8 Ways to Winterize Your Home

Winter brings a gush of cold winds, freezing temperatures, and snow, which leads to busted pipes and overworking furnaces. While we all dream of a warm fireplace and hot cocoa, preparing our homes for the treacherous season is essential.  Winterizing your home is vital in ensuring your house stays comfortable and safe throughout the colder months while also protecting its longevity. From sealing air leaks to insulating pipes, you can take many simple steps to protect your home and save money on heating bills. Here are eight critical strategies for winterizing your home so you can stay cozy and worry-free all season.

Seal Windows and Doors

Check your windows and doors for drafts and air leaks. Seal any gaps using weather stripping or caulk. This process will prevent cold air from entering your home and keep your heating system running efficiently. For a DIY option, you can always roll towels under doors and tape plastic wrap over your windows.

Insulate Pipes 

Frozen pipes can cause a lot of damage, so it’s important to insulate them to prevent them from bursting. To keep warm, you can use foam sleeves or wrap them with heat tape. Additionally, to keep your pipes from freezing, it is recommended to turn on the faucet so that a slight trickle of water is running when there are freezing temperatures.

Clean Gutters

If your gutters are clogged with debris, they won’t be able to drain water away from your home properly. This can lead to ice and water damage. Grab a ladder and remove any leaves, sticks, or other debris from your gutters.

Check The Roof 

Your roof goes through a lot during winter. The weight of the snow can be too much, causing it to crash and destroy your home. Therefore, inspecting your roof for any possible damage is essential by looking for missing or broken shingles, loose flashing, or cracked vents.

Change The Furnace Filter 

A dirty furnace filter can make your heating system work harder and use more energy, leading to higher utility bills. Change the filter on your furnace or heat pump to improve indoor air quality and energy efficiency.

Inspect The HVAC

Your HVAC system is your best comfort companion during winter. But to ensure it does its job, conduct a thorough inspection before a major snow day.  Check for anything incorrect, including the thermostat, ductwork, and filters. Also, hire an HVAC expert to give your system a tune-up.

Prepare Alternative Heat Sources

Besides the HVAC, you must prepare other heat sources such as heating lamps or fireplaces. If you have a fireplace, clean it before using it for the winter. Also, have a reliable source of fuel like firewood or natural gas. The same applies to heating lamps or space heaters. Ensure all your heat sources are working correctly and the carbon monoxide detectors are operational. Also, ensure you have many blankets and candles accessible in case of a power outage.

Boost Insulation 

Insulation is crucial in keeping your home warm during winter. Unfortunately, it can't last forever and will wear off over time. Therefore, inspect your insulation before a snowstorm and ensure it works correctly. Also, consider increasing the insulation in the attic or crawl space to enhance your home's efficiency.

Winterizing your home helps save energy and money and even prevents potential damage. By following the tips above, you can help ensure that your home is ready for winter and that you and your family are safe and warm. If you are looking to further winterize your home by adding a fireplace or remodeling, contact us today!