Preparing your home for the cold weather during winter goes beyond storing your lawn mower or cleaning the yard of any clutter. Knowing how to winterize your home can help you avoid high energy costs and prevent any damage caused by the snow.
Winterizing your home means preparing both the exterior and interior parts of your home. To help you cross off the most important tasks and ensure you are comfortable throughout the cold season, we've created a checklist that should be completed by the time the cold weather comes.
1. Check the gutters and downspouts
One of the first tasks to complete when winterizing your home is to check and clean your gutters and downspouts. Doing so can help you avoid issues with ice dams or potential leaks. Failing to clean your gutter of any debris, such as dead leaves or nests, can it from directing away water that can seep in and cause structural damage.
2. Check any outdoor faucets.
The last thing you want in the middle of the frigid weather is to stay out to fix a burst pipe. If you have any outdoor faucets or hose bibs, we recommend shutting off the water and opening the valves to drain any water. In addition, it is also encouraged to place insulated covers on exterior spigots even after they've been drained.
3. Inspect the roof and attic.
When preparing your home for winter, it is crucial to take the time to inspect and make any repairs to your roof to ensure rain or snow does not seep in. If your home has an attic, check and replace the insulation to keep the draft out.
4. Clean the chimney
If your home has a fireplace, ensure that the chimney is clear of any buildup and debris that could be a fire hazard. You can hire a chimney sweeper to clean a dirty chimney.
5. Weatherproof doors and windows
Cold air can creep in through doors and windows, especially if the weatherstripping around them is worn. Prevent any draft by applying caulking around windows and the siding. You can also install a door sweep on the bottom of your door to keep cold air out.
6. Check the HVAC system
Before winter comes, we recommend having your HVAC system serviced to ensure it runs well in cold weather. In addition, HVAC professionals can also help you replace furnace filters so that airflow is not obstructed by dust or lint build-up.
7. Prepare your patio
If you live in a region where snowfall is likely, it's recommended to cover patio furniture with weatherproof covers. If possible, store the furniture in your garage or shed. If the patio is made of wood, using a fresh coat of sealant should help protect it in winter.
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