It is time to winterize your home for the winter months, when the leaves begin to change color and the temperature begins to drop. Winterizing your home not only helps protect your property from potential damage but also ensures that you will have a comfortable experience throughout the winter season. In this article, we will walk you through a comprehensive checklist of winterization tasks. This checklist will cover everything from inspecting your furnace and roof to cleaning your gutters and sealing up drafts. You can have a winter that is warm, cozy, and secure in your home if you take the preventative measures that are outlined here.
1. Heating System Inspected
Have your heating system inspected and replace the filter in your HVAC system. A qualified technician can inspect your furnace and ensure that it is in good working order. Being proactive in this regard can help keep you from emergency situations this winter when temperatures drop. Regularly changing the filter in your HVAC system will help improve the air quality.
2. Inspect The Roof
A damaged roof can allow cold air to enter your home and cause heat loss. Inspect your roof for any damage, such as cracks, tears, or shingles that have become loose, and then either have them repaired or replaced if necessary. Most companies will do a free roof inspection if you suspect there is damage. We recommend New Image Roofs if you think there has been damage to the roof that needs to be addressed. Marty and his team have been working with Richardson Real Estate Group for years and we trust their expertise and judgment to keep you warm and dry.
3. Caulk Those Door and Windows
Drafts and heat loss can be reduced by reducing the gaps around windows and doors using caulk or weatherstripping. Use caulk, weather stripping, or door draft blockers to fill up any gaps. You would be surprised how much energy is lost through old windows and doors.
4. Safety Check On Your Chimney and Fireplace
A chimney that has not been properly maintained represents a potential risk of fire. Before you use your fireplace, it is imperative that you have a qualified chimney sweep examine and clean your chimney. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that 30% of all home heating fires are caused by dirty chimneys.
5. Blow Out The Dryer Vent
A clogged dryer vent can cause the dryer to overheat and malfunction. Lint from the dryer is highly flammable and during the dryer less humid months presents a higher chance of fire.
6. Clean Those Gutters
It’s possible for water to overflow and damage your home if the gutters are clogged; creating moisture issues in your home’s walls. Maintaining clean gutters will help you avoid having to deal with issues like this. Installing gutter guards can be an effective way of reducing this yearly task’s time impact.
7. Store Outdoor Furniture
Bringing your outdoor furniture inside will protect it from being broken by the cold weather. Applying covers and bringing inside cushions at the least will help improve the life span of your outdoor furniture.
8. Switch Ceiling Fans
In the winter, switch your ceiling fans to the clockwise direction. This will help circulate warm air downward and keep your home warmer. This is likely the most forgotten winterization task however can have the largest impact on real feel inside your home.
9. Turn Off Outdoor Water and Cover Pipes
To prevent water from freezing inside your outdoor faucets, make sure they are turned off and covered with a cap or plug. Hoses should be drained, rolled up, and stored away to keep from cracking in the cold months. If you wait to participate in this activity until our first freeze you will likely not be able to find the appropriate materials in time, as stores sell out quickly. Acting now can ensure protection later.
10. Inspect Those Trees
Your house could be in danger if ice or snow has weakened the trees in the neighborhood. Check the trees that are close to your home for any telltale signs of rot or disease, and if necessary, have them pruned or removed entirely. Last thing you want is a rotten tree falling on your home during our first/only snow storm.
11. Block All Vents and Doors Leading To The Crawl Space
Crawl spaces have the potential to be a source of the infiltration of cold air. This cold air can negatively impact your pipes. In order to stop this from occurring, you should block off the crawl space vents and doors. This precaution will also help keep out any critters that may be looking for a warmer space to settle for the winter.
12. Check Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Make sure the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms have working batteries by checking them: Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are essential for your safety. Especially in the winter months when gas is used more prevalent, carbon monoxide can be a real threat to your home.
Taking the time to winterize your home is an essential part of ensuring your comfort and safety during the cold months and protecting your home as an investment. By following these tips, you can help prevent costly repairs, protect your property from damage, and enjoy a peaceful winter in your home.
All done with your winter prep and just looking to enjoy the season? Here is a great article about things to do in Atlanta this holiday season: Atlanta Christmas: Things To Do
