The process of getting your house ready for the coming winter can be challenging. It will be much easier to deal with if you get an early start and give yourself breaks between jobs.
Because of some small efforts, not only will you be able to keep the cold out of your home, but you will also be able to save money on your energy bills and maintain the functionality of your property.
The following is a list of six things you can do to winterize your home this season.
Maintain machines and appliances
In the fall, servicing your furnace heat pump and ventilation system can help you avoid making unnecessary emergency calls when the temperature drops. Call us anytime for our list of local, reliable referrals to trade & services.
Before the onset of cold weather each year if you have forced air heating, have your ducts cleaned to improve the air quality throughout your entire home. Cover any outdoor furniture or landscaping that will be left open to the weather while you are at it and remember to tuck away those cushions before the fall weather kicks in.
In addition, do a once over of your power yard tools, including draining the fuel from your lawn mower, removing the water from your pressure washer, and performing a maintenance check on your snow blower. This will ensure that they continue to function effectively even after their lifespan has been extended as a result. Be sure to top off your supply of wood, oil, or propane well in advance of the arrival of the winter season if you use any of those to heat your home.
Seal windows, doors, decks and concrete
Cracks in the caulking or weather stripping around your windows and doors can allow cold air and moisture to enter your home. This can result in mildew and mould growth as well as a significant reduction in the amount of heat that is retained in the space. You should make any necessary repairs and replacements, and then cover older windows with a protective window film until they can be replaced.
Let us know if you would like a local referral to window replacement services.
Concrete surfaces, such as driveways, decks, and patios, are not impermeable. Either invest in high-quality sealants or stains that you can apply on your own in advance of the arrival of ice and snow or work with a qualified expert. Maintaining the structural soundness of these expansive areas will only benefit you in the long run, protecting you from the expense of major repairs or complete replacements.
Outside water
Always make sure to turn off the water supply to the outside of your home before winterizing your sprinkler system, draining your pipes, or disconnecting your hoses. If you leave the water running to the outside faucets during the winter, your pipes could burst, which would result in flooding and damage to your property. Insulating your water pipes is something you should think about doing if you have not done so already, particularly if you leave a summer home unattended during the off-season or are gone for extended periods of time during the winter months while you are on vacation. Don’t forget to purchase spigot covers for all of your outdoor hoses.
Check your gutters
Check that the gutters are in good shape and that they are attached to your house in the correct manner. In order to avoid property damage, you should remove any obstructions, as this will make it easier for snow to melt and run off, and you should also direct the downspout away from your house. In order to prevent flooding and other damages caused by water, water should always be directed away from your property.
Protecting your gutters from debris and pests with gutter guards is an investment that will pay off in the long run. When gutters get clogged, water cannot drain properly, which can cause leaks. These leaks can then lead to mould and mildew, as well as provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria. Yearly gutter cleaning is an important maintenance item to remember.
Tend to the attic
Pests have the potential to harm both you and your home, as well as your health. You should check for entry points to your attic and place a screen under any vent in order to protect it from birds and rodents that might decide to spend the winter there. If you think you may have a pest problem, give us a call to get a recommended pest control service.
Determine the R-value of the insulation that is currently installed in your attic, and either add more insulation to the areas that are not adequately insulated or replace the insulation entirely if it is insufficient. This will prevent warm air from escaping through your roof. Adding insulation to your garage doors and basement can provide additional warmth and improve your home’s energy efficiency. We work with a great, trustworthy insulation company if you want a recommendation.
Inspect your smoke detectors
This important task is not limited to just one season. Monthly checks should be performed on your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, during which the batteries should be changed and the devices should be cleaned if necessary. Installing smart home devices that can continuously monitor smoke detectors (and much more) can bring an additional level of peace of mind to the homeowner.
Employing a general contractor for the smaller jobs and a certified technician for the more specialized tasks, such as inspecting the furnace, is a good idea if you find that you are unable to complete some of these tasks on your own or if you simply do not have the time. Just give us a call and we will have great, reliable recommendations.