If you try to tell people who don’t live in the area how cold it is you are not likely to find sympathy. Sure, it is unseasonably cold in Gilbert right now, but its colder in most of the rest of the U.S. Those unsympathetic individuals will never understand the struggle of the cold weather in the desert. While the rest of the world is prepared for cold weather this time of year, the temperatures can catch Gilbert residents off guard. With this in mind we have 5 tips to help you deal with the cold weather we are experiencing. These tips will be things you should know to help prevent problems that arise from the cold.
Tip #1 Protect your plants from frost
It is a fairly rare occurrence when we get a frost in Gilbert. Because it is rare it often catches us off guard when it does happen. If your plants are damaged by frost it can harm or sometimes kill them entirely. If you have plants that are sensitive to frost you can purchase frost cloth to cover the plants during the days we do receive a frost. You can also use blankets or sheets if the temperatures are going to get below the 30’s. If you do use sheets or blankets make sure to remove them in the morning before the temperatures get to 50 degrees otherwise the excess heat can harm the plants.
Tip #2 Prepare your heating system
Everyone thinks to have their HVAC system checked before the summer heat, but many residents forget to check their heating system before the cold weather approaches. As always it is important to change your air filter regularly. It is also a good idea to have a certified HVAC technician inspect the unit to see if any repairs are needed. It is always better to know that something needs to be repaired before the temperatures drop.
Tip #3 Check your weather stripping
The strong Arizona heat can do a number on the weather stripping that surrounds our doors and windows. It is a good idea to go over all of your doors and windows and make sure that the weather stripping is there and that it is in working order. If you notice that the weather stripping is not in tip top shape it is a good idea to replace it as soon as you can. This will help keep your home warm and save you money on your electricity bill.
Tip #4 Avoid frozen pipes
While Gilbert doesn’t often get hard freezes it can happen. When this happens its possible to have damage to pipes. The most common pipes that can freeze are associated with your pool. The Anti-Siphon valve or the Vac-Breaker is the most common part to freeze when we have a cold spell come through Gilbert. The best thing you can do is to put a rag around the valve. Taking this simple step can save a lot of headaches and pool repair fees that could be easily avoided.
Tip #5 Prepare your fireplace
If you are lucky enough to have a Gilbert home with a fireplace now is the perfect time to use it. It is important to have the fireplace checked by a licensed professional before using it. If there is an issue it is better to find out before using it instead of having the smoke that should be going out the chimney bellowing into your living room. Once inspected you will be able to enjoy the heat and cozy atmosphere that a fireplace provides.
Do you have any other tips for staying warm during the cold Arizona weather? Let us know in the comment section below.
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