‘Tis the season for nights cozied up by the fireplace, decorating your home for the holidays, baking sweet treats, and – frozen pipes?! Preparing your home for the upcoming cold weather is an important part of home maintenance. It’s a big task, and it’s easy to forget some of the many things you need to do to winterize, so we’ve included 10 tips for getting your home winter-ready.
PROTECT YOUR PIPES
Check plumbing for cracks and leaks and insulate exterior pipes to prevent freezing
HOUSE THE HOSE + SHUT UP VALVES (Bonus “How to” video below! Or, click here)
Disconnect and drain your outside hose and faucet. Shut off the water supply to outside sources before freezing temperatures arrive
CLEAR OUT YOUR GUTTERS
Clear out debris and check for clogged or sagging gutters and downspouts. Leaves and debris that accumulates in your gutter can cause clogs and ice dams which can damage your roof and shingles
CHECK FOR AIR LEAKS & SEAL CRACKS
Check for insulation issues in the attic and basement, on exterior walls, and around windows and doors, replace worn-out weatherstripping, and seal gaps
REPLACE FURNACE FILTERS
Change filers regularly to improve air quality and heating efficiency. Call a professional for seasonal maintenance.
REVERSE CEILING FANS
Improve energy efficiency and comfort by reversing the direction of your ceiling fans. This creates an upward draft that pushes the warm air at the ceiling back down to the main portion of the room
TEST THERMOSTATS AND SMOKE DETECTORS
Consider installing a new programmable thermostat to allow you to adjust or schedule temperatures and save on your energy bill. Make sure the batteries are changed in your smoke and CO detectors. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends replacing the batteries at least once a year and testing smoke alarms.
CLEAR OUT DRYER VENTS
Since a dryer vent exits outside, it’s important to ensure cold air doesn’t seep into your laundry area. It’s worth calling in a professional if your dryer has an especially long duct.
CHECK WATER HEATER TEMPERATURE
One of the easiest ways to reduce your energy bill is lowering the temperature on your water heater. In fact, water heating accounts for 18% of your home’s energy use. Lower the temperature or use a water heater blanket to reduce your energy bill.
SET UP DRAFT GUARDS
When winterizing your house, place draft guards by the doors to prevent heat loss. It’s a simple solution that keeps your house warm and saves you from wasting energy.
Looking for more? Go ahead and download this detailed checklist we’ve put together for you!
