How to winterize your home in 12 simple steps
As the cold weather sets in, it’s important to take some time to winterize your home. This will help to protect it from the elements and ensure that it stays warm and comfortable all winter long. Some simple steps that you can take include sealing up any cracks or gaps around doors and windows, insulating your walls and attic, and keeping your gutters clean and clear. Taking these measures will help to reduce your heating bills and keep your home in tip-top shape all season long.
1. Get a Home Energy Audit
The first step to winterizing your home is to get a home energy audit. A home energy audit is an assessment of your home’s energy usage and efficiency. An energy auditor will come to your home and inspect it for areas where heat can escape, such as cracks in the walls or gaps around doors and windows. The auditor will also assess your home’s insulation and heating systems to determine if they are working properly.
2. Check your windows and doors for cracks and gaps
Take a look at your windows and doors for any cracks or gaps. These can let in cold air, which can make your home uncomfortable and increase your energy bills. You can either seal the cracks yourself with caulk or weatherstripping. Caulk is a sealant that can be used to fill small cracks and gaps, while weatherstripping is a strip of material that can be used to seal larger gaps around doors and windows.
3. Add insulation to your home
Insulation is one of the most important things you can do to winterize your home. Insulation helps to keep heat in your home and prevent it from escaping. There are several different types of insulation, such as fiberglass, cellulose, and foam. You can install insulation yourself or hire a professional to do it for you.
4. Get your heating system serviced
Before the winter season begins, it’s a good idea to get your heating system serviced by a professional. A professional technician will clean the system and make sure that all of the parts are working properly. This will help ensure that it’s running efficiently and won’t break down when you need it most.
5. Reverse your ceiling fans
Most ceiling fans have a switch that allows you to reverse the direction of the blades. When the blades are spinning in a clockwise direction, they push hot air down from the ceiling, which can make your home feel warmer.
6. Seal ductwork leaks
If you have ductwork in your home, chances are there are some leaks. These leaks can let heat escape, which makes your heating system work harder and increases your energy bills. You can either seal the leaks yourself with mastic sealant or foil tape, or you can hire a professional to do it for you.
7. Install storm doors and windows
Storm doors and windows provide an extra layer of protection from the elements and can help keep your home more comfortable in extreme weather conditions. They’re relatively easy to install yourself, but you can also hire a professional to do it for you.
8. Cover exposed pipes
If you have any exposed pipes in your home, it’s important to cover them before the start of winter. Exposed pipes are at risk of freezing when the temperature outside drops below freezing. When water freezes, it expands, which can cause pipes to burst. To prevent this from happening, you can cover exposed pipes with insulation or heat tape. Frozen pipes can burst and cause significant water damage, so it’s important to take this precautionary measure.
9. Disconnect hoses from outdoor faucets
Be sure to disconnect all hoses from outdoor faucets before the cold weather sets in. This will help prevent them from freezing and bursting. Drain and store garden hoses Garden hoses should be drained and stored indoors for the winter months so they don’t crack or split from exposure to freezing temperatures
10. Winterize the water irrigation system
As the temperatures start to drop, it’s important to take steps to winterize your home irrigation system. This will help prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting when the cold weather hits. One of the best ways to winterize your irrigation system is to drain all the water out of it. This can be done by turning off the water supply and then opening all the valves and drains. You’ll need to flush out the remaining water within the pipes. Either hire a professional, or if you have an air compressor, you can do it yourself.
11. Clear out your gutters
One important task is to clear out gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters can cause a variety of problems, including roof damage, interior water damage, and insect infestations. In cold weather, they can also cause ice dams, which can lead to even more serious damage. By taking the time to clear out your gutters now, you can help protect your home from potential problems later on.
12. Cover your air conditioner
In the winter, it’s important to protect your air conditioner from the cold weather. Covering your air conditioner will help protect it from the elements and extend its lifespan. Additionally, covering your air conditioner will help keep it clean and free of debris.
