As we move into the fall months and the weather starts to cool down a bit, it’s time to forget about the A/C and start preparing your home for the cold months. When temperatures fall below freezing, you need a home that remains functional and keeps you warm. With a little bit of forward thinking and a few simple steps, you can have your home ready for the frigid winter months in no time at all.
Insulation
When it comes to keeping your house warm (or cool, for that matter), proper insulation is a must. While many people think of insulation as being the fluffy material in between walls, insulation in your home is much more than that. Here are some of the important spots in your home to insulate.
- Walls: Most people will have adequate insulation in the walls of their home, but that’s not always the case. Older homes may lack insulation; if you have old plaster walls, you may need to blow insulation into the walls.
- Roof: Your roof plays a big role in preventing heat from escaping during winter. If you haven’t checked your roof insulation lately, now might be a good time. If you’re unsure about its condition and want a professional opinion, consider reaching out to a professional in roofing minneapolis mn (or a more local expert) to make sure everything is sealed up properly before the cold sets in. Addressing small issues now can prevent more significant damage during harsh winter storms. A well-insulated roof not only keeps your home warm but also helps reduce energy bills by keeping your heating system from working overtime.
- Windows: Every home has windows, but all windows aren’t built equally. Older single-pane windows weren’t designed to keep heat and cold out. Modern window technology has come a long way in improving energy efficiency and comfort in homes. For instance, opting for Aluminum Glazing in frames can further enhance the energy efficiency of your windows. How so? Well, aluminum frames may offer superior insulation, preventing cold air from seeping into your home while keeping the warmth inside. This not only improves your home’s overall comfort during the winter months but also helps lower energy bills by reducing the need for excessive heating. Another option gaining popularity is tinted windows, which can reduce glare and heat gain while still allowing natural light in. Smart windows that can change their tint electronically are also emerging as an innovative solution for energy-conscious homeowners. Also, if you have old windows, replacing them with double-pane windows can reduce heat loss by up 10-20% in the winter, leading to improved comfort and potential energy savings.
- Miscellaneous: This is the most overlooked part of insulating a home and includes weather-stripping and caulking. Once you’ve got solid insulation in your walls and attic and good windows, it’s time to look at these smaller leaks that could be costing you money and comfort. Additionally, maintaining clean carpets and upholstery can enhance your indoor air quality and comfort. Hiring professional upholstery cleaners can effectively remove allergens and dust that accumulate in fabrics, contributing to a healthier living environment. This, combined with your insulation efforts, ensures your home stays cozy and inviting, especially during the winter months.
Regardless of how you’re adding insulation to your home, it’s important to do the job right; call a professional if you have to.
Heating
If you haven’t had your heating system inspected and cleaned in a while, now is the perfect time. Central heating needs maintenance every so often to ensure it’s running at full power and efficiency. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, you can get help from heating and cooling professionals. Otherwise, here is what you should do to maintain your central heating unit.
The first thing you should check, regardless of system type, is the thermostat. You can check the accuracy of your thermostat by taping a glass thermometer to the wall next to it-make sure to keep it separated from the wall. If your thermostat isn’t showing what the glass thermometer is, you may need to recalibrate your thermostat. If that doesn’t work, it might need to be replaced.
Air filters should be checked every month and replaced when needed. These filters are relatively inexpensive and help maintain air quality and energy efficiency. For better air quality, get a filter with a higher MERV rating. Your ducts should also be checked yearly. This is more of a job for a professional, but you want to make sure there are no buildups, rusting or open joints. Ductwork should be cleaned on an as-needed basis. In addition to these tasks, you should also make sure your blower is cleaned regularly, the combustion chamber is clean, and the blower belt is functioning properly (if there is one). A professional from somewhere like https://homeserviceheroesfl.com/maintenance/ should be able to help you with inspections, cleaning, and maintenance of the HVAC systems right in time for winter.
Prevent Pipe Freezing
Water is a vital resource throughout the year, but winter is when you’re more likely to be stuck without it. When pipes freeze, water can’t run through them and you’re stuck with no running water. Before you feel the full effects of winter, make sure all of your vulnerable pipes are wrapped in insulating sleeves or heat tape to keep them from freezing. For kitchen and bathroom pipes, keep the cabinet doors open to make sure some warm air circulates around the pipes.
If you’re unsure about properly winterizing your home’s plumbing, it may be worth consulting a professional like this Cambridge Plumber, for instance. Alternatively, you can seek an expert in your local area, depending on where you live. Regardless of location, these handymen can assess your specific setup and recommend the best preventative measures to avoid frozen pipes. Similarly, homeowners in areas prone to heavy snowfall may rely on such professionals to clear snow and ice from around critical outdoor pipes and shut-off valves. This is possible if the owners didn’t take precautionary steps in advance.
Properly preparing your home’s plumbing for winter is a proactive step that can save you from the significant hassle and expense of dealing with burst pipes. In this way, by taking the time to insulate, monitor, and maintain your home’s water systems, you can help ensure you have access to this essential resource all season long. When the temperatures start to drop, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing your home is ready to weather the winter.