WINTER IS COMING: 4 SECRETS TO STAYING WARM THIS WINTER
Last week, Game Of Thrones burst back onto our screens with more action, more drama and another dark Winter on the horizon.
For those who haven’t seen it yet, there are no spoilers ahead – but it’s definitely looking cold in The North. And although it won’t get quite as frosty in our great Kingdom of Sydney, Winter is certainly coming.
To help you prepare for the cold, we’re going to share with you 4 great ways you can stay warm this Winter.
1 – HOT WATER – YOUR BEST ALLY AND WORST ENEMY IN WINTER
In summer, we barely notice how effective (or ineffective) our hot water heater is. While it’s warm, you’re not as desperate for that steamy shower.
If you’re lucky enough to have your own set of fire breathing dragons, you’re all set for hot water, but if you don’t have the luxury of dragons to heat your water, you’ll need to make sure your hot water heater is in tip top shape.
There’s one simple trick to avoiding the disaster of a mid-Winter hot water catastrophe: a hot water tank inspection! Call an expert who knows what to look for in a hot water investigation. There are three basic checks you can perform yourself:
- General tank condition – you want to be looking for any rust marks on the outside of the heater, leaks, or any other signs that the metal is degrading or corroding.
- Safety relief valve – check if the safety relief valve is dripping. It is designed to drip when heating the water inside, but it shouldn’t be dripping constantly. It is critical to the safety of your system that the safety relief valve is working properly, so if you notice a continuous drip then call a professional immediately.
- Sacrificial anode: your sacrificial anode attracts corrosive elements in the water, which prevents corrosion of the rest of the inside of your hot water system. However, these degrade over time and must be replaced regularly.
- Check your hot water heater manual to see how often your anode should be replaced, as doing so can extend the life of your tank.
- If you start to get brown water from your hot water taps, it is likely that your anode had degraded, or even worse, the inside of your tank is already rusting and may burst – call a plumber immediately!
Consult your manual, but on average, a hot water heater needs professional inspection every year or two. This investigation will ensure you’re not relying on the maester’s tricks to keep your water warm: you’ve got some great hot water, and your home is safe from a dangerous explosion or leak.
So check in Autumn to be ready for Winter and prevent a frosty surprise!
2 – DON’T PLAY WITH FIRE – CHECK YOUR GAS
How we wish we were on the sunny shores of King’s Landing! Even with the creepy Lannisters around, Winter comes with especially awful weather – and the need for some serious heating.
Depending where in Sydney you live, you’ll be blasted with cold coastal winds, harsh damp, or dry, freezing days.
Gas heating is one effective way to bring the summer back into your day. Cost and energy effective, natural gas heating relies on the combustion of gas to produce warmth. It’s a pretty simple mechanism!
Gas heating can be ducted, might be in the form of individual heaters, or could be a mock-up fire place – whatever form it takes, it’s safe, inexpensive and very effective.
There are some basic risks, though. Like playing with dragons, gas heating needs to be done very carefully, installed securely, and checked regularly by a licensed professional (not your local warlock). This can be the difference between safe and efficient heating, and inefficient or unsafe gas issues.
Check your gas systems before the colest months arrive, and you’ll be in a much better position to keep your house nice and toasty.
3 – INSULATION REIGNS SUPREME
While an airy castle might evoke powerful images of the Iron Throne, it’s far from the most cost (or energy-efficient) way to stay warm. In fact, it’s quite the opposite! Masonry retains cold and is very poor material for keeping in warmth. Ever stepped on a stone barefoot in the middle of August? You’ll know what we mean.
Thankfully, here in Sydney we’re blessed with much more effective, heat retaining materials. Insulation in the roof and walls of your house is the most efficient, cost-effective way to keep your house warm.
It literally traps in the heat produced by other sources (anything from fireplaces – very majestic – through to gas heating systems). Good insulation can be the difference between leaking heat and money, and retaining it.
While wrapping yourself in layers of fur might work in Westeros, it’s not going to wash as well here. It’s hardly cost effective, and it’s not going to keep your home itself warm and toasty.
Don’t rely on heating systems to make up for poor insulation! Make sure you check (and if necessary replace) the insulation in your home, and you could save serious money on your energy bill.
4 – PUT ON A FEAST FIT FOR A KING
Now, we’re well aware this usually ends pretty badly in Game of Thrones. There are some notoriously painful feasts. No spoilers, but food doesn’t necessarily mean a good time in Westeros. Here in Australia, luckily, our Winter means some great opportunities for cooking up a storm!
Winter warmers such as soups, roasts, and casseroles can be great on those long, cold nights. Even the battle hardened men of the Night’s Watch don’t say no to a nice cooked meal, and neither should you!
Welcome the joy of sharing good food and company, and don’t worry – we’re sure the guests at your feast won’t put an arrow in your back.
FROM THE IRON THRONE TO THE PORCELAIN THRONE, WE’RE READY TO RESCUE YOU
Here at Plumber & Electrician To The Rescue, the words of our House are “we’re always ready to rescue you”.
Sure, perhaps it doesn’t have the same ring to it as “Winter is Coming” or “A Lannister always pays his debts”, but it’s true. We are the Night’s Watch to your Castle Black and the Kings of keeping your house warm and comfortable throughout the dark days of Winter.
So don’t be a stranger! If you need help with your hot water, your heating, or a White Walker problem, we’re here, and we’ve got what it takes to rescue you! Call 1800 620 227 today!
IS IT REALLY EASY?
We’ve done out best to make the steps above as simple as possible, but please bear in mind that the above information is general and is by no means a substitute for comprehensive professional advice. Before working on your home plumbing, you should always consult a licensed professional.
The key to keeping costs low on your plumbing is identifying faults whilst they are still minor and easily fixable, before they become larger problems, which cause serious damage to your heater or your property – not to mention the safety risks.
At best, a hot water heater malfunction can be a frustrating nuisance; at worst, it can literally explode, which could spell disaster for your home.
Regular maintenance of your hot water heater is a great way to save in the long run. But there are some jobs that really should be left to the experts; heaters are delicate and temperamental, and can be dangerous if you’re not careful.
A DIY inspection is a great first step; but the expertise of your local superhero plumbers Sydney wide, you’re always in safe hands. We’ve got 30 years of experience saving Sydney from hot water heater disasters!
Check your heater manual; on average, manufacturers recommend a professional investigation every year or two. This investigation will turn up any issues that may be invisible to the untrained eye!
What’s more, with fully stocked vans on the go 24/7, the team at Plumber To The Rescue can repair or replace your heater that day, and get your water back on track.
Your local Plumber To The Rescue Sydney plumber is the plumber Sydney trusts for every hot water job.
With amazing customer care keeping you in the loop the whole way through, you won’t be in the dark; we’ll keep you in the know every step of the job, from the time you call until it comes time to settle the bill, and it comes time for you to enjoy your new hot water heater.
Never fear the cold shower again: Plumber To The Rescue is here! Contact us now, or call 1800 620 227 for more information.