The leaves and temperatures are falling, which means that now is the time to ready your home for the cold weather ahead. Regardless of where you live, winter weather has a way of causing trouble if you aren’t prepared. Use the following tips to ready your home and property for the winter season.
Caulk and Weather Stripping
Caulk is an affordable solution to the problem of drafts. Inspect your windows, doors and foundations for cracks and seal them with caulk. Similarly, you can use weather stripping to cut down on drafts that sneak beneath doors. Reducing air leakage will shrink your energy bills by limiting your furnace’s run time.
New Windows
New windows will improve your home’s energy efficiency and lower your monthly utility bills. A complete overhaul of every window in your home is expensive. Instead, many homeowners prefer to update several at a time.
Window Coverings
Window insulation kits are ultra-affordable and typically cost several dollars each. This thin film of plastic adheres to your window with the help of some tape and a hair dryer. Once in place, the film helps block cold outdoor air from seeping into your home. The film is clear and won’t detract from your view. In addition, you can hang heavy drapes or blackout curtains that have the potential to help insulate your room against drafts.
Insulation
Installing insulation in your attic, walls and flooring can help you better control your interior climate by keeping the heat inside your house. In addition, good insulation helps prevent the cold from seeping indoors. A contractor can add insulation to your home if you prefer not to install it yourself.
Check Your Furnace
It’s important to have a professional service provider check your furnace before the beginning of the cold season to ensure it’s in optimum working order. Your furnace contractor can change the filter and check parts for signs of wear and tear.
Fireplace
It’s a good idea to have a professional clean your chimney before the winter season arrives. Your contractor will check for creosote buildup and ensure that no small animals are nesting in your chimney. Also, make sure that your damper closes tightly to prevent drafts from sneaking into your home through the fireplace.
Walkway
Install additional outdoor lighting around your porch and walkway to avoid accidents. You should also repair any cracks or dips in your steps, tighten railings and store sidewalk salt nearby. This will help combat icy steps and sidewalks when the weather dips below freezing.
Other Measures
Cool air can seep into your home through electrical outlets. You can use pre-cut foam gaskets to prevent the cold air from leaking inside your home. Also, don’t forget to reverse your ceiling fans so they circulate rising warm air downward into the living space of your home. This simple measure can go a long way toward enhancing the comfort of your home.
The Bottom Line
You can enjoy greater peace of mind when your home is adequately prepared to cope with winter’s icy blasts.
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