With winter fast approaching, it’s always a good idea to go through a winter checklist to get your home winter ready. No one wants that surprise repair when the weather is frigid outside and you have to brave the elements to do that emergency repair. Now while not all winter problems occur outside of the home we all know too well how easy it is to forget some essential winter prep that will keep your home up to par throughout winter and all of the seasons. Let’s dive into a list of winterizing protocols you can take to keep you and your home happy and healthy!
Let’s Get Started!
Check And Clean Gutters
You can help to prevent ice from forming in your gutters by visually inspecting them for a build up of anything that can cause them to clog. Dirt, leaves and other things from throughout the year can build up and prevent water from properly exiting your gutters. When the water builds up and freezes, the expansion can cause damage to the gutters, as well as the area where they’re fastened to the house, and the added weight will increase the risk of your gutters needing to be replaced prematurely.
Replace Furnace Filter
This is a simple yet effective measure you can easily do yourself. Replacing your furnace filter can improve your heating systems overall efficiency allowing it to operate properly. A dirty filter can starve your system of correct ventilation, decrease your air flow and cause inconsistent temperatures. In many cases a dirty filter can cause your heating system to be overworked which in turn will decrease your heat output and increase the cost of running your system.
Program Your Thermostat
Programming your thermostat during the winter can save money and decrease wear on your heating system. Programmable Smart Thermostats can be programmed to a lower heat setting during hours that you will not be home, as well as at night while you’re sleeping. Lowering your heat setting by even 5-8 degrees during these times can have a significant impact on your heating costs throughout the winter.
Have Your Heat Sources Checked and Serviced
This is a great time of year to contact your HVAC professional to have your heating sources checked and serviced, in order to (limit or decrease) the possibility of a heating failure during those cold winter months. Service fees for this inspection are generally not overly expensive but can have a great impact on your heating efficiency. The professional will inspect and service the equipment and make sure everything is updated and running smoothly. Getting ahead of any heating issues can save you time, money and headaches in the future.
Check Your Heating Fuel Supply
If you use any kind of fuel for heat to your home, it’s a good idea to check fuel levels before temperatures drop. Many different factors can dictate the cost of fuel throughout the year so there is a good chance you may be able to save some money in heating fuel by purchasing it before winter gets started.
Clear Tree Branches Near Your Home And Outbuildings
While snow covered trees look great this time of year, you should consider cutting down any that are hanging over or even near your home or outbuildings, such as sheds and other storage units. The added weight of snow on an older tree or tree branch can cause it to break and fall into your home or buildings, resulting in extensive damage. The damage caused can sometimes cost a large amount of money to repair. If this isn’t something you’re comfortable doing on your own, I would recommend having a professional come in and take care of the tree and limb removal for you.
Winterize Windows
One of many ways cold air can creep into your home is through your windows. This cold air can come through the frame and even from the panes of glass themselves. There are many ways to help protect against this cold air. You can add insulation around the windows in the form of foam and weather stripping, especially if you know where the draft is coming from. You can also caulk around any areas that may have the potential for leaking and letting cold air into your home. Inspect the areas around the windows and you will get a better idea of where added insulation is needed.
Once you have replaced the insulation and weather stripping you can take it a step further and add more protection with a Window Insulator Kit. One option can be a kit that includes a plastic film that you cut to size and use double sided tape to adhere it to the window frame. Then you use a blow dryer to heat shrink the plastic and remove any wrinkles.
Another option that can help with keeping heat inside your home is to invest in thermal window fashions. These are simply thermal window curtains that will help keep cold out, you simply replace your curtains with these energy efficient ones to help reduce heat loss in your home.
Check All Fire Alarms And Detectors
It is good practice to check and replace old batteries in your smoke detectors this time of year. With switching on your furnace or heating system there is always a higher risk for fire since many heating systems use a fuel to produce heat. Checking your alarms and detectors is a smart idea so that you can be better prepared in case something unfortunate happens.
Clockwise Ceiling Fans
Here is an easy one that can have a significant impact on your heat. Something as simple as switching your ceiling fans direction to draw air down from the ceiling will help increase the warmth of a room. Heat naturally rises so you can use your ceiling fan to bring that heat back down into the room.
Check Any Exposed Or Exterior Pipes
If you have any exterior piping you should consider wrapping and insulating them. This will help prevent them from freezing and bursting in the winter. It is also a good idea to inspect your crawl space for pipes that could be affected by the weather and insulate and wrap these as well. If you have accessible exterior wall pipes you should check these and decide if they need protected, if so insulate and wrap them like the others. While doing these inspections you should also turn off all outside water sources.
Chimney Inspection
If you have a fireplace and chimney it’s important to have the chimney inspected then cleaned, if needed. Chimneys build up with Creosote over time and can be a cause of fire if not properly maintained. There can also be cracks in the chimney walls that can allow unwanted air into your home along with being another fire hazard if not inspected and repaired.
Be Prepared With Salt And Snow Shovel
Having some ice melt salt will come in handy when snow and ice start to build up on those cold days. Spreading some salt on driveways and walkways can greatly reduce the risk of a slipping hazard. I would also advise you to invest in a Snow Shovel or two, you don’t want to be stuck in your driveway after a heavy snow. Having a snow shovel can eliminate that problem. Both of these products are in much higher demand in the winter months and you don’t want to be in a situation where they are not available, so be prepared.
Check Dryer and Exhaust Vents
One of the skipped steps many homeowners overlook is regularly checking exhaust vents. Checking and cleaning your exhaust vents, especially the one to your dryer is not only a necessary safety measure to help prevent fire but also a good time to inspect and repair any broken vent flaps. These flaps can sometimes become stuck open and create an airway to allow cold air into your house. Birds and other critters will also sometimes make the vents their home to avoid the weather themselves. Doing this during winter prep will let you check it off of your to do list and allow you to take any necessary cleaning and repairing actions needed.
Outdoor Furniture
Harsh winter weather can take its toll on your outdoor furniture and will cause unwanted wear and tear. Water can get into holes and small spaces, then when the water freezes it can expand and damage those spots. Weather in general can cause wear on outdoor furniture so it’s never a bad idea to protect it from the elements in the winter like the extreme cold, freezing rain and snow. You can sometimes purchase covers for your outdoor furniture or simply use a tarp to cover it, and fasten it with some sort of ties. If you are able you can always bring the furniture indoors if you have a shed or outbuilding that has the space.
Add Throw Blankets Everywhere
So this may not be a true preparation step, but as many of us know it’s nice to have a throw blanket close by on those colder nights. Adding an extra one here and there throughout your house will come in handy. Not only are throw blankets useful for warmth, when they are not being used they can double as a decorative piece. There are tons of options for decoration with throw blankets so choose one that fits your room and go with it.
Thanks for reading our blog! We hope you got some great information and your project goes well. Feel free to reach out if we can help with anything and we hope to see you again! Good luck with all your future Home-Edits!