The winter tag has no wiki summary.
25
votes
11answers
3k views
What are the “must do” tasks before winter hits?
I've had my furnace serviced in time for winter, but what other things should I consider doing before the snow and the ice come?
8
votes
5answers
1k views
Should I switch from propane to electric heat?
After a downright frightening heating bill, I am thinking of switching to electric heat. I want this to be as little impact to the house as possible. I currently live in a 1100 sq ft manufactured home ...
7
votes
1answer
334 views
Are there any issues with using deicing salt on sand stone paving?
We are thinking of getting some sand stone paving installed, however we have to be able to use lots of deicing salt in a bad winter.
Will the salt stain the sand stone?
Any other issues we should be ...
6
votes
2answers
736 views
Is there a safe way to de-ice an unsealed driveway?
My girlfriend had a new driveway put in this fall, but the weather turned bad before she could get it sealed. I guess now it's too late...
The driveway is incredibly slippery and has lots of ice at ...
5
votes
4answers
820 views
How can I prevent an outside lock from freezing?
I store a bunch of the "outside stuff" in the shed for the winter. Mainly things that I only use when the weather is warmer. It pretty much remains locked up for the winter. Occasionally though, I ...
3
votes
4answers
643 views
What is the best way to insulate a room with glass window for winter?
Winter is approaching and I have heard that some people insulate glass windows and balcony doors during winter to preserve heat. What materials can I use to do this? I am living in a rented apartment, ...
3
votes
2answers
272 views
Is there a way to prevent sliding window from freezing?
I have a window that slides to the side, and each time temperature outside drops below 0*C it freezes and there is no way to open it (not that there is ice all over it, just moisture from the room ...
3
votes
2answers
2k views
How can I determine why my furnace is not blowing enough heat?
During a cold spell last week when temperatures got down to -23f (-31C) my furnace started showing issues with blowing enough air and the air was not very warm. Last winter it did not have any issues ...
2
votes
2answers
1k views
What causes a water heaters relief valve to discharge water?
I have a Gas Reliance Water Heater 1212. I found recently (in winter) there is a water dip through the relief valve into a 5 gallon bucket. Sometimes, it can fill the whole bucket. Sometimes, it has ...
2
votes
1answer
127 views
Is it normal for tap water to turn brown/blue when the pipes freeze?
In our old apartment, the pipes would freeze during the winter during the night, and in the morning sometimes the water that came out of the tap was blue at first. We spoke to a plumber, and he ...
2
votes
1answer
253 views
Where can I store outdoor patio or deck furniture over the winter?
I have a variety of plastic / wood / metal patio furniture that I am looking to store over the winter.
Unfortunately, I don't have space inside to store it.
We usually see temperatures of about 10 ...
2
votes
1answer
205 views
Fluorescent Lights and CFLs Take Longer to Startup in Cold
When it is colder outside, I noticed that the CFLs in my house and the fluorescent lights in my garage take longer to come on and get bright. Sometimes they flicker more. I am in Florida so coldest is ...
2
votes
2answers
365 views
What de-icing products can be used on a patterned concrete walkway / driveway? (Salt causes problems.)
I came across the following question here: Is there a safe way to de-ice an unsealed driveway? The accepted answer mentions rock salt being fine for such a driveway (asphalt), and the other answer ...
1
vote
2answers
72 views
How important is EZSteer feature in a Snow Thrower?
I am in process of purchasing a snow remover/thrower. I have a 2 car driveway, about 1.5 car in length. I am in northeast region and looking at last few years stats, we get 12-14 inches of snow at ...
1
vote
1answer
308 views
How can I keep my paint from freezing in an unheated garage?
This is the first winter I've had cans of paint in my garage. Many paint labels advise that paint shouldn't be allowed to freeze. There are three five-gallon buckets on the floor and around ten ...
1
vote
1answer
84 views
Home-made joint for a top window
I have some sort of artisanal, metal, top oriented, window that essentially serves as a light well (but the room is almost completey dark, the main door is covered by a curtain because my girl friend ...
