Winter is one of the most exciting time of the year as it completes the holiday season vibes that many people enjoy and love. However, depending on which region you live, the winter season can be the harshest and most relentless time of the year, especially for homes. It is during this season when houses are more susceptible to various issues and structural problems, such as mildew buildup, frozen pipes, and overused heating systems which ultimately leads to higher energy bills.
In order to avoid such issues, save time, and enjoy the winter season as much as possible, it is imperative that you do all the necessary preparations for your home before the temperatures drop.
One of the prep work you can do to make sure your home is winter-ready is first to ensure that your heating systems are operationally efficient. Thousands of homes across the US, especially those that were built 60 years ago, have insufficient heating systems. Many homeowners are unaware of this, but this often not because of a faulty heater, but because of cracks and crevices around their home. Such structural issues cause heat loss of up to 40% – a significant waste considering the amount of energy that heating systems use during the winter season.
Another area you should check once the winter starts is the drainage around your house. It is very important that drainage direct the water away from the house in order to avoid saturated soil around the house which are likely to cause problems once the winter season begins. Check if there are low areas at the perimeter of your house and fill them with soil to ensure that water is getting directed away from the house.
Lastly, but definitely not the least, is to make sure all your household fire alarm systems are working properly. Ironic as it may sound, but the winter season is the most common time of the year for accidental fires. Fireplaces, overworked electrical outlets, and non-functional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are the common reasons for fire incidents during this season.
Of these three, the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are commonly overlooked the most. If you have one installed, make sure to test them and equip them with fresh batteries. It’s also advisable to retain the expertise of an HVAC inspector to ensure that your furnace and water heater are properly ventilated and to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
To provide your more insights, here are the key takeaways of the infographic from All County Exteriors, which details some helpful tips to ensure your home is safe and ready for the winter season.
- Keep your gutters clean.
- Upgrade your windows.
- Seal any cracks or leaks on your walls and foundations.
- Seal the gaps around door frames and windows.
- Pay attention to your roof.
- Talk to a professional home contractor.
To learn more about the reasons behind these tips and how you can implement them, check out the full infographic below.