Cold weather can be hard on your home’s infrastructure, but a little preparation can help keep all the systems running well. Before winter comes, it’s important to work on both the inside and outside of your home to minimize the impact of cold weather. Here are some simple winterizing tips to make sure you and your home enjoy a safe and comfortable winter.
Seal the Exterior
Your home’s exterior keeps you safe from the elements so before the cold weather hits, be sure to check for cracks, leaks, and any other problems. Even small gaps around windows and doors can severely lower your home’s energy efficiency and place a large strain on your furnace. Check the exterior walls, foundation, and roof for any cracks and seal them immediately. You can use caulk or weather-stripping for small gaps and contact a professional for any large issues.
Clean Your Gutters
Whether it rains or snows in your area during the winter, all the moisture lands on your roof and must be routed to appropriate drainage channels. Rain gutters that are full of leaves, dirt, twigs, and other debris can overflow, leading to lawn damage and even issues with your foundation. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, cleaning your gutters before the cold weather ensures proper drainage through the entire winter.
Upgrade Your Interior Climate Control
Your furnace works hard throughout the winter and hence, can be responsible for hefty utility bills. Switching to energy-efficient solutions helps reduce the load on your HVAC system and also saves you money every month on your electric bill. Upgrading to a programmable thermostat or even a smart home system can improve your home’s energy efficiency while keeping your family comfortable.
Protect Pipes from Freezing
Nothing is more frustrating than having a pipe burst during the middle of a cold snap and dealing with resulting water damage. Before winter hits, take the time to protect your home’s plumbing. You can use blankets or other methods of insulation for exterior spigots. If you have a sprinkler system, hire a professional to blow it out and winterize it.
Find Alternative Heating Methods
There are other methods for reducing your home’s reliance on the furnace as well. You could use a wood stove or space heaters for rooms where you and your family spend the most time. Another option is to reduce your thermostat’s set temperature by a couple degrees and use warm clothing and blankets. Small changes such as this can save money and help your HVAC system last longer.
Call a Professional
One of the best things to do when winter is approaching is to call an HVAC professional to check and optimize your home’s systems. Expert HVAC technicians are not only skilled at repairing broken systems but can perform preventative maintenance as well. A furnace tune-up service ensures things are working properly and efficiently so that there is less chance of failure or suboptimal operation during the cold weather.
Thus, thorough preparation is the best way to ensure all your home’s interior and exterior systems and to stay safe during cold winter weather.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
