Winter has arrived. If you don’t want your house to feel like an ice cube, you have to prepare it for winter. And if you’re thinking about getting a new home, now is the time to call your local real estate agent and see if there are any houses going up for sale that would be a better fit for you. But if not, there are still plenty of things you can do to keep your home nice and cozy during this cold season.
Service Your Geyser and Water Heater
You should get your geyser, and water heater inspected again to ensure there are no leaks. If you plan to use it this winter, check the anode rod for corrosion. Replace if necessary. Also, inspect for leaks again. Nearly 73% of people are shocked to learn how much their homes contribute to global warming due to low maintenance. You can patch leaks, put in low-flow fixtures, and buy an energy-efficient dishwasher or dryer to save hot water and consume less energy.
Clean up your geyser by removing any scale buildup around the drain area and inlet valve with a clean toothbrush and water. If you’re not comfortable with DIY, it is better to get this done professionally by hiring a hot water heater repair service provider. You shouldn’t risk the safety of your home or run out of hot water in winter.
Insulate Pipes
Insulate pipes with pipe sleeves. If your pipes run through unheated spaces in your home, you can insulate them with a pipe sleeve. It will prevent heat from escaping and keep the water inside the pipe warmer, which helps prevent freezing and bursting.
Also, use insulation tape to cover holes around vents or drains that are exposed to the elements outside of your home. The tape will protect them from cold temperatures while still allowing airflow in and out of these areas. That way, they won’t become stagnant during winter months when windows are closed more often.
Also Read: Why Your Home Office Needs a Spray Foam Insulation
Have the Furnace Inspected
To protect your home, it’s a good idea to have the furnace inspected by a professional before cold weather arrives. They’ll check for leaks and make sure that everything is working properly.
Even if you’re confident in your ability to change filter cartridges yourself, having an expert do it will ensure that all the components are clean and working together effectively. If there are any issues with the unit itself or its ductwork, they can also be addressed at this time.
Protect Outdoor Furniture
You can protect your outdoor furniture from the elements of winter by using a quality waterproof cover. The great thing about these covers is that they are breathable, allowing air to circulate underneath them, so you don’t have to worry about mildew or mold growing on your furniture. If you’re concerned about mice or other rodents chewing through the fabric and wood, look for a rodent repellent that will keep them away from your furniture.
Check Doors and Windows
There are some aspects related to your doors and windows that you should inspect before winter to ensure that your house doesn’t turn into a chiller.
Check around the doors and windows for drafts. If you see one, use weatherstripping to seal it up. If you don’t want to do that, you can buy some plastic foam insulation and cut it into strips that will fit between the door and its frame or window frame.
The foam will expand when heated by your home’s heat source and make a tight seal against the door or window frame without blocking any light from coming in through cracks. Also, ensure all weather stripping is firmly attached so no cold air can sneak through when it gets colder outside this autumn/winter. This includes sealing around doors as well as windows (e.g., top corners).
Check weather stripping regularly throughout December-February every two weeks. Sometimes things fall off easily during these months due to snow accumulation outside, which causes pressure inside your home and leads everything else to become loose over time too.
According to some estimates, cold bridging accounts for up to a quarter of the heat lost through the fabric of a normal house, with losses occurring around un-insulated places, such as where the walls meet the floors or roof, as well as around windows and external doors.
If there are cracks in walls or ceilings around windows or doors, fill them with caulking or putty before winter hits so they don’t let in cold air later on this year. Also, check out our article on how to repair cracked drywall if you haven’t done so already. It may help prevent further cracks by filling them with silicone caulk before they happen.
Clean Out the Gutters
When you’re cleaning out the gutters, be sure to check for damages, leaks, and corrosion. If there is any problem with your gutter system, it should be repaired immediately. Otherwise, your home could be at risk of water damage during winter.
Clean up Debris in Roof Valleys
A roof valley is an area where two sloping surfaces meet, e.g., where a gable roof meets a wall. If the roof valley is blocked with debris, water cannot drain properly and might cause leaks in your home.
To prevent this problem, it’s important to make sure that you clean up any leaves or other debris from them before winter arrives.
Also Check: 8 Ways to Protect Your Roof from Roof Damages
Service the Fireplace Insert or Chimney
The fireplace insert or chimney is one of the most important parts of your home in winter. Make sure to service it before the first snowfall. Inspect for cracks and leaks, as well as rust and corrosion, as this could signal a problem that could get worse over time. Failure to maintain the equipment and keep the chimney clean is the primary cause of these fires. In the US, there are approximately 25,000 chimney fires each year that cause more than 125 million dollars in property damage.
Check that there are no obstructions, such as creosote buildup, which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning if left unchecked. Make sure to call efficient Boston chimney cleaners who will remove any blockages from your appliance for you at regular intervals. You don’t want to be stuck with a blocked chimney in freezing temperatures.
Inspect Patio or Decking Grills and Furniture
If you have a grill, check the condition of all its parts. This includes the burners, igniter, and any other moving parts. Look for rust and corrosion before it gets worse during cold weather; replace any damaged parts right away. Also, ensure that your propane tank is in good shape. You don’t want a leaky one when it’s 10 degrees outside.
If you plan on using your grill this winter, inspect how much fuel is left in it and examine the anode rod for corrosion; replace it if necessary. Finally, check for leaks again since cold temperatures can cause them to worsen quickly.
Final Words
Preparing your home for winter will help keep it warmer and more comfortable through the cold season. It’s a good idea to start early, so you don’t have any surprises when winter arrives.
