Okay, so we might be in Spring now, and Winter feels some time away, but it is never too early to get prepared and think ahead. Depending on where you live, you may need to think about winterizing your home when the temperatures begin to drop again and the nights start to draw in. To make sure you are ready and have everything that you need well in advance, here, we look at how you can make sure your home is ready for the winter months.
Insulation
Making sure that your home is properly insulated is one of the best things that you can do for your home for the winter. It is also one of the best things that you can do for your bank account! By making sure your home is properly insulated, the amount of heat that will be lost through the roofing and walls is significantly reduced. It is something that you can do yourself, but why not employ the service of a spray foam company to make it a much more effective job? This is something that you can do at any time of the year, so add it to your spring or summer to-do list.
Clean out your gutters and drains
This is a job that you should be doing regularly throughout the year, especially after any seasonal storms. However, it is imperative that you do it at the end of Fall before the winter weather really kicks in. Fallen leaves and sticks can cause blockages, which can then cause your gutters and drains to overflow. If this overflowing water is left, it can flood your property and cause structural – and expensive – damage.
Seal any cracks
Again, doing this regularly throughout the year is advisable, but it is a vital element of the winterizing process. Plugging up gaps, cracks, and open seams across the outside of your house is one of the simplest—and most effective—methods of preventing cold-air infiltration. Fill any and all air-leaking gaps with a high-quality acrylic-latex caulk or expanding-foam sealant. Pay special attention to the areas around windows, doors, hose faucets, and where the siding meets the foundation.
Replace any door stripping
Examine the weather stripping on all exterior doors to ensure it is in good condition and not torn, crushed, or missing. Then, lock the door and examine it for air leakage on all four corners. Examine the area underneath the door. If you see light coming in through the entrance, you will need to either lift the threshold or add a door sweep. And here is a trick for detecting draughts: Pass a lit stick of incense around the door slowly; the smoke stream will dance in response to even the slightest draught, showing where air is escaping in.
Have your HVAC serviced and change the filters
Throughout the winter, replace the air filter in your furnace every two months. A clogged, dirty filter restricts airflow and significantly reduces furnace efficiency. While you’re at it, swap out a cheap disposable filter for a reusable electrostatic type. Also, get your furnace serviced by a licensed HVAC contractor at least once a year.
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