Cold Weather Tips for Preparing Your House for Winter

During harsh winter conditions, issues like fire hazards, water damage, and higher heating costs can arise. Follow these preparedness tips to prepare your house and help prevent the problems that fall and winter may bring. 

  • Insulate doors and windows. Weatherstrip any gaps and cracks around doors and windows and caulk up the openings that are larger than the width of a nickel. This prevents moisture and cold air from getting inside, fostering the energy efficiency of your property. For additional warmth conservation, install dual or triple-pane windows and insulated doors, and garage doors.
  • Has your heating system inspected? Hire an expert to inspect your furnace and heating pump. This ensures your heating system functions efficiently and that carbon monoxide leaks are prevented.
  • Change the furnace filters each month during the chilly season. Dirty furnace filters reduce furnace efficiency, which decreases the lifespan of their device and increases energy intake.
  • Shield pipes from freezing. Severe cold weather may freeze the water in your pipes, which will burst because the ice inside it expands. Let faucets in exterior walls drip to give relief for your plumbing. Additionally, wrap both warm and cold water pipes with insulation and clean cracks up or holes in your walls to keep cold air from pipes. Leave the temperature to at least 55 degrees when leaving the house. In case of a plumbing emergency, you will have to shut the water valve to prevent additional harm. The valve is typically found in the basement or buried near the road. Having badly sealed ducts can lead to around 20 percent loss inefficiency.
  • Hire a contractor to seal and insulate the air ducts in your home. You will save energy and reduce the stress in your furnace. Additionally, ensure your attic has enough ventilation to allow cold air into the loft (and help prevent the ice to the roof from melting).
  • Keep your fireplace. Check for obstructions, such as creosote accumulation or birds’ nests, in the flue. Also, the damper should shut properly and the firebox must be completely intact. Hire a chimney sweep to clean your chimney and check it for damage. Hire a contractor to repair any missing, loose, or damaged shingles. Additionally, the roof must be clear of debris because it may damage the roof’s shingles or membrane. Looking for fire damage restoration? Check them out here.
  • Clean gutters and downspouts. Leaves, twigs, and other debris from gutters might lead to water leaks in your house, as well as ice dams. Make sure that you wash them frequently and assess them for harm and sagginess.
  • Stock up on principles. To get ready for a toaster, which can happen during a blizzard, maintain an emergency kit (with food, water, medical equipment, etc.) and alternative heating sources available. Also, restock chilly weather essentials, like salt or ice melting.

For more information tips to protect your house in winter, check out how to prevent water damage in winter and how to prevent home fires throughout winter. For flood water damage repair and water removal, sanitization services, contact your local PuroClean office or visit this website.