Preparing Your House For Winter

Winter Weather Is On the Way!

The crisp air of fall serves as an early reminder of the impending winter months. The leaves are lovely now, but it is only a matter of time before the chilly temperatures and blustery winds are upon us.

Whether you abhor the winter season, or are one of those who look forward to the fluffy snowflakes, preparing your home for winter early helps you sleep better at night, content in the knowledge that your family and home are fully prepared for it.

So then, what boxes do you need to tick to ensure your home is ready for winter?

Below, we give you the lowdown.

1.  Weatherize your home’s interior and exterior

One of the first things you need to do when preparing for winter is to inspect and weatherize your windows.

If necessary, invest in weather stripping for windows, entry ways and any other place where air could be penetrating or escaping from. This also involves sealing any foundation cracks and air vents.

If you have your misgivings regarding how well your home is sealed, it is never a bad idea to seek the opinion of a professional, or probably your local energy company.

2.  Insulate pipes to prevent freezing

It is not uncommon for frozen pipes to burst at the height of winter, an occurrence that can result in costly repairs.

Make it a point of meticulously inspecting pipes in unheated or poorly heated areas of your home – the basement, for example, or the utility room.

To prevent freezing, maintain a minimum temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit in all areas where pipes are running through. If the pipe is in an especially cold area, a slow drip can help keep the frost at bay.

In the case of frozen pipes, a steady warm airflow can help thaw them out. It is worth noting that in the event you encounter any frozen pipe, chances are there are other frozen pipes as well, so make it a point of checking all water sources.

As well, disconnect outside water hoses, and when using heat sources like hair dryers or space heaters, do so cautiously.

3.  Have the HVAC system checked by a pro

It is best practice to ensure the HVAC system is in tiptop condition before winter sets in.

Regular HVAC maintenance offers a host of benefits. In addition to keeping your home warm more effectively, proper maintenance can also improve heating efficiency and extend the life of your HVAC system, saving you a good dime in the process.

If the unit is in need of repair, prolonged usage during the colder months could lead to breakdown. Just when you need it most.

4.  Clean the fireplace and chimneys

Regular maintenance of the fireplace and chimney is integral for energy efficiency.

More than that, the problem with overlooking maintenance of this important area of your home is that a poorly maintained fireplace could be a safety hazard waiting to happen.

Any residue or debris in your chimney should also be removed as it can lead to poor ventilation, or worse still, a fire.

5.  Clean and repair drains and gutters

Rid your guttering of potential blockage by removing leaves and any sticks or debris. Ensure the downspouts are secure and have them extend from the foundation by at least five feet. This helps foil any potential damage from melting snow.

As well, make sure the downspouts and gutters are fastened properly as extra water weight can cause them to loosen.

Something else you need to do around this area is to ensure every opening is covered. This prevents rodents, birds or insects from nesting in these places as they are bound to come seeking shelter.

6.  Check your roof for damages

All areas we have mentioned in this checklist are important. The thing with a damaged or leaky roof, though, is that it can lead to massive losses if the problem is not arrested early.

Autumn is the perfect time to have your roof inspected and prepared for the colder months around the corner, even in Texas. If you are a sworn DIY-er, you can take it upon yourself to replace any damaged or missing shingles to avoid a leaky roof.

While you are at it, check for any degenerated flashing around chimneys, gutters and skylight, not forgetting to seal any leaks where air or water could seep in at.

Otherwise, you can always call upon a local roofing company to inspect your roof and make any necessary repairs.

Lastly, consider investing in a roof rake if you don’t have one. This will come in handy when clearing snow lodged atop the roof, thus taking unnecessary weight off the roof which could result to damage.

7.  Prune bushes and trim trees

The extra weight of snow is not just a problem for the roof; it also increases the burden on tree limbs, thereby increasing their chances of breakage. Depending on the size and proximity to your house, a snow-laden tree limb poses a lot of danger.

You can ward off this problem by brushing the snow off of nearby tree limbs and bushes following each snowfall, as soon as practically possible. The better alternative is to simply trim your trees in the fall.

8.  Purchase or replace emergency supplies

Winter storms always bring the possibility of power outages and other emergency situations. A better-safe-than-sorry approach never hurt anyone, and this very much applies when preparing your home for winter.

You can do this by stocking up on inventory and necessities like batteries, flashlights, non-perishable food items, bottled water and first-aid supplies.

The American Red Cross recommends having an emergency supply comprising a three-day supply of food and water, as well as first-aid supplies for every family member to last at least seven days.

Other stuff you can stock up on include wood or fuel for alternative heating, winter clothing and extra blankets.

9.  Maintain and repair tools

Fall is also a good time to ensure all seasonal tools such as lawnmowers, shovels and snow blowers are in good working order.

Make sure the blowers are well maintained with new spark plugs, fresh oil and gasoline. You can also invest in an ample supply of ice melt for driveways and sidewalks.

Last Word

Winter can be taxing on your family and home, never mind your pocketbook.

But if experience has taught us anything, it is that early preparation can wash away any unwanted anxiety and put you in good stead to confront the winter months head on.