Winter is just a few short weeks away, bringing with it freezing water and single-digit temperatures that can seriously damage your home. During the icy winter months, minor things like routine heating system maintenance can save expensive and unforeseen issues. In the meantime, these are the most important things you can do to get your house ready for winter.
- Seal Windows and Doors
In the winter, you should seal your windows and doors to prevent cold air from entering your home, resulting in a warmer indoor temperature, fewer drafts, and ultimately lower heating bills by preventing heat loss through gaps around the windows and doors; essentially, a good seal acts as a barrier against the harsh outdoor elements.
- Clean and Inspect Gutters
Start at the top and work your way down. Remove any leaves to ensure that nothing is blocking the gutters. If you have a tall tree, you will have to wait for all of the leaves to fall or repeat the process.
After cleaning the tops of the gutters, test by pouring a small amount of water down your downspout with your hose, verifying that the water escapes where it should. If necessary, add extensions to your downspouts to divert water away from your home.
- Inspect Your Roof
Check your roof for any holes or damaged shingles, and if you find any, get a professional to fix the issue at hand
- Testing Your Heating System
You don’t want to discover your heating system has failed just when you need it. An HVAC professional or plumber can work on your system to make sure everything is running smoothly.
To make sure your furnace and thermostats are operating properly, test your heating and change your filters beforehand. Examine the area surrounding your water heater for indications of dampness or leaks, and address any small concerns before they worsen.
- Check Fuel Supply
Do you use propane to warm your home? When winter arrives, make sure your storage tank is full and prepared. Double-check your contracts and payment methods to verify that your provider will provide regular refueling. When the gas runs out, you don’t want to bother about finding it.
- Secure outdoor water resources
The most important step on this list because if you get this wrong you could be dealing with a huge expense come springtime. Simply turning off your sprinklers isn’t enough. In order to prevent moisture from remaining in the lines, which could freeze and cause issues, most systems require that the pipes be blown out. Get a professional to handle this to ensure it is done correctly.
- Stock up on Emergency Supplies
As winter approaches, it is critical to plan for unexpected snowstorms, ice, and hazardous temperatures. According to ready.gov, you should always keep your supply kit up to date by replacing expired supplies as needed, upgrading equipment, and storing canned foods in a cold, dry environment.
- Insulate Attic and Pipes
Hot air rises throughout the house, and if your attic isn’t insulated, it may be escaping swiftly to the top of your house. Inadequate insulation causes water to concentrate, leaving pipes vulnerable to standing water that may freeze during the winter. If you notice any issues,call a professional to come and look at your insulation or ventilation issue.
- Check Smoke Detectors
Property fires are frequently caused by winter heating. While it’s crucial that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are operational throughout the year, you should test and check their batteries before winter arrives.
During the winter, when you probably have all of your windows and doors closed (as you should), carbon monoxide poses a greater risk. Install detectors as needed, and replace batteries before they run out. Fear not—the grating chirping noise they usually produce serves as a lasting recall.
- Snow Removal Equipment
For the winter, be sure to put your lawnmowers and weed eaters away. While you’re at it, double-check that your gloves, boots, shovels, and snowblowers are ready for winter use.
Following these simple winterization tips will ensure that you are ready to make it through the winter months and be ready for Spring in just a few months!
