Halloween is behind us but many people are spooked by horror stories of winter home damage. Don’t fear the upcoming season – there is still time to prepare your home for a snowy and cold winter. Fred has a few surefire ways to make your home comfortable and safe. Read on for our winter home preparation tips!
Drain All Outdoor Water Systems
Where there is water, there will be ice. The sprinkler system, the water hose, and any fixture that contains water should be drained. This seems like an obvious task but is often overlooked. Any water left in the irrigation system will eventually freeze and potentially damage pipes. If you don’t have an automatic drain valve, turn off the system and manually open the system to release all pressure in the pipes.
Clean Out Your Gutters
The debris that is left behind in the crevices of your roof can become a nesting place for insects and small animals. It can also bring mold and other health hazards. Sweep the residue from the gutter and drain system using a trowel and place it in a bucket. There are several tools that help you grab hard-to-reach crud. If you are unsure of how to complete this task, call Fred and our consultants will do the dirty work for you.
Inspect Your Roof for Damage
While you’re scanning your roof for debris, check for cracks or large spaces between shingles. These areas expand in the cold and allow water or drafts to sneak in. Reinforcing these trouble spots early will prevent leaks or even a roof caving in during heavy snowfall.
Sweep the Furnace
Winter cleaning involves a thorough chimney sweep or emptying the furnace. The old soot particles left over from the previous winter should not creep back into your home. The best methods involve vacuums that keep the mess contained.
Test Your Heating System
Once you have cleaned out your furnace, have a certified HVAC technician test it to make sure there are no blocks in the airflow. This will increase your energy efficiency while keeping you warm and toasty.
Check the Sealing of Windows and Doors
We have said it time and time again, but sealing your windows will prevent a draft and allow you to decrease the indoor temperature by 1 or 2 degrees. A simple caulk usually does the job but if you are chronically running into this issue, have a professional inspect your entire house to find the source of the problem.
Ensure that Insulation Is Up to Date
How bad would it be to complete several updates with no evidence of improved efficiency or comfort? This can happen when one step is overlooked. Insulation is something that rarely gets upgraded but should at times. If you’re living in an older home or adding on a new room, it is particularly crucial to consider adding new insulation. Please remember to inspect your insulation to make sure you are getting the most out of all of your products!
Fred is here to make your life easier at home and help you get ready for winter, so give us a call today.
