Get Your Home Ready For Winter
For some reason, spring cleaning gets all the attention. Maybe because it comes after the thaw of winter and homeowners feel energized to get their homes ready for the frenzy of summer. But what about the steps one takes in the autumn to prepare a home for the coming freeze? These are the steps that will ensure the warmth, safety and comfort of your home when the frigid temperatures inevitably come. Consider the following tips for preparing your home for the coming winter:
Check For Air Leaks
Make sure that your doors are properly sealed and insulated. You can check for air leaks by performing a simple smoke test with a lit candle or stick of incense. To begin, close all the doors and windows, and turn off anything that may be circulating air in your home (fans and vents). Take the lit candle or stick of incense and move it carefully around the frame of the door, trying your best to keep the flame vertical. If the flame or smoke moves horizontally toward the outside of your home or begins to flicker, there is likely an air leak. If this is the case, you may want to consider replacing your windows or doors.
If you’re looking to install a new door this fall in preparation for winter, consider fiberglass options. Fiberglass doors have four times the insulating value of wooden doors and are highly weather resistant.
For window replacement, look for energy efficient, Energy Star rated products, that have multiple panes, low emissivity glazing — which reflects heat back into your home — and insulated vinyl frames.
Proper Insulation to Keep the Heat In
Ensuring that your home is well-insulated is crucial for keeping heat inside during the winter months. Poor insulation can lead to significant heat loss, driving up energy bills and making it harder to keep your home warm. While checking attic and wall insulation is important, don’t overlook your roof. Whether you’re exploring options for Tampa Bay roofing maintenance or another local area, regular inspections and upkeep can help ensure your roof is properly insulated and in good condition. Addressing any issues before the cold sets in will make a big difference in how well your home retains heat.
In addition to roofing maintenance, make sure your attic is insulated with high R-value materials to prevent warm air from escaping through the top of your home. Heat rises, and without adequate insulation in the attic, your home could lose a considerable amount of warmth.
Make Sure Your Fireplace and Chimney Are Ready
If you have a fireplace, it’s important to ensure both the fireplace and chimney are ready for the colder months. A clean and well-maintained chimney can help improve heating efficiency and reduce potential fire hazards caused by creosote buildup. Regular inspections can ensure everything is functioning properly before the winter season starts.
If your chimney is showing signs of wear and tear, it’s important to address any issues to ensure your home stays safe and warm. Consider exploring chimney repair services in your local area to assess the condition of your chimney and make any necessary repairs before the winter season arrives. By taking proactive steps to maintain your chimney, you can enjoy a cozy and secure home environment.
Test Smoke And Carbon Monoxide Detectors
The winter season sees more house fires than any other. With the home closed tightly for the winter, the furnace working or fireplace roaring, it is important to take the time to ensure both the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home are working and have new, fully charged batteries. These simple steps can save lives. It may also be a good idea to book an HVAC inspection to look at the ventilation of your furnace and water heater as they can be sources of carbon monoxide leaks in the home.
Plumbing and Heating System Maintenance
When preparing your home for winter, don’t forget to ensure that your plumbing and heating systems are ready to handle the colder temperatures. To the T Plumbing offers comprehensive services to help inspect and maintain your home’s plumbing and heating, which can be especially important to avoid pipe freezes or unexpected breakdowns in your heating system. Proper maintenance can save you from costly repairs and ensure your home stays comfortable through the winter. Insulate your pipes.
Purchase pre-slit pipe foam at the hardware store, cut it to size and set it in place around the pipe with duct tape. Look for insulation with the highest R-value, for greater insulating power. This can prevent the chance of your pipes freezing in cold weather.
Run ceiling fans in reverse
Most people only run fans counter-clockwise to cool down on hot days, but running a ceiling fan clockwise can help warm a space up. The fan forces the hot air that has risen to the ceiling back into the lower living space. This can cut your heating cost by as much as 10 percent.
Prepare for snow removal
It’s not a bad idea to dig those shovels out of storage before the first storm hits. Nobody likes to be empty-handed in a foot of snow.
Winter weather is full of surprises, and not all of them are pleasant. Taking these simple steps can help ensure that your home is safe and warm, no matter what kind of weather the seasons ends your way.
