As winter approaches, so does the cold. Home Preparation for Cold Weather for winter is the most important step in keeping your homes warm comfortable and energy efficient. This guide walks you through basics of weatherproofing your home before the cold sets in so that you do not get caught out and expose yourself to astronomical energy bills.
Seal Those ,Home Preparation for Cold Weather
Draft-proofing is one of the most straightforward solutions to keep your home warm. It can sneak in through gaps around windows, doors, even electrical outlets. Check these areas first for any visible cracks or gaps. Weather stripping and caulking are both simple solutions that do wonders.
One more space to look is your storage room. Our smallest room in the house is the largest culprit when it comes to heat loss, after all – if it’s not insulated, it could account for a large percentage of your heat loss. Take a look at insulation or replace what you have for energy-efficiency benefits. And keep in mind that when your house is sealed, it is warmer and cheaper to heat.
Another inexpensive option for doors is a draft stopper. They are also painless to install, and can significantly reduce air leakage from outside. These small bits will make a huge difference in warming up your whole house.
Inspect Your Heating System,Home Preparation for Cold Weather
During the coldest months of winter, your heating system is your best friend, so it is important to make sure it is running as efficiently as possible. Get a professional inspection done to see if everything is okay before the winter weather starts. A technician will be able to clean your equipment and do a quick tune-up, so your equipment runs smoothly through the season.
If you use a furnace, change the filter consistently. Increased air flow means that your heating system can run more efficiently with a clean filter. Over time, this can also make your air conditioning system work harder to run and lead to equipment failure.
Consider Upgrading Windows,Home Preparation for Cold Weather
Windows are one of the main reasons for heat loss. If your home has some older windows, you could make the upgrade. These include double-pane or storm windows that do a much better job of keeping the heat in, and can be critical for your heat-loss efforts. This is a type of window that is made to create an insulation barrier, allowing warm air to stay in and cold air to stay out.
Should it not be possible to fit the windows, various window films or thermal curtains can be used. These solutions further insulate and can make rooms feel warmer. Window film can trap heat inside, and thermal curtains are great to block drafts.
Installing new windows is a long-term investment that will reduce your heating costs and improve the energy efficiency of your home, so keep that in mind.
Protect Your Pipes,Home Preparation for Cold Weather
Most dreaded of all homeowner woes are frozen pipes. Insulate pipes that are exposed or in close to basements, attics or crawl spaces to help prevent this issue. Pipe insulation is a low-cost, simple solution and protective measure to frost.
If freezing temperatures are imminent, let your faucets drip a little. Water moving through the pipes, even just a trickle, can help keep pipes from freezing. Unhooking outdoor hoses and emptying exterior faucets is an additional smart way to insulate them through the chilly.
Also, find your main water valve, which will give you peace of mind. If a pipe does freeze and burst, you will want to be able to turn off the water quickly to prevent as much damage as possible.
Check Your Roof and Gutters
And while its not snowing look at your roof. Look for lost or broken shingles that can result in leaks. Cleaning out your gutters is also a smart move. If those blockages prevent water from draining properly, it can back up and freeze, resulting in ice dams that can do some serious damage to your roof.
If you find that your gutters are being clogged with leaves and debris, consider installing gutter guards to avoid this in the future. This tiny bit of upkeep will prevent you from having to make costly repairs down the road.
Also be sure check your chimney while you are up there. Clean it out and remove any obstacles. Clogged chimneys can cause the deadly accumulation of carbon monoxide in your home.
Optimize Your Thermostat
One great investment is a programmable thermostat that can help you save money on your heating costs. Keep your thermostat cooler when you are sleeping or out, and only raise the temperature when you need it. This small change can save you a lot of money on your electricity bill.
Think about setting up a heating schedule that works with your routine. Scoring: 17/21 Manage Temperature from Anywhere — Many modern thermostats let you manage temperatures from anywhere, resulting in greater flexibility and control when adjusting the heating of your home.
If you know how to maximize your heater settings, your home will be nice and warm — and you will also not be wasting any energy.
Prepare for Power Outages
Inclement winter storms can result in power outages, so it is wise to be prepared. Get a generator if you can, or at least have flashlights, batteries, and blankets ready. Your emergency kit should also contain non-perishable food and either bottled water.
Keep your phone charged and a list of emergency contacts on hand. Preparation for an outage allows you to be safe and comfortable, even in the dark.
It may sound obvious but preparing in advance is the biggest gamechanger when it
Check Your Roof and Gutters
And while its not snowing look at your roof. Look for lost or broken shingles that can result in leaks. Cleaning out your gutters is also a smart move. If those blockages prevent water from draining properly, it can back up and freeze, resulting in ice dams that can do some serious damage to your roof.
If you find that your gutters are being clogged with leaves and debris, consider installing gutter guards to avoid this in the future. This tiny bit of upkeep will prevent you from having to make costly repairs down the road.
Also be sure check your chimney while you are up there. Clean it out and remove any obstacles. Clogged chimneys can cause the deadly accumulation of carbon monoxide in your home.
Optimize Your Thermostat
One great investment is a programmable thermostat that can help you save money on your heating costs. Keep your thermostat cooler when you are sleeping or out, and only raise the temperature when you need it. This small change can save you a lot of money on your electricity bill.
Think about setting up a heating schedule that works with your routine. Scoring: 17/21 Manage Temperature from Anywhere — Many modern thermostats let you manage temperatures from anywhere, resulting in greater flexibility and control when adjusting the heating of your home.
If you know how to maximize your heater settings, your home will be nice and warm — and you will also not be wasting any energy.
Prepare for Power Outages
Inclement winter storms can result in power outages, so it is wise to be prepared. Get a generator if you can, or at least have flashlights, batteries, and blankets ready. Your emergency kit should also contain non-perishable food and either bottled water.
Keep your phone charged and a list of emergency contacts on hand. Preparation for an outage allows you to be safe and comfortable, even in the dark.
It may sound obvious but preparing in advance is the biggest gamechanger when it
Conclusion
Getting your house winter-ready doesn’t need to be overwhelming. These are simple and easy to follow ideas which will keep your home warm, safe and energy efficient through the winter season. These steps now will save you time, cash and stress when the temperatures tumble.
If you’re thinking about something more severe like air conditioning installation Midvale, you should be seeking professional advice for the most relevant solutions for your home. Wishing you a warm and cozy winter!