If you want your home to be properly prepared for the winter weather, you shouldn’t procrastinate with the necessary measures. The shifting weather conditions as we approach the winter months might cause harm to your home.
However, you can prepare your property for the long, cold months ahead with a few simple procedures.
Caulk Windows and Doors
If your windows have air gaps, they may drive up your energy cost — and detract from the comfortable atmosphere you desire inside your house when it’s chilly outside. Reduced drafts, on the other hand, can reduce your home’s energy expenditures by up to 20% per year while also making your living area more pleasant and warm. Simply caulk the outer border of the molding around your windows and doors. Because exterior silicone caulk is less vulnerable to extreme temperatures, it will not shrink or expand as the season changes.
To caulk your windows and doors, cut the exterior caulking tube at a small angle with your caulk gun. Turn the handle until the circle pad is firmly pressed on the tube and place the tube in the cannon. The caulk should start to come out when you apply enough force to the hole you make. Next, apply a thin line of caulk to the window or door molding on your home. Lightly push down on the caulk with a latex-gloved finger to smooth it out and fill all of the little gaps and crevices. Make sure there are no gaps left, as even the smallest gap can allow heat to escape.
Snowblower
A snowblower that can manage six inches or more of snow may be worth the money if you live in a region that gets several feet of snow each year or if you have a large driveway and sidewalk area. You’ll be pleased when your back doesn’t suffer. These amazing snow blowers for gravel driveways, like any other big piece of machinery, require routine maintenance. Check with local dealers about service and maintenance packages, and factor in these fees, as well as gasoline prices, when deciding what is the most cost-effective option.
Check Your Roof
When it comes to winterizing a home, this is perhaps the most critical step. If you are unable to reach your roof, have it examined by a contractor for any loose or damaged shingles. Any inspector you engage should also be able to complete any minor repairs in an afternoon (replacing shingles is usually a quick process). It may be more expensive than you want to spend, but ignoring it for the full winter might easily lead to significantly greater repair expenditures in the future. Winter storms, which include heavy rain and, in particular, hail, are renowned for wreaking havoc on roofs, so make sure you fix any damage before your roof faces its most severe test: packed snow.
Trim Branches
A winter storm unleashing the fury of that big tree whose branches are arching over your roof is the last thing you need. Furthermore, overhanging branches can cause extra water to leak into crevices in your home’s roof or siding, which is why you should keep all tree limbs and branches at least 3 feet away from your property.
Ceiling Fan
If your ceiling fan has a reverse switch, utilize it once the heat is turned on to spin the rotors clockwise. The fan will create an updraft and push warm air from the ceiling into the room (remember, hot air rises). This is especially useful in areas with high ceilings, and it may even allow you to lower your thermostat by a couple of degrees to save energy.
Carpets
In the winter, no one likes to leap out of bed and onto a freezing floor! If you’ve been considering carpeting your entire house or even just your bedrooms, now is the time to do so! Your toes will enjoy them!
Filters
Filters in furnaces should be replaced at least once every three months, however, some experts advocate changing them once a month. Make an appointment for an HVAC specialist to come out and examine the furnace to ensure that it is in working order. They’ll clean the furnace and change the filter for you during their examination. It’s worth paying a little more to have your ducts cleaned as well. While you may want to take advantage of every fall day, you also need to prepare your home for the oncoming winter season. This checklist should hopefully assist you in preparing for another round of cold and snow.
