If you haven’t already, it is time to prepare your home for winter. The cold weather and precipitation can do some real damage if your home isn’t properly prepped. We’ve checked some of the leading blogs and saved you time by gathering the top tips for winterizing your home.
Winterizing Basics
While almost all the lists include the traditional winterizing elements like changing your filters, reversing your ceiling fans, and caulking, several lists have some extra ideas to help protect your home (and wallet) against the harsh elements.
Heater and Fireplace
First, there are several ways for you to save money this winter. Popular Mechanics has an entire blog dedicated to the energy efficient benefits of winterizing your home. Changing your filter can help your heater run more efficiently, but it may be easiest to call in a professional to give your heater a quick tune-up. That way, you know everything is in proper working order and safe for your home and family to use.
Also, while your fireplace may be a great option for warmth and a gathering place during the holidays, it is one of the biggest wastes of heated air when it is not in use. Make sure to use a chimney balloon or screen when your fireplace is not in use to avoid the draft. However, if you don’t have a traditional fireplace setup in your home, you might want to have a look at an easy install fireplace that’ll help you stay warm during the cold months, without any unnecessary stress.
Gutters
Next, we take our gutters seriously and so should you so definitely look for guttering specialists from Glasgow (or wherever you’re located). The first tip on this list is to make sure your gutters are completely cleaned out and everything is flowing properly. If not, ice and snow can do some real damage. Let the professionals take over this task. Call us today to schedule your winter gutter cleaning before the weather gets too bad. This is even an important task in places where you wouldn’t commonly associate with freezing winters, like Texas. Whilst you’re having a look at the gutters, keep an eye on the soffits and fascias too – those are the parts the gutter connects to. Any cracks along them could also cause issues with water getting into your home. As well as your gutters you are going to need to make sure there are no pending repairs to your roof, as even a small crack could spell trouble in the freezing months. If you have any existing problems with your roof, it might be worth looking up roof repair Austin TX before it gets too much colder.
Emergency Resources
In addition, one step to winterizing that is often overlooked is making sure you have resources for emergencies. Having a generator on hand can be very helpful if the power is knocked out by a winter storm. You can find reasons for owning a generator on Lowe’s list for winter preparedness. Home Advisor also adds the need for stocking up on canned goods and water, plus having a snow shovel around to dig your way out in an emergency.
Pipes
Finally, one of the most frequent issues when it comes to cold weather is problems with pipes. Lowe’s has an excellent plan for preventing and repairing frozen pipes. Interestingly enough, pipes in southern climates are more susceptible to damage because those owners don’t typically take the steps necessary to protect them from freezing.
Don’t be left out in the cold. Use these tips to prepare your home for the long winter ahead. Call us today and we will help you prep those gutters and maybe even throw in some window washing while we’re out there!