When fall rolls into winter, many people dig out the gloves, scarves, and warm hats, preparing themselves for the upcoming cold.

But what about your house? Just like your body, your home needs to be prepared for the winter months. With these helpful tips, your house will not only be more energy-efficient, it will be ready to handle cold temperatures that can cause significant damage!

Be a Draft Dodger
Possibly the most effective action you can take to winterize your home is to stop all outside drafts. To stop drafts, you should consider two key areas: windows and doors.

There are numerous products you can use to stop drafts. You can install outdoor window plastic or drop a door snake at the footing of each entryway. Weather stripping and caulking can be used to seal corners, and interior window film is an easy and affordable way to keep out the winter breeze.

Replace the Furnace Filter
During the winter season, when the heat is running almost constantly, your furnace needs to have a clean, fresh filter. A dirty filter will restrict air flow and increase energy use, so take the time to replace the filter at the beginning of winter, usually in December, then check it once a month. There are also permanent filters, which can reduce waste and hassle.

Shut off Water Lines to Outdoor Spigots
You won’t be using your outdoor hoses until spring, so turn off the water supply to outside spigots and other spouts. This can usually be done from the basement of most houses. If you can’t find the valve for exterior water lines, a contractor should be able to help.

Reverse the Fans
Ceiling fans aren’t just for cooling off in the summer. Most fans have a reverse switch that pushes warm air up to the ceiling and recirculates it along the walls. This creates air movement without the cooling breeze that you want in summer. It’s believed that this technique can reduce heating costs up to 10%! That’s big savings for simply flipping a fan switch.

Tune the Furnace and Clean the Ducts
Before winter really sets in, it pays to have an HVAC contractor take a look at your furnace and ducts. They will look for duct problems like peeling tape or unsealed connections. A professional will also look at the heater to make sure it is efficient and effective. You can do many of these checks yourself, but hiring a professional ensures that everything is inspected properly and nothing is missed.

Insulate Pipes
When water freezes, it expands, causing serious problems to pipes and other components. If a pipe bursts, it can allow hundreds of gallons of water to pour into your home, leading to thousands of dollars in damage.

To prevent frozen water from breaking your pipes, start by insulating the lines. Some people will choose an electrical heat tape that runs along the pipe, but there are easier, more cost-effective options. A simple foam-rubber sleeve will take care of the problem. These products are available in various sizes and thicknesses, depending on your needs. When installing an insulating sleeve, make sure to cut the corners at an angle so they completely cover the joints.

Winterize Your Home Correctly

Want more information about winterizing your home? Contact us today and we’ll make sure your house is ready for the winter season!