We’ve officially entered the cold season this fall. As such, now is the best time to prepare your home for winter. Your goal is to protect your house from the threats of snow. At the same time, you have to keep your family as cozy as possible.
With the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and pandemic restrictions, there are a few steps to take for your winter house preparation. Some of these are basic steps you’ve been doing almost every year. However, it pays to remind you of things you must not neglect and a few other things to protect your family’s health during the pandemic.
Fret not, as we’ve rounded up some home maintenance tips for you. Here’s how to prepare your house for winter:
1. Set your thermostat
The initial step to take is to check your thermostat. First, make sure that it is working before making the necessary adjustment. Getting it exposed to direct sunlight, drafts, and other outdoor elements can lead to inaccurate readings. Also, be sure to read the manufacturer’s manual to ensure an appropriate setting. Lastly, go ahead and adjust your thermostat to the right temperature best suited for winter.
2. Inspect and update your furnace
When it comes to regulating your home’s temperature and comfort level, the furnace is key. This heating system is designed to heat your home and keep your family warm during winter. According to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) experts, fall is the best time for furnace inspection and maintenance. These services must be performed at least once a year. Apart from cleaning and fixing your furnace, don’t forget to change the filter as well.
3. Caulk your front door
It’s a good idea to caulk your front door as well. As you can see, heat can quickly escape, and drafts can easily get in through your front door. Be sure to seal the bottom of your door and caulk any opening, hole, or gap. Not only will this help control your home temperature, but it will also help you save up on your utility bills for the winter season.
4. Weather-strip your windows
Apart from your doors, it will be best if you do not also neglect your windows. Same with doors, your windows are also entry points to your house. Outdoor elements such as drafts can easily and quickly get in through your windows. That’s why you must consider weather-stripping your windows. Some go to the extent of repairing their windows with double or triple glazing. Others resort to installing window tints such as solar, privacy, and decorative window films.
5. Insulate your attic
Of course, your attic must not be taken for granted. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy identifies certain house areas that require proper insulation, including the attic and ceiling. You can use insulating materials that will enclose this part of your house. With insulation, expect the heat to stay indoors and drafts to remain outdoors. If you don’t know what to do, hire home contractors who can properly insulate your attic and house in general.
6. Repair or replace your roof
Your roofing system plays a crucial role in your house. Sitting on top, it serves to protect your home and the whole household from harsh outdoor elements like snow. As early as fall, be sure to inspect it to see if it’s in top shape and condition. If you notice signs of wear and damage such as curled, displaced, or missing shingles, get your roof fixed as soon as possible. If your roof has long been old and outdated, it’s time to replace it. That said, work with a metal roofing company for a new roofing installation.
7. Clean out your gutters
Apart from the roof, don’t forget the gutters. They are channels designed to direct rainfall away from your house and into proper drainage. However, it’s easy to neglect these house parts. As such, they get accumulated with leaves, twigs, bird nests, pests, and other debris. As dirty and clogged gutters can be problematic during winter, be sure to check and clean them out during fall. Ultimately, doing so will prevent a dangerous ice dam that will ruin your roof and home in general.
This house maintenance checklist will help you get ready for winter. That said, be sure to tick the list off, from setting your thermostat to insulating your attic up to checking your surrounding trees. All these will help protect your house during winter. Ultimately, these will keep your whole family comfortable during the cold months.
