Winterizing Your Home: 10 Important Tips for Safety and Comfort
As winter approaches, it’s important to take steps to protect your home against the elements. In fact, winterizing your home is the key to keeping energy bills at bay and preventing significant, costly spikes. Not to mention, you don’t want any chilly air entering your home and making your family uncomfortable. So, what are the correct steps to take to winterize your home, you ask? Here are 10 tips to ensure the warmth, comfort, and peace of mind of your family this winter.
1. Make Sure Your Roofing Withstands the Weather
Our Maryland winters are mild but wet, and you don’t want moisture seeping into your home through the roof. To prevent this from happening, have your roofing inspected by professionals so it’s in the right shape to take on the cold season.
2. Prepare Your Fireplace
Before the weather turns chilly, make sure to thoroughly clean out your fireplace. You might want to put a screen over the top to keep birds out when the cold arrives. Also, check to see if your fireplace’s damper opens and closes properly.
3. Have Your Furnace Inspected
You don’t want to be surprised by an inefficient furnace before it’s too late. To avoid this, make sure your furnace has a new filter. It’s a good idea to call in professionals to test your furnace for efficiency.
4. Upgrade Your Windows and Doors
Outdated windows and doors will not only make your home uncomfortable but also cost you in energy bills. So, before winter arrives, set aside time to check for gaps where warm air can escape. If there’s the perfect time to have your windows and doors replaced, it’s right before winter arrives.
5. Check for Drafts
Surprisingly, you don’t need an expert for every step of winterizing your home. For instance, you can do weatherstripping yourself with a bit of caulk. Spend some time going around your house looking for problem draft areas. And, remember to check on and pay special attention to the areas that you weatherstripped throughout the season.
6. Take Care of Your Gutters
You don’t want an abundance of leaves entering your gutter once winter comes along. Ultimately, leaves can clog up the gutter system and cause standing water. Even more, when the cold weather arrives, the water can freeze, resulting in clogs that are tough to get rid of. So, check in on your gutters periodically and clear them out to prevent clogs.
7. Protect Your Deck
You can add the deck to your list of vulnerable areas of the home, too. To make sure it stays in good condition, scrub down the deck and give it a thorough cleaning before winter arrives. Remove mold and mildew from its surface. If you want extra protection, give it a coat of waterproof paint or water repellant seal.
8. Waterproof Your Crawlspace or Basement
A wet winter means water creeping into your crawlspace or basement. This can lead not only to severe water damage but also to health problems like allergies and asthma. To set your mind at ease, have your crawlspace or basement waterproofed beforehand.
9. Prevent Plumbing Freezes
Make sure you don’t leave any water to freeze in pipes and hoses. First, start by disconnecting faucets. Then, drain pipes connected to your air conditioner. And, finally, whenever you have to leave your home, make sure the heat isn’t turned off.
10. Trim Trees and Plants
Ensure that there are no low-hanging branches that can catch against your home or electrical wires during a windy, winter storm.
Are You Ready for Winter?
Not sure if your home will withstand this year’s winter? Contact 7th State Builders today before the cold sets in. We make sure your home is professionally prepared for any weather and season.
