an easy task to keep your pipes warm enough to prevent ice buildup.

Your home should be your private escape from the cold this winter. Don’t let a frozen pipe ruin that for you and your family. If you want to avoid any major issues, make sure to incorporate these simple, preventative steps into your daily routine.

Need help catching up on this winter prep? Madsen is here for you! Our high-quality plumbing services will ensure that your pipes run smoothly all winter long. Contact us today to find the best solution for your home.

10 New Home Improvements to Kick Off the New Year

A lot of homeowners have big plans when they first move into their homes. Maybe it was redoing the outdated bathroom or adding that nice addition to the family room. But life can get in the way. And it becomes easier to just not do those home improvements you had planned. But you and your family deserve to love your home!

Fortunately, there’s no better time than the new year to finally find the time to make those changes. Whether your wish list had big transformations or small updates, let’s make that 2022 resolution to you to start those projects and really revamp your space. Not sure where to start? Here are 10 small changes you can make that will have a BIG impact.

Focus on the Exterior

Adding subtle changes to your front or back yard can completely change the curb appeal of your home. You can focus on smaller additions like putting new plantings by the entryway, power washing the walkways, buying new outdoor furniture, or painting the front door. If your family loves being outside, consider ways to update your outdoor living space. A inground or portable fire pit is perfect for the spring and fall, while expanding the patio area or adding more exterior lighting will help those summer cookouts last all night long.

Organize!

Is clutter a constant in your home? In the new year, look to add organization and storage to your home to keep things tidy. Take advantage of extra rooms like the basement, garage, and attic to find space for storage. Adding vertical shelving, storage baskets, or vertical units will help you get things off the floor and make it a lot easier to find things when you’re looking for them.

Upgrade Flooring

2022 is the perfect time to rip out that old carpet from the 80’s. If there’s hardwood underneath, upgrade your flooring with new paint or staining, which can be done by a professional for pretty cheap, or a fairly simple DIY project for you. If you already have wooden flooring and are looking to add a little flare, try to find a stylish area rug to add for a splash of color and fun. At the very least, a deep professional cleaning of the carpets you do have, could make a huge difference.

Think Sustainably

What’s a great way to help the environment from home? Replace common items with more sustainable alternatives. Adding conscious LED light bulbs or a smart thermostat are easy ways to ensure that your home stays energy efficient. The perk is that it also lowers your utility bills. Also make it a resolution to turn off unnecessary lights when you leave the house, use more power strips, seal air leaks, and replace filters.  If you’re feeling real ambitious, maybe 2022 is the year that you finally splurge on solar panels.

Invest in Safety

Give yourself a little extra peace of mind in the new year by adding new safety features to your home. Install motion detector lights or reliable video surveillance at all entry points and blind spots throughout the yard. Ring doorbells are also a safe way to see who approaches your home, plus recordings you can reference at any time, and also includes a microphone system that allows you to talk to visitors from anywhere.

Weatherproof Windows

In colder climates, heat is a sacred once winter rolls around. Even with the thermostat set to max, simple drafts can ruin your comfort and increase your utility bills. The solution: weatherproofing your windows. Patching holes with caulk or applying weather strips will help your whole family stay nice and toasty in the coldest months of the new year.

Declutter for a Fresh Start

Nobody likes clutter, and after all the time you’ve spent at home, it’s easy for things to pile up. Purge your home of unnecessary items like excess/old furniture, electronics, or clothes to free up space and give yourself room to start new. Donate your items to the local thrift shop or put items up for sale online to make some extra cash. You can also rent out a storage unit if you can’t let go just quite yet. The more space you have, the more motivated you’ll be to tackle other items on your home improvement list.

Swap Out Light Fixtures

New light fixtures can completely alter the look of your home, and they don’t need to be expensive. Affordable light fixtures are readily available and can change the vibe of your entryway, kitchen, or master bedroom in the blink of an eye. Chandeliers, hanging lights, and even just swapping out older lighting for a statement piece can be a game changer.

Upgrade Countertops and Cabinets

Countertops can be a tell-tale sign of an outdated home. Resurfacing your laminate countertops for a new look is as simple as painting, while investing in completely new stone or tile is a little more of an undertaking, but totally worth it. Either option can bring a room back to life. From the kitchen to the bathroom, new countertops are a worthy investment!

Add a splash of color

There’s not much a fresh coat of paint can’t fix. Whether it’s a new shade of the same color, or a totally new pattern or hue, new paint will give your rooms a fresh new look. While you’re at it, re-painting doors, trims, and furniture can also brighten an older room.

There are no limits to what you can do to upgrade your home in the new year. And sometimes it’s the simple things that make a big difference. If you’re looking for help in implementing these upgrades, contact Madsen! From maintenance to installations, we offer high-quality service that will have your home looking brand new without breaking your 2022 budget.

It’s that time again — when falling snow and cooler temps make cozying up with family and friends into the most popular pastime across the Northeast. But as much as we love a good night in, this year it may cost you more than you think.  The cost to heat our homes continues to rise, and with the risk of harsh winter conditions and storms damaging your home, it pays to be prepared.

We’re here to offer you some simple and effective tips to help you keep your home warm all season long without racking up a bone-chilling bill.

Invest in a Programmable Thermostat

Life gets busy. Between working, kids’ activities, family trips, and holiday shopping, you’re not always just sitting at home. And there’s no reason for you to have your thermostat cranked up when you’re not even there to enjoy it.

Instead, consider installing a programmable thermostat. According to the EIA’s Winter Fuels Outlook, it will cost $746 on average to heat homes with natural gas this winter, and around $1,268 for those who use electric heating. So any chance you have to minimize how hard and how often your system has to work, the better. Smart thermostats allow you to preset temperatures throughout the day, scheduling temps to lower when you’re not home, which saving up to 20% on the average heating bill.

Upgrade your Boiler

When temperatures drop, there’s nothing quite coming in from the cold and taking a long, hot shower. But your boiler has to work overtime with the excess hot water you use. If your boiler is over 10 years old, it may be time to look for a newer model. Newer models typically use less energy to produce heat and can save you money in the long run. If you aren’t ready for an overhaul of your current model, yearly maintenance services by a professional can keep it running smoothly when you need it most.

Check Your Windows

Did you know that leaks in your windows could be letting in cold drafts? It may not be as obvious as a blustery breeze, but even the smallest of gaps can be causing your system to be working harder than it has to. Sealing the inside of your windows can be the key to lowering your heating bill.

Dead air is a great insulator, so installing plastic film or weather stripping behind the interior window trim or wall can help trap cold air dead in its tracks. You can also invest in storm windows that can be removed after the winter is over. And don’t forget about your curtains! Use them as an extra layer of insulation by shutting them at night but remember to open them during the day. The sunlight is a great way to make use of some free heat.

Use Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans aren’t only useful in the warmer months. During the warm seasons, ceiling fans evenly distribute and move cool air around the room. But by reversing the blade’s rotation (to a clockwise motion), it can actually push warm air down toward you in rooms with higher ceilings. This is because by switching the blade direction, the fan pushes air up which then forces it to move towards the walls and then back to the ground. It is such a simple way to take advantage of an appliance that doesn’t require a lot of energy to keep your home warm!

Install Door Draft Stoppers

Cold air can sneak into houses through any opening, including underneath your doorways. A quick way to combat this bill-buster is by buying — or making — a door draft stopper. Often called “door snakes,” these stoppers are a beanbag-like sack that can be put at the base of doors that lead to the outside. It closes off air passageways so that cold air doesn’t escape from the outside and into your house.

Add a New Rug

Rugs may just seem like a stylish way to upgrade the aesthetic of your space, but they’re also very effective in keeping your home warmer. Wooden, tile, or ceramic floors can account for a major percentage of heat loss in the winter, so adding this layer of insulation could make a big difference. New décor and a warmer room — win, win.

These easy tips will help you warm up while spending less this winter season. If your heating issues go beyond a simple fix, contact Madsen Inc to speak to one of our team about our affordable heating repairs and installations.

It’s happened once again. Somehow, the cold season has snuck up on us and the chilling temperatures and snowstorms are just around the corner. Whether you’re closing up a vacation home after Labor Day or getting your primary residence ready for the cold, it’s important to properly prepare your home for the harsh winter conditions.

By winterizing your home, you’ll not only help your home stay warm and comfortable, but you’ll also save money on utilities, while preventing costly repairs from possible damage. Here are six areas to focus on when winterizing your home for the chilly risks ahead.

Your Home’s Exterior

When snow piles up, it can make branches heavy and likely to break. Before the weather worsens, make sure to trim away tree branches, especially those that hang over your house. You’ll also want to clean out your gutters and position all downspouts away from your home. When downspouts are too close to your foundation, mold, mildew, dry rot, and water can get into the basement.

Your Doors & Windows

Weatherstripping will prevent cold air from flowing in through the cracks of your exterior doors and windows. But gaps and rips can form from wear and tear of regular use overtime, so make sure you inspect your stripping to make sure it’s secure. You can also use caulk to stop cold-air infiltration and plug up holes, cracks, and open seams around your windows. While it may not be super noticeable, these leaks can make a big difference in your home’s comfort — and your utility bills.

If you’re willing to make a long-term investment, installing storm windows provides an extra layer of protection against cold, snow, wind, and rain. They can be removed once the temperatures begin to rise and often last up to 30 years with quality care.

Your Water Pipes

Alleviate some stress of your hot water pipes by reducing exposure to harsh winds and cold temperatures. Insulating your pipes will minimize heat loss, save energy, and help keep the water hot inside of the pipe. Foam rubber sleeves, heat tape, or insulated wraps are a few affordable ways to ensure that you have hot water all winter long. Pipes in attics or crawl spaces should be top of your list.

Your Faucets

It may be as simple as running a small stream of cold water from your faucet, but by keeping the water in your pipes moving, they won’t have a chance to freeze, which can cause them to break or burst. You only need to do this with one faucet, but make sure it’s in the right location. Turn on a faucet on the opposite end of where your water comes into your house so that in can travel through your entire home water system.

Your Refrigerator

There’s always a possibility that the power will go out during a winter storm and the last thing you need is spoiled food. Make sure your refrigerator is on an energy efficient setting so that you don’t waste any excess electricity. And that optimal refrigerator setting for food safety and energy efficiency is 36 to 38 degrees F. Setting your appliance any lower than that can increase the chance of a power outage.

Additionally, you can change the rubber lining, also known as a gasket, around your refrigerator. The rubber gasket goes around the refrigerator door and creates a tight seal to keep warm air out. When you have a worn-out gasket, your refrigerator must work harder to do so, which will run up your energy bill quickly. By simply cleaning your gasket weekly, or replacing it entirely, you can save yourself some extra money.

Your Thermostat

Programmable thermostats can save you a great amount of money in the winter. These thermostats can be programmed however you’d like. Keep the heat running when your family is home and schedule it to lower when no one is home, which will reduce energy use significantly. Studies show that you can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7°- 10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting.

Whether you do it yourself or rely on professionals like our team here at Madsen, winterizing your home will be worth it on your wallet. If you’re interested in preparing your home for the cold but don’t know where to start, contact Madsen for reliable, high-quality, and expert service!

Like all major workplace utilities, general maintenance can go a long way in the quality of your commercial HVAC system. And whether you’re a first-time installer or upgrading an existing one, it’s important to know when you should schedule routine maintenance to maintain the best possible performance.

If you’re wondering whether or not it’s that time for your company’s system, we’ve provided a few commonly asked questions surrounding commercial HVAC maintenance, and how it can help you in the long run.

How Often Should You Service Your HVAC Systems?

Servicing your HVAC system improves the efficiency of the equipment and helps you prevent any future problems. You should schedule your HVAC service at least once a year, but twice a year is recommended. Aside from an annual service, make sure you’re also having your system inspected periodically in between visits. The size, age, and overall usage of your system will determine how many inspections you need.

How Long Should My System Last?

Commercial HVAC systems aren’t cheap, so it is important that your equipment outlives the investment you put towards it. That being said, there are many factors, like the size of your equipment, that will affect the longevity of the HVAC system. On average, you can expect this type of equipment to last for 10 to 15 years, but with yearly maintenance and being cognizant of needed repairs, your system could last for up to 20 years.

How Important are Air Filters?

Air filters are incredibly important as they trap dust or pollen and keep your indoor air clean. They also keep your HVAC system functioning properly by maintaining the airflow inside of the equipment. Pay extra attention to your air filters as a dirty filter will block clean airflow and prevent your HVAC equipment from working at its full potential.

Is Preventative Maintenance Necessary?

Preventative maintenance can really save your system. Having regular maintenance before any issues arise will ensure that your commercial HVAC system lasts you as long as possible. By being aware of your system’s needs and investing in professional maintenance service, you can prevent costly repairs or, in the worst-case scenario, a complete system replacement.

Luckily, Madsen is here to help! If you’re looking for a professional to service your HVAC system, contact us today. Our skilled technicians are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for service repairs to help you keep your workplace air safe and comfortable for your team.