Getting your house ready for all sorts of severe weather and possible snowstorms is very important with winter almost upon us. Brutally freezing winter temperatures can test the heating system in your house and may burst pipes. But a little preparation today to avert headaches in the future is paramount. If you have never considered winterizing your home or if it has been a few years since you did, no need to fret. We have compiled a simple winterization checklist that serves as an easy guide to protecting your home so it stays warm and cozy during the cold months.
- Seal Those Windows
Your windows account for a lot of heat loss through winter months, which translate into high utility bills and chilly halls. Start off with a good draft check. If you can feel cold air coming in around the window edges, action must be taken. Some simple ways to winterize include weather stripping, foam tape, or re-caulking where seals have gone bad. For an even quicker fix, hang insulated curtains or use plastic window wrap to keep the cold air out and to put a little less load on the heating.
If you want a more permanent solution, consider getting yourself energy-efficient windows. They insulate excellently and do not require clunky measures such as plastic wrap thrown on them to stay efficient. - Check Exterior Doors for Drafts
Similar to the windows, your exterior doors let cold air enter into your house. Inspect the weatherstripping around your exterior doors, changing any that are worn or damaged to prevent drafts. Use draft blockers or insulation kits for sliding glass doors to avoid heat loss. If one still feels the cold, it is high time to install a storm door that provides an extra layer of insulation that helps hold the warm air in and prevent the cold air from coming in. - Get Your Roof and Gutters Ready
Snow and ice can damage your roof and gutters in the course of an unprepared period. Before the weather sets in, go up on your roof to search for any loose or missing shingles. Also, check all flashing around chimneys and vents for possible leaks that could lead to trouble when the snow begins to fall.
Clean your gutters from rubbish: leaves, twigs, and the like. Clogged gutters are usually the eyes through which ice damming happens, causing costly repairs for roofing and the insides of the house. And clear this gutter right now to avoid all that-and allow melting snow to flow without a hindrance. - Check heating system
The furnace is your best ally against the cold. Make sure it works fine before the cold really arrives. A month before winter, conduct a test run for your heating system to find out any problems there may be. Clean your vents and change the air filter. Don’t forget to check your fuel supply if your system is run by propane, oil, or any fuel source.
Also, do a check on your carbon monoxide detector, and make sure it’s in working order. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to faulty heaters that could cause dangerous carbon monoxide leaks. - Winterize Summer Equipment
If you have tools like gardening implements, motorcycles, boats, or anything else made for summer, make space for them to winter without ordeal. Be clean and maintain those tools for rust prevention and damage. Drain the gasoline from lawnmowers and some motorized equipment to keep them engine safe from deterioration over the cold months. Boats and jet skis should be cleaned and stored indoors so as to avoid damage caused by freezing temperatures. - Make Your Outdoor Winter Gear Ready
Outdoor winter equipment must be in shape, especially if there are snowing or ice conditions. Ensure the snowblower is functioning and has enough fuel for the duration of the season. Inspect any snowmobiles or ice augers so that if any repair needs do pop up, it could be made before the first arrival of snow. - Protect Pipes in Outside Walls
Frozen pipes can be among the more terrible disasters that can occur to homes. If your water pipes are anywhere exposed to uninsulated, cold temperatures, in places like attics or crawlspaces, wrap them in foam or electrical insulation tape. Shut off the exterior faucet in question for winter and drain it to prevent freezing. Drain and store your garden hoses too; else you could damage them. - Protect Your Outdoor Furniture
The winter isn’t easy on outdoor furniture and equipment. Cover your furniture in tarp or put it indoors, if at all possible. If you lack storage space for your furniture, invest in quality covers designed to keep it dry and protected. - Winterize Your Air Conditioner
Your air conditioner is probably the last thing on your mind when winter hits, but tend it now so you will pocket some extra years into it. Spray your unit down with a high-pressure hose to remove all debris, then encase it in a waterproof tarp to keep it free from rust and freeze damage. If you have a window unit, you should take it down for winter but if it is impossible to remove, simply wrap it tightly with a tarp to seal out the cold air. - Inspect Your Fireplace and Chimney
If you plan on using a fireplace during the winter, it needs to be made ready for such time. Have the damper opened and closed, check for function, and for use later in the winter, visually check the chimney for obstructions and signs of wear. Small animals sometimes nest in chimneys, so it’s a good idea to have a chimney sweep come and inspect-clean it before using your fireplace. This will keep it safe and efficient all through winter.
Essential Advice for Being Emergencies Prepared in Winter
Besides the winterization of the home, one should also prepare for emergencies. One should have a winter car emergency kit that contains different important items like an extra blanket, ice scraper, flashlight, and tow rope. Tire should bear winter feeling and any leak made in the automobile should be checked before the snow sets in.
Winterizing one’s home seems to be a full-time job, but taking these steps will guarantee that the house remains warm, safe, and energy-efficient during winter. You will be able to enjoy peace of mind as your home is prepared for all that winter may throw in its direction with this list.
