As temperatures start to drop, homeowners must prepare their homes for the upcoming winter months. This task can seem daunting, but don’t worry—we have compiled a list of 10 simple tips that will help you get your house winter-ready in no time. From checking your heating system to inspecting your roof, these easy steps will ensure that your home is prepared for the cold weather ahead. Let’s get started.
Check Your Heating System
We all know how uncomfortable being stuck in a cold home during the winter can be. Therefore, before the days get too chilly, ensure that all your heaters and furnaces are functioning properly. Have a professional inspect your system to ensure that it is running efficiently and safely. Replace any air filters as needed and consider investing in a thermostat with a timer or a programmable thermostat so you can keep an eye on energy usage and save money at the same time.
Inspect Roof For Leaks
Imagine yourself chilling in your living room, logged in to an online casino, having fun, and suddenly the roof starts leaking. Not a pleasant scenario, right? Make sure your roof is in good shape before winter arrives by inspecting it for any missing shingles or possible leaks. If you notice anything suspicious, contact a professional to come and take a look and repair any damage as needed.
Insulate Your Pipes
Frozen pipes can cause costly damage and flood your home if they burst—so be sure to insulate all exposed pipes before winter hits. You can purchase pipe insulation from most hardware stores or wrap them up with newspapers for added protection. However, DIY is not always advisable, especially if you are not used to fixing the issues yourself. You can always hire an experienced professional who will get it right the first time.
Also, keep cabinet doors open when temperatures drop below freezing so warm air can reach your pipes more easily; this will also help prevent them from freezing up!
Remove Leaves and Debris
If you have trees in your yard, check around your home’s exterior for any leaves or debris that might have accumulated over the summer months. Leaves and debris can block drains, gutters, and downspouts, which could cause water damage if not cleared out before winter approaches. Additionally, trim back any bushes or trees near windows so they don’t cause further obstruction during heavy snowfall. Besides, removing the leaves and debris will make your home look much more attractive in the winter.
Check for Drafts
Take a tour around your house and look for any drafts or air leaks that might be coming in from the outside. If you find any, seal them up with caulk or weather stripping to keep cold air out and warm air in. This simple step will help keep bills low during colder months since heating costs tend to skyrocket due to lost air escaping through tiny gaps around entrances and exits into or out of our homes.
This simple step can save you a lot of money on your energy bills during winter.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Now is the perfect time to test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home (especially if they haven’t been tested in a while). Replace batteries as needed and make sure each detector is mounted securely on ceiling or wall surfaces throughout each room in your house. This will guarantee maximum safety for you and your family during the cold weather months ahead.
Also read: Addressing The Most Common HVAC Problems in Winter
Clean Your Chimney
Your chimney should always be cleaned and inspected at least once a year to ensure maximum safety when burning fires. A professional chimney sweep can help clean out any soot or creosote buildup that could become hazardous if not taken care of in time.
Invest In Storm Windows
If you live in an area where extreme weather conditions are common in wintertime, then it may be worth investing in storm windows as an extra line of defense against strong winds and driving rain or snowfall outside. Storm windows come with multiple levels of protection against external elements, such as wind pressure ratings and shatterproof glass options.
This means added peace of mind for you throughout the harsh cold months ahead. While this may seem like an expensive purchase, storm windows can help you save money in the long run by reducing heating bills and protecting your home from further damage.
Monitor Humidity Levels
Keeping indoor humidity levels between 30%-50% is essential during wintertime because lower humidity levels increase the chances of static electricity shocks, while higher levels create ideal conditions for mold growth inside walls and ceilings due to trapped moisture buildup over time.
Both scenarios should be avoided at all costs by regularly monitoring humidity levels using devices like hygrometers which measure relative humidity percentage within specific rooms inside our homes.
Also read: When is the Best Time to Buy a Heat Pump?
Take Away
Winterizing our homes may seem like an intimidating task, but by following the above tips, we can rest assured, knowing we have done everything possible to protect our families from extreme weather conditions this coming season. From checking smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors periodically throughout year-long cycles down to inspecting roofs and pipes pre-winter arrival – there is nothing more important than ensuring our loved ones stay safe at all times regardless of mother nature has planned next.