Colder temperature and snowfall can wreak havoc on properties, so it’s important to be prepared. By winterizing your home, you can keep it in tip-top condition throughout the coldest season and save on your fuel bills too. To make sure you’re ready, check out these top tips for winterizing your home now…
- Check for drafts
You may not notice them in the summer but, chances are, your home has a number of cracks and small openings close to windows and doors. Although these aren’t uncommon, they can cause problems during winter. With cold air able to enter the property and heat easily escaping, you’ll have your heating on more often if you don’t take action.
Check every door and window closely and use expanding foam, weather stripping or caulk to fill them in. With drafts minimized, you can save a significant amount on your energy bills and keep your home warmer too.
- Clear out drains
To operate efficiently, your drainage system needs to be free from debris. As winter approaches, however, you’ll notice a build-up of leaves and twigs filling your gutters and outside drains. When this can’t be washed away, it leads to an excess of mold and mildew, which can affect the structure of your drains.
In addition to this, excess debris increases the chance of a blockage occurring, which could require intensive repairs. By accessing gutter cleaning services at the start of the season, you can ensure that your drains are free from debris and working perfectly. With blocked drains posing a risk of flooding, it’s vital you take steps to clear your drains before the bad weather really sets in.
- Leave your heating on
When you’re out of the house, it may seem sensible to turn your heating off and save some money. However, leaving your heating system off in low temperatures could result in pipes freezing. If temperatures are going to plummet, be sure to leave your heating on when you’re away for long periods.
Instead of turning the system off altogether, simply adjust your thermostat so that the pipes won’t freeze but you won’t be paying over the odds to keep an empty house warm either.
- Let natural light in
Many people rely on thick curtains for added insulation, but you won’t want to keep them closed all winter. Natural light and adequate ventilation will help to prevent rooms from becoming damp, so be sure to open windows for short periods and leave your curtains open too. Although thick curtains can be a great way of keeping heat in, they aren’t a permanent solution to winterizing your home.
Preparing for cold weather
We expect cold weather in winter but it’s still important to keep an eye on local weather reports. When you know a snowstorm is due, you can undertake extra prep, such as gritting your pathways and driveways. Preparing your home for winter will ensure you stay warm and dry while you’re at home and it can also prevent the need for costly repairs when spring arrives.
