Winterizing your home is a tough task that befalls all of us at the turn of the season. Winter home maintenance can take time, and, if not done correctly, can cost you money. There is a range of tasks to do with making sure your plumbing works on the iciest of days, to ensure your home is keeping you warm and healthy this winter.
Sort your heating out.
The first step to readying your home for winter is asking you how can I keep my house warm?
To do this, you’ll want to prepare your main source of heating. If this is a fireplace, check for bird nests and other blockages. If there are any issues, you can call a chimney sweep or even clean it yourself. You’ll also want to double check you have all the fire starting tools you need, and that your fire seals up nice and safely.
If you’re using heaters or a furnace, test them out and make sure everything is working before it’s too late. Vacuum the grills/air ducts to remove any dust build-ups which could lead to fires.
You’ll also want to make sure your home is fully sealed up to prevent any heat slipping outside, and increase the efficiency of your heaters. Check your window panes for cracks, seal up any damage to walls, make sure no drafts are going out your doors, and keep your curtains closed at night. Consider installing thermal blackout blinds to your windows, as this will help keep the heat in and will keep you nice and snug.
Prepare your drainage.
Preparing your gutters and drainage is one of the most important winter home maintenance tips on offer. First things first, you want to climb on your roof, clear your gutters and inspect them for damage. Doing this now will save you money on clogged drains and repairs later on. Remember, safety should be your first priority while you’re up there.
You’ll also want to pad your pipes to stop them from freezing up and causing serious damage. Plumbers get very busy in winter periods because of just this, so pipe insulation can be a winter lifesaver.
Another tip to stop them freezing over during those cold nights is to keep a slight drip coming from a faucet, relieving pressure buildups inside your plumbing.
Check your insulation.
Insulation is so important. It saves money on power by keeping your heat inside your home, and it even keeps you cool the summertime. Having an insulated home can also raise the property value of your home!
If your house isn’t sufficiently insulated, consider getting this done before the big cold snaps hit.
Be ready for a storm.
It may sound corny, but preparing for a winter storm is vital. If you’re snowed in or forced to stay indoors for a long period of time, you’ll want extra supplies of water, canned food, torches, batteries, lighters, and a first aid kit. You don’t want to get caught in a last minute supermarket frenzy trying to secure these items at the last minute.
Preparing in advance will keep you safe, fed and alive until emergency services give you the all clear to leave the house.
Knowing how to prepare your home for winter is a tough task, especially if you’re working on it yourself. For the most part, DIY is all well and good, but if you’re unsure or if you’re having any electrical or plumbing issues, calling a professional is the safest way to go. Remember that the cost of heating and other winter expenses tends to rise in the winter. Start planning and preparing yourself now.
Author: Alex Cordier
