As warm temperatures fly south for the winter, it’s time to prepare your house of worship for the cold, rain and snow to come. A little autumn maintenance can help save money and prevent common problems.

Malfunctioning heating and cooling systems are a leading cause of church fires, which damage about 1,300 churches each year in the United States. Because your heating system probably hasn’t been used in several months, it’s a good idea to check it before you turn it on.

If you can’t remember the last time a professional contractor inspected your system, it’s time to schedule an appointment. A contractor can check the belts, lubricate the motor, inspect the flue, and look for problems that lead to furnace failure.

If you haven’t already done so, set up a regular maintenance schedule for your air-handling system. This can improve your system’s efficiency and longevity.

In addition to hiring a contractor, here are some steps to improve safety, and potentially reduce your church’s heating bill:

Water damages churches three times as often as fire does, says Tyrone Wilson, actuarial analyst for Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company in Fort Wayne, Ind. Frozen pipes are one of the ways water can enter a church.

Water expands as it freezes, placing tremendous pressure on the structure containing it, including metal or plastic pipes.

Pipes that freeze most frequently are those exposed to severe cold. Common culprits include water supply lines in unheated interior areas such as basements, crawl spaces or attics.

Also, poorly insulated pipes that run against exterior walls are subject to freezing. Ironically, pipe freezing is more often a problem in warmer climates, where pipes often run through poorly insulated or un-insulated attics or floor spaces. Because churches often go unused during the week, burst pipes could go undetected for days and lead to major building damage. To prevent this from happening at your church:

Despite all your precautions, pipes might occasionally freeze. If you’re lucky, someone will detect the problem while the pipes are still frozen — before water has a chance to damage your floors and carpet.

But if the pipes are leaking or have burst, shut off the water and immediately call a plumber. They will need to be repaired before you can attempt to thaw them.

If there’s no valve leading to the effected water line, shut off the main water supply. Minimize water damage by placing a bucket beneath the leaking pipe or covering the affected area with plastic.

If the pipes are still frozen, be careful not to heat them too quickly. If water in the pipes were to boil, the resulting steam pressure could cause them to burst.

Winter weather leads to millions of dollars in church roof damage every year. This damage takes two primary forms: roof collapse from the weight of snow and ice, and water leakage.

When a roof leaks, water can damage not only walls and floors, but also mechanical and electrical systems. Simple steps can be taken to help prevent both problems.

In some parts of the country, winter has already tightened its icy grip. Before the season strikes, inspect your property for potential problems. Taking good care of your buildings not only represents good stewardship, but saves time, money and aggravation.

With a little effort this fall, your church should be in great shape to weather the bitter blasts ahead.

Laura J. Brown is a writer and communications specialist with Fort Wayne, Ind.-based Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company, a leading insurer of churches and related ministries. For more information and risk-management resources, log on to www.brotherhoodmutual.com or call 800.333.3735.

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