(Newswire.net — December 29, 2020) — Winter is upon us, and with it comes cold winds, unexpected storms, and slippery walkways. Whether it’s your first winter in your home or your 10th, having a winter preparation checklist is a must.
Here are some of the top tips for ensuring your home is ready for winter.
Have Your Furnace Checked
Your furnace should be a top priority when winterizing your home. You don’t want to discover an issue during the first snowstorm of the year when the temperature plummets. Have someone in to check your furnace and determine if it needs any repairs before the winter winds set in.
Take some time to learn more about the importance of having your furnace cleaned and tuned regularly to help keep your home warm, while keeping costs low. This will also help it run more efficiently and prevent any potentially dangerous issues.
Get the Chimney Cleaned
Another important area to focus on when preparing your home for the winter is the chimney. You should have a chimney inspected and cleaned at least bi-annually, if not every year.
Chimney fires contribute to millions of dollars worth of damage each year. Furthermore, a blocked chimney can cause the chemicals from your fireplace to seep back into your home. Having your chimney cleaned is well worth the return on investment.
Seal the Drafts
If you live in an older home, there are likely a few drafty spots near the windows or doors. These drafts are silent money pits, letting the hot air flow outside while your heating system continuously runs to make up the difference.
Sealing your drafts is a simple, affordable way to stay warm throughout the winter. Touch up your weather stripping and insulation. If needed, use a window sealing kit or draft blockers to keep the cold winds out. Many eco-friendly grants and energy audit programs are available to help determine where drafts are occurring and how to seal them off.
Clean Your Fans and Filters
Take an afternoon to clean your fans and filters before the winter. Wipe off the fans in your home to remove dust and then turn them on clockwise to circulate the air. Clean or replace your furnace filters as needed. This simple project will improve your air quality and help air move more freely throughout your home.
Don’t forget to clean the dryer vent as a part of this project. Also inspect the external vent to ensure it isn’t blocked in any way, and then use a vacuum to give it a thorough cleaning.
Clean the Gutters
The gutters are another important focal point for winter preparation. If you live in a rural area with plenty of trees, your gutters likely have some debris from the autumn months. Cleaning your gutters gives melted snow a place to travel so that it doesn’t cause any costly leaks in your roof.
Cleaning your gutters is also important if you live in a warmer climate that gets a rainy season rather than a heavy snowfall. This is one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect your home.
Monitor Your Humidity Levels
As the temperature changes and the heat comes on, you may notice a startling difference in the humidity levels in your home. People with wood heat often struggle with dry air, whereas others seem to get high levels of condensation on their windows on cold days.
Take some time to monitor and adjust the humidity levels, using humidifiers, green plants, or dehumidifiers as needed. Controlling the humidity is essential for preventing mold and keeping everyone’s lungs happy and healthy.
Program Your Thermostat
If you have a programmable thermostat, adjust it to your preferred winter temperatures. Ideally, you’ll have it warmer during the periods where people are home and awake and cooler during resting periods or when everyone is out for the day.
If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, consider installing one. Smart thermostats can be adjusted remotely and even provide valuable cost-saving insights and analytics.
Give the Yard a Final Sweep
Schedule a weekend dedicated to giving your yard a final sweep before the cold sets in. Till your gardens, put away the outdoor furniture, and be sure that your snow removal gear is easily accessible. This is also a great time to cut the grass a little shorter than usual, as you may not see it again until the spring.
Take some time to clean off your summer tools and store them upright to prevent rust and erosion. This is also a great time to take inventory of what you might need to get through the winter – salt, sand, a new shovel, etc.
Use these simple tips to save money and stay warm this winter.