Winter is coming before you know it. If you want to stay warm and cozy this winter, there are some steps that you should take around the house to ensure that everything is in tip top shape for the winter!
- Seal Gaps Around Windows and Doors.
If you reduce the amount of cold air that comes into your home, you’ll end up saving money on your heating bill over time. Make sure that all of the cracks around your windows and door are sealed.
Windows
Keep the draft out of your windows by sealing the cracks around your window with caulk. You can also buy clear window plastic and tape them around all of your windows to keep the cold air trapped in the plastic and out of your home. Your local hardware store should have window insulation kits for a very low cost. Don’t worry about installing them perfectly, the plastic is clear so it will hide any mistakes!
Doors
To keep the heat from escaping through your doors, try making a draft snake to put under all of your door that lead outside. Just simply take a towel, roll it and stick it under the door! Alternatively, you can buy a draft stopper to keep the cold air out if DIY is not your thing!
- Insulate Your Pipes and Disconnect Outdoor Hose.
The last thing that you want on a cold winter’s day is to have to deal with frozen pipes. They are a hassle and a headache, just ask anyone who’s been through it before! The best way to reduce your chances of freezing pipes is to insulate them before it gets too cold. You can purchase foam pipe covering from your local hardware store. In most cases they are pretty easy to install. Just cut a slit through the foam and slip it onto your pipe. You can always ask your local hardware store for instructions as well!
Disconnect Hose
While your insulating your pipes, be sure to disconnect your outdoor hose. Newer exterior faucets have protection built-in against freezing but it will only work if you disconnect your hose. If you forget to disconnect your outdoor hose, water could freeze and get backed up in the pipes resulting in your pipes freezing or bursting.
Insulate the Hot Water Tank
Additionally, if your hot water tank is not in an enclosed location, you may want to consider insulation it as well.
- Check Your Your Walls for Proper Insulation.
If you have an older home, it’s possible that cold air is coming through your walls. It’s a good idea to have your walls properly insulated so that your home will feel warmer. Proper insulation will also save you money on your heating bill because your home will automatically feel warmer once the proper insulation is installed.
You can choose to re-insulate your home yourself, or you can hire a contractor to do it for you. There are many different types of insulation to choose from, so be sure to do your homework and find out which type is best for you and your home.
- Winter-proof Your Roof
Melting snow and freezing weather are a recipe for disaster for your roof. Before the cold weather hits, it’s a good idea to get your roof winter ready.
Clean Out Your Gutters
You can start by cleaning out the gutters and flushing your downspouts. When the snow melts, you’ll want the snow to have somewhere to escape so that it doesn’t freeze and burst and damage your roof. You can do this yourself, but if you don’t feel comfortable walking around on your roof, you can find an expert roof repairs company to do this for you.
Thoroughly Inspect Your Roof
Also check your roof for any broken or loose shingles. This will let in unwanted water and damage the material under the roof. If you find any broken or loose shingles you can call an expert to replace them for you to keep your roof in tip top shape.
- Check Your Furnace.
Keeping your furnace in good shape will help keep your energy bills lower. Your furnace one of the most important things to inspect when getting ready for winter because it is responsible for heating your entire home. If your furnace is running well, you can be sure to stay nice and cozy this winter.
Check Your Filter
Clean or replace your furnace filter. A dirty filter will have your furnace working over time, thus costing you more on your heating bill. It could even bow out your motor completely.
There are many different types of filters that you can choose from.
1.Disposable fiberglass, which is the most common.
2.Permanent filter. This is the best option for those who are environmentally conscious. A permanent filter reduces waste, but it will cost you quite a bit more than a regular disposable filter.
3.HEPA filter. A HEPA filter would be the best option for those with asthma or allergies because it reduces the amount of dust blown through your heating system.
Have Your Furnace Inspected
You can call a professional to check your furnace to make sure it is running smoothly. An older furnace may need to be replaced, but it will save you money in the long run. If you would rather inspect your furnace on your own, be sure to do some research and make yourself a checklist. There’s nothing wrong with doing it yourself, but you definitely want to make sure it’s done right!
Taking these steps now before it gets to cold will prevent any unnecessary damages from occurring during the bitter cold months. Most of the damages that the winter months bring are completely preventable and will save you time and money in the long run. All of these steps can be done yourself, but if you’re feeling uncomfortable with any of these steps, be sure to call a professional to help!