Though it's not cold just yet, always be prepared for the winter, and stay top of mind on these winterization tips.
Winterizing your home is important. It can save you money and will make your home more comfortable during the winter. Properly winterizing your home can also protect you from possible damage resulting from wintry weather and freezing temperatures.
The following five tips will help you save you money on heating bills and help you keep you and your family comfortable and safe during the cold months of winter. They can be done relatively easily and with minimal effort and cost.
1. Clear Your Property In Preparation For Winter
The first thing you should do when winterizing your home is to be prepared for freezing temperatures and wintry weather.
Branches that dangle close to power lines, porches and sidewalks pose a hazard after heavy snowfall. Snow and ice can weigh down tree branches and limbs and make them snap and fall.
Cut any branches that are near such spots and have any loose or dangling branches on your property cut by an expert to avoid damage to your property during a snowstorm.
Make sure your roof and gutters are clean so that snow will fall and melt instead of accumulating and possibly damaging your home. Snow and ice accumulation on the roof can cause leaks in your home.
2. Insulate Pipes and Windows
Wrap your pipes in insulation. This will reduce heat loss and save you money on heating. It will also prevent pipes from bursting during cold weather. Windows can be covered with transparent insulation wrapping.
Insulating windows will help to keep cold air out of your home and warm indoor home inside resulting in lower heating bills and more warmth comfort in the home.
3. Check for Drafts
Drafts are air currents that move around your home. In the wintertime, drafts are cold and can create cold spots in the home. Check for drafts around the home and seal them off from entering your home.
Drafts are often found under doors, in fireplaces and even plumbing and electrical connections. Use fiberglass insulation, draft snakes and wrapping to seal off drafts and keep the cold out air from entering the home.
4. Check Your Air Filter and Heating System
A dirty air filter will make your heating system work harder and cost you more money to heat the home. Your heating system should be in optimum condition if it is not then it will not heat your home as effectively which will result in higher bills and cold spots in a home.
5. Seal Off Gaps and Cracks in the Home
Gaps and cracks may be inconspicuous during the warm months. In the winter cold air will blow in through them. They can also allow insects and pests inside your home as they search for a warm spot to live in.
Use caulk, wrapping and any other necessary materials to close the gaps and keep the cold and pests out. Gaps and cracks can be found in walls, around pipes, by windows, near lighting appliances and in the floor. Closing these cracks and holes will make your home warmer and help keep it pest-free during winter.
Winter is almost upon us in the area. To get the best advice on winterizing your home, call All City Plumbing at (909) 552-7550 today!