As the leaves begin to change colors and the days grow shorter, you know that fall is on the way. This means that winter will soon be here with colder temperatures. To prepare yourself for winter, you need to break out the gloves, scarfs, jackets, and boots, and you’re all set! Preparing your home for the winter and the colder months, unfortunately, isn’t as easy. There are a few things to keep in mind to get your home ready for winter.
From your windows and plumbing to the heating, a few areas will need some attention before the cold arrives. In the process of winterizing your home, you might find that you need replacement windows, a new furnace, or even a new HVAC system. If you keep up with the routine maintenance for your home, hopefully, you’ll only need to do minimal work to get it winterized. As an example, most experts agree that the average HVAC system lasts 15 to 20 years. This can be extended, however, with regular maintenance. No matter the case, it’s better to catch any problems before winter weather arrives so you aren’t caught off guard.
Winterizing your home means prepping for the harsh cold and winter weather. You’ll want to make sure that your home and its systems are in good working order and ready for whatever conditions might come. Let’s look at some things that you can do to prepare your home for the winter.
Check the heat.
Long before the winter arrives, you’ll want to make sure that you will be able to heat your home when the weather turns colder. To prevent any surprises with your heating system, you should perform periodic checks throughout the year. Regular maintenance on your cooling and heating system will ensure that you stay comfortable all year long. In particular, it’s always a good idea to do a thorough inspection and perform maintenance on your HVAC system before the summer and winter seasons. To ensure that the system performs maximum efficiency, you can schedule fall furnace maintenance with a technician before the cold weather begins.
While performing preventative maintenance at any time, you may discover that your HVAC system needs repair or even replacement. Over time, you discover problems with things like your ducts, airflow, condenser unit, or compressor. To ensure functionality throughout the winter or at any time, you’ll want to get an HVAC professional to address any larger issues. Depending on where you live, searching for “heating repair in Fresno,” for example, will help you find a professional technician in your area.
Stop any leaks.
During the warmer months of the spring and summer, depending on the location, homeowners will open windows and doors to allow the breeze to blow through the house. However, when the colder weather arrives, you’ll want to ensure that there aren’t any breezes or drafts coming into your home. While inspecting your home to prepare for winter, you should check the caulking or silicone around all of your windows and doors to ensure that things are air-tight. Check for worn weather stripping around doors and ineffective door stops. Unfiled gaps around your windows and doors will allow cold air in and could increase your energy bills and cause your heating system to work harder.
Prep your pipes and plumbing.
To prepare for winter temperatures that could dip below freezing, you’ll want to make sure that your plumbing is protected. Cold and frozen pipes are more likely to burst and create larger issues. You’ll want to drain water from outdoor faucets and hoses and have in-ground sprinklers winterized. Check for any problem pipes prone to freezing and winterize them with insulation and heat tape. A busted pipe can create a very costly repair situation.
With cold weather on the horizon, now is the time to prepare your home. Checking your windows, doors, HVAC system, and pipes can help ensure that your home stays warm and safe during the winter.
