The risk of harm to your home increases as the temperature drops. Preparing for colder weather in October may appear premature. However, emptying the gutters and inspecting your roof becomes much more difficult after winter has arrived. So, to prevent you from climbing ladders in the snow and to help you save money on heating bills, try some upgrades and home hacks for winterizing your home ahead of the next cold spell.
Repairs Should Be Made
Winter storms can be severe and unexpected, inflicting damage to our homes and gardens. It’s worth spending some time outside now to avoid damage and loss from storms and freezing weather in the future. Put away any loose items that could be a hazard and fly around or break things on a windy day.
Clear your gutters
Your gutters must be clean of materials such as leaves, dirt, and sticks. Clogged gutters prevent rain and melting snow from draining, potentially resulting in household leaks. Also, make sure your downspouts are at least five feet away from your house to ensure that water flows away from them rather than towards them.
Keep Your Pipes Safe
Frozen pipes are most likely to occur in unheated interior regions such as your garage, attic, or basement. Pipe insulation should be applied to any exposed pipes in vulnerable sections of your home. Other measures to keep your pipes from freezing are to keep your garage door closed as much as possible and to maintain your house temperature above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Collect Your Firewood
Stock up on firewood if you have a wood-burning fireplace or fire pit before demand spikes. You could even be able to locate free firewood in your area. Don’t store firewood against your home’s foundation, and don’t keep more than you need indoors: it’s a breeding ground for household pests. You don’t want to discover that you’re sharing your home with some unexpected, wild housemates when winter arrives, so place firewood at least five feet away from your home’s foundation.
Having your radiators bled
If your radiators are chilly at the top but hot at the bottom when your heating is turned on, this is a sign that they need to be bled. But first, make sure you have a towel, a bleed key, and that your heater has been switched off. After that, locate the valve at the top of your radiator and spin it anti-clockwise with the bleeding key until you hear a hissing sound. Once the water begins to flow, simply tighten the valve again and you’re done. Catch any water that may drip from the valve with the cloth.
Get your roof checked out
This is most likely the most crucial step in winterizing a home. If you are unable to access your home’s roof, a professional can inspect it for loose or broken shingles. When looking for roofing contractors, seek someone who is both local and dependable. Your roof is the crowning glory of your home, and because heat rises, having a well-insulated roof in good shape is critical.
October 25, 2022 at 9:43 am
If your heating system is outdated, you may also need to replace it before the cold weather sets in. Fall is the best season for this.
Read this article to find out whether your heater or furnace requires replacement: https://polestarplumbing.com/news-media/take-advantage-this-fall-the-best-season-for-heater-replacement.
October 28, 2022 at 3:20 am
Frozen pipes are a very common problem. You made some good suggestions on how to prevent it. However, in some cases, this may not be enough. If extremely low temperatures are a norm for your region, consider all these points to avert disaster: https://escoutah.com/preventing-frozen-pipes/.
November 9, 2022 at 1:18 am
Hi there!
If you have a swimming pool, preparing it for winter is another home project you should take advantage of. Neglecting this can lead to problems such as algae, a chemical imbalance of water, and broken equipment.
I’m leaving a guide to closing the pool here in case you might need it: https://www.discountsaltpool.com/guide-maintaining-saltwater-pool-winter.
November 15, 2022 at 10:25 am
Good recommendations – thank you!
I also suggest installing a smart thermostat. Probably the biggest benefit of a smart thermostat is that it can help save you money on energy bills. Depending on the type of smart thermostat you choose, you could save anywhere from 12-23% on your heating costs. But it should be chosen correctly to get the most out of it. Here are some tips you can use when selecting one for your home: https://www.edelmaninc.com/4-features-to-look-for-in-a-smart-thermostat/.
November 16, 2022 at 2:27 am
Also, remember to check your heating system to ensure it works properly and smoothly. Here’s the checklist you can use: https://www.gervaismechanical.com/34013-2/.
Problems with heating in winter are more than just about discomfort. It can cause the pipes in your house to freeze. Frozen pipes are a common problem that has huge property damage!
November 17, 2022 at 7:23 am
Thank you for sharing. A must-read article!
Since winter is just around the corner, you should pay special attention to your furnace. Making noise- this is how your furnace talks about the problem. By the sounds your furnace makes, you can even determine the problem: https://servicetoday247.com/why-is-my-furnace-making-that-noise/.
November 22, 2022 at 6:15 am
Thank you loads for sharing this!
We have some extra tips on how to save on bills in winter: https://www.sandersandjohnson.com/winter-tip-heating-january/.
You should check it out 🙂
November 23, 2022 at 1:44 am
You should also check your windows for air leaks.
On average, 25% of your energy bill is caused by insufficient windows. They may be outdated, poorly installed, or simply not as energy efficient as you’d like. Depending on your budget, you can update your windows by sealing them or completely replace them. If you live in an area with extreme temperatures in winter, consider thermally broken windows as an alternative to traditional options.
November 29, 2022 at 8:46 am
Also, ensure that your air conditioning unit is properly sealed and insulated. You can hire an HVAC specialist for this or do it yourself if you nave enough experience.
Reducing the amount of air that leaks in and out of your home is a cost-effective way to cut heating and cooling costs, improve durability, increase comfort, and create a healthier indoor environment.
January 11, 2023 at 5:51 am
Thanks for the helpful advice! I just want to add a few words about home insulation. If you get your hot water from a hot water storage tank, you also need to insulate it. Insulation with an R-value of at least 24 is preferable.
This could reduce heat loss by up to 45% and save you around 10% in water heating costs.
February 1, 2023 at 2:06 am
Also, remember to check the air quality in your home. In winter, we spend more time at home, and the air quality in your home becomes more important than ever. To increase your indoor air quality, check your HVAC system first. Poorly maintained cooling and heating systems often cause poor air quality.