Winter is a magical time for obvious reasons, but it’s also when homeowners living in colder climates take special precautions for their homes to ensure everything runs smoothly as soon as the cold settles in. Winterizing your home is essential for protecting your home from the elements, conserving energy and for simply keeping comfortable and toasty during this time of the year.
Here are some steps you can take to help you get your home winter-ready:
1. Take care of the gutters and the roof
As part of the outdoor care for your home, give your gutters a thorough cleaning when the last leaves have fallen to prevent any blocked drains from accumulating leaves, twigs or water. This can prevent gutter drainage and create a breeding ground for mold and algae which can infiltrate the home’s interior walls. Additionally, the blocked water can freeze over in winter and cause further damage.
Winter comes with increased exposure to the elements, with snow, wind and ice taking a toll on your roof. Check the roof for any damaged shingles, clogged valleys or any signs of deterioration. You can install gutter guards, which does away with this issue altogether. They’re made of stainless steel or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and will prevent grit, leaves and other debris from building up in your gutter. They do take some maintenance, but it’s less frequent and easier than regular cleanings.
2. Give your yard a once-over
Trim trees and collect old branches and any other landscape-related debris that can freeze over. This step is important because the cold weather weakens trees and can cause branches to fall, potentially damaging your home, car or your family members.
Go through all the outdoor equipment and put it in your shed – mower, garden shears, and any other tools you might have. If you have a gas grill with a propane tank, disconnect the tank and leave it outside, but get a cover to protect it from the elements.
Outdoor furniture should also be put away. Since it can take up a lot of space, putting it in storage is ideal, especially if you live in a climate with cold winters. Not only it’s a space-saving solution, but it’s also the best way to protect your outdoor furniture from the low winter temperatures, with climate-controlled units being the ideal choice for this type of item. Renting a storage unit in Chicago costs around $145/month.
3. Keep walkways snow and slide-free
Make sure your walkway, driveway and rails are snow and frost-free at all times to avoid any accidents. To welcome the winter weather, stock up on deicing salt to sprinkle on the sidewalk, walkway and steps. Read the instructions and wear protective gear when applying it.
4. Insulate windows, doors and more
Part of weatherproofing your home is addressing doors and windows, where most drafts can creep in. If they’re older, you can consider replacing them with storm doors and windows – they offer some of the best insulation. Moreover, you can install draft guards inside the home to minimize the cold from coming in.
Now is also a good time to replace windows screens and the screen door that have seen too many winters and are a little weathered. Alternatively, you could also caulk the existing doors and windows to get the same results. Do the same for baseboards and crown molding in case there are drafts.
5. Go for fiberglass insulation
To ensure heat truly stays indoors, you can install fiberglass insulation around basement doors, windows in unused rooms and other places that get less heat in the house. You could apply the same treatment to your attic floor. If you’re DIYing the project, make sure to wear gloves and proceed with care. You could also turn to a professional if you don’t want to do the job yourself.
6. Remember the pipes
Insulate pipes that can be prone to freezing as water expands in the process. When the temperature dips below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, let a small stream of water trickle in a couple of faucets. This will prevent any potential frost and your pipes from bursting. At the same time, leave the cabinet doors under the kitchen sink and bathroom open to allow warm air to circulate over the pipes.
[insert water dripping from a faucet pic]
7. Optimize energy use
Here are some things you can do to reduce your energy bill:
Do an energy audit
Saving energy is something that every homeowner desires, so going for an energy audit will help you reduce your utility bills during the winter. The professionals can come up with ideas to help you make your home more energy efficient. They might make suggestions concerning the type of light bulbs – LEDs, for example, or using a water heater blanket.
Switch to a smart thermostat
A smart thermostat can set the temperature based on the times you’re inside the home or not to help you save energy. You can turn down the temperature during the day while you’re at work and at night when you’re sleeping. Turn down the thermostat by a degree or two – it will still save you energy in the end and lower your bills.
Check the refrigerator temperature and gasket door
Refrigerators might not come to mind when it comes to saving energy, but it’s an option. As a general rule, keep your refrigerator’s temperature between 36 and 38 degrees F, while for the freezer, it’s the 0-5 degree F range that is ideal for keeping your food safe and cutting down on your energy.
Moreover, check the rubber door gasket as the seal can weaken in time, allowing warm air to enter the fridge. To check if this is the case, shut the door with a dollar bill, and if it slides out easily, the seal is weakened. That means it’s time to replace it. For maintenance, clean it with an all-purpose cleaner from time to time to keep it in good shape.
Turn ceiling fans clockwise
Ceiling fans are not great just to cool you off during the summer. They can also work to your advantage during the winter. Turn them clockwise to allow them to push hot air toward the floor. The counterclockwise position is not as effective for this purpose.
Install reflectors on your radiators
Since radiators typically sit next to the wall, one side isn’t working hard enough to dissipate heat toward the center of the room. A radiator reflector can help redirect the heat away from the wall and towards the room, making it a much more effective use of the heat.
8. Check the indoor systems
Here are some indoor systems that can benefit from a checkup before the cold season starts:
The furnace
Replace the furnace filter before winter to ensure its maximum efficiency. These filters typically collect lint, pollen, dust and more which can obstruct airflow and make your furnace work longer and harder. You should replace the filter every three months. Also, check the furnace for leaks, including carbon monoxide.
The water heater
The water heater needs a good flush to make it work efficiently. Cleaning it removes particles and sediment that get deposited over time. Do the operation through the drain valve.
The fireplace
If you have a functional fireplace, make sure you have an annual inspection to check for soot, animal nests and other buildup. This step is especially important before the first winter use. Get the assistance of a chimney sweep and have it cleaned thoroughly.
9. Install a chimney balloon
To add extra insulation to your home, block the cold from through the chimney with a chimney balloon. It acts as a barrier to stop heat from escaping. This is a perfect insulating solution if your home doesn’t have a damper or if yours is damaged in any way.
10. Prepare for an emergency
To have all contingencies covered, get supplies in case a winter storm hits. Make a shopping list and include some of the following: ice scraper, ice melt, flashlights with batteries, weather radio, emergency car kit, snow shovel, dried food and pet food. Feel free to amend your list based on the climate you live in.
