With the onset of cooler weather, it is an excellent time to think about
getting your home ready for winter. A few simple steps can help reduce the amount you pay in heating bills over the winter. The following steps can help you prepare your home for the colder weather.
1. Service Your Furnace
It is a good idea to have your furnace or heating system serviced each year before the cold weather hits. If you do not have a professional do this for you, be sure to change out the filters and to turn it on to make sure it is working before the first freezing spell of the winter. This will let you know if you need to have work done on it.
2. Wrap Your Pipes and Water Heater
The hardware store sells items that you can use to safely wrap your pipes and water heater. When you wrap your water heater, you can reduce the amount that you pay to heat your water each year. It is like a quilt that you wrap around the water heater. If you have pipes that run through a crawl space under your home, it is a good idea to wrap those pipes to prevent them from freezing throughout the winter. You might also want to consider
getting your crawlspace encapsulated before the temperatures start to drop.
3. Fix Drafts and Cracks
Take the time address drafty windows and cracks around your door and window frames. You can apply a plastic layer to windows that will shrink when you apply heat and seal any drafts that may be coming in through the glass. Applying caulk along the window frames and door frames to stop any drafts can also help. There is also a weather tape that you can apply to a door that may have cracks in between the door and frame.
4. Do a Visual Inspection
Check your attic and the foundation of your home for any additional cracks not only can these let heat out, but they can let in animals that are looking for a warm place to make their home this winter. They can make a mess, cause damage and even spread disease if they do get in. If you suspect you have an issue with rodents call the experts at EcoTek who can safely
trap and remove any animals and help with the decontamination of your home.
5. Don’t Forget Your Car
It is just as important to make sure your car is ready for winter. Take the time to check your tires and possible buy chains or change to snow tires. Check the antifreeze and other liquids in your car to make sure everything is ready to handle the extra cold. It is also a good idea to put an emergency kit in the car for winter in case you get stranded.
With the onset of cooler weather, it is an excellent time to think about getting your home ready for winter. A few simple steps can help reduce the amount you pay in heating bills over the winter. The following steps can help you prepare your home for the colder weather.
