How Do I Prepare My Home For Cold Weather?
Now that fall is here, it is time to get your home ready for the cold weather. Here are six important things you should do to get your home ready for the winter months.
Tune up your heating system! Change your filters and then have a technician come out and inspect your furnace or heat pump to be sure that it is clean and in good working order. They will also check to be sure there is no carbon monoxide leakage. The sooner you call and make an appointment, the better! Don’t wait until the cold weather hits or you could find yourself on a very long waiting list.
Reverse your ceiling fans! If your ceiling fan has a reverse switch, use it to run the fan's blades in a clockwise direction after you turn on your heat. Hot air rises so by doing this, the fan will push the heated air from the ceiling down in to the room. This can be especially helpful in rooms with high ceilings and it might even allow you to turn your thermostat down by a degree or two!
Inspect your roof! Look for damaged, loose or missing shingles that may cause leaks during winter storms or from melting snow. If you find loose or missing shingles, be sure to have those repaired. Check and repair the flashing seals around vent stacks and chimneys, too. If your roof is flat and surfaced with asphalt and pebbles, rake or blow off fall leaves and pine needles which hold moisture that could damage your roof. Never sweep your roof!
Clean your gutters! If your gutters are full of debris, this will cause water to back up against your house and damage your roof, siding and trim. It can also cause leaks and ice dams. If you find any damaged or missing gutters or fascia boards, have those repaired.
Drain and turn off exterior faucets! Undrained water in pipes can freeze which will cause the pipe to break as the ice expands. Disconnect all garden hoses and drain the water that remains in the faucets. If you do not have frost-proof faucets, turn off the shut-off valve inside your home.
Have your fireplace checked! Before you light that first cozy fire, check your fireplace, chimney and vents to be sure they are clean and in good condition. This will prevent chimney fires and prevent dangerous carbon monoxide from escaping in to your home.
Extreme cold weather can be hard on your home. Getting the exterior of your home ready for the cold, snow and ice is critical for keeping Old Man Winter on the outside and keeping it warm and comfy on the inside.