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Make sure to insulate these indoor pipes to prevent them from freezing. The Red Cross recommends keeping the thermostat at the same temperature throughout the day and night, so the pipes aren’t subject to drastic temperature changes. Continue to check all the faucets regularly throughout the winter season. There are two ways to mitigate this problem – grab a ladder and clear the debris yourself or hire local professionals to safely take care of the job.
5 tips to help winterize your home as cold weather heads toward Louisville area - WDRB
5 tips to help winterize your home as cold weather heads toward Louisville area.
Posted: Thu, 11 Jan 2024 22:12:16 GMT [source]
Take Steps to Protect Your Home from Thieves
You should also look for water pipes located on your property that may be in unheated areas like the attic floor, garage, or crawl spaces. If you don’t use your chimney to keep your home warm or you live in a no-burn area, you may want to consider using a chimney balloon. A chimney balloon plugs your chimney, helping to prevent hot air from escaping when not in use.
Maximize Your Heating Options
The cost of winterizing, even when done by professionals, is much less than the cost of repairing damaged pipes and tanks. You should also seal and insulate your windows to prevent cold drafts and caulk doors to keep cold out. Air ducts are one of the most significant sources of heat loss, with 20-30% of the air that moves through ducts being lost due to leaks, so ductwork insulation is also necessary.
Protect the Pipes
You should be able to feel cold drafts in these areas, which can help you determine what needs to be sealed. Places like vents, phone lines, or any potential opening from your home to the outside can also be a source of heat loss. While having your roof inspected, you should also have your chimney checked. This should be done at least once a year, particularly if you plan to use the fireplace as part of your heating system.
Please note that our energy efficiency and weatherization programs may potentially prioritize applicants based on the greatest need, income, and households with vulnerable populations. Vulnerable populations may include the elderly, disabled, and households with young children. Small leaks and holes in the interior space can add up and result in drafts, introducing cold air into the room. According to the US Department of Energy, the total energy wastage from these air leaks can be around $400 annually.
Take steps to also familiarize yourself with how to shut off the water and where your pipes are located. But maintaining an interior temperature of at least 55°F is crucial, especially if you don’t drain the pipes, so that plumbing in walls and floors won’t freeze. Another quick and easy winterization item to check off your list is replacing your HVAC filters.
In addition, he recommends getting professionals to inspect chimneys for any compromised masonry or areas that need to be repointed. Barbara has written lifestyle content professionally for two decades. In the past five years, she has narrowed her focus to real estate and home improvement, writing for Forbes Home, Apartment Therapy, Angi, The Spruce and more.
Adjust the thermostat
Inspect your home for any holes and openings in walls, doors and openings, as well as around the air conditioner and mail chutes. Seal them with caulk or install weather stripping to keep cold air from seeping in. When winter hits, the last thing you want is a furnace that isn’t functioning properly and efficiently. Things like trapped lint, dust and pollen can block airflow, making heating your home less efficient. An empty house can be irresistible to animals and insects looking for a place to nest. Deterring wildlife is another reason to seal any gaps, cracks, or chinks in doors, windows, and the overall exterior.
Finally, store all your gardening tools for the season so they don’t rust or wear down before the spring. You may also want to pull out winter essentials like a snow blower to a more accessible place. While adjusting your thermostat, it’s important to check your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries. Especially if you frequently use a gas fireplace or heater to heat your home, you’ll want to ensure these detectors are working properly. Check all the window frames and doors in your home for cracks where cold air could come through.
These can then be remedied by a professional in the warmer weather. If you are looking to upgrade your roof, it is best to do this in the summer when you can be more certain of dry weather and ensure you select the right roof tiles for the job. In the meantime, patching any problems that arise will offer a good temporary solution. If you only take one step to winterize a house, then checking the roof is essential. To do this, either get out the ladders or stand across the street or at the bottom of the garden and assess the roof with binoculars.
Increased rain, snow, and ice can be particularly dangerous for walkways and driveways. It’s important to keep these areas clear and inspect any steps or railings for damage when winterizing your home. You may want to keep a deicing solution like salt, sand, or pellets on hand to clear these areas throughout the season. Falling leaves are a hallmark of the autumn months, but they can be trouble for a home’s gutters. As leaves, dead branches, and other debris accumulate in the gutters, the rain has nowhere to go. Clogged gutters can cause damage to a home’s walls, soffits, and fascias, as well as siding and basements.
Now’s a good time to change the batteries in the thermostat or, if you’re on a smart home system, make any necessary app updates so you’ll be alerted to issues. Leave doors to rooms and cabinets open so warm air will circulate freely. And exposed pipes in unheated areas (attics, basements, crawl spaces, garages) should be shielded with foam or rubber insulation sleeves. As an example, you’re likely going to blast your home’s heat source in the winter, but your home should be prepared to retain the hot air. Think of how experts recommend wearing breathable, thermal layers underneath your winter jacket. According to Michael DiMartino, SVP of project services at Power Home Remodeling, the same principle applies to your house.
On hot summer days, they force your air conditioning to work harder because solar energy warms up the ceilings beneath the attic. In winter, they absorb heat from below, making your boiler or electric heater work harder. Attics also often contain HVAC ductwork and wiring for ceiling lights and fans.
But you can take a few precautions when winterizing your home this autumn – before the first sign of winter arrives. Though it began with green aspirations, the rule has become a cornerstone of affordable housing on the island. Families with access to land but without the means to afford astronomical building costs often snap up the homes.
During this process, be prepared to provide details about your home’s size, the frequency of cleaning, and any specific cleaning tasks you want to be included. Compare the quotes you receive, taking into account the scope of services offered and their pricing. Only 2% of applicants get chosen to be on our cleaning company system. Our cleaning company has a lengthy interview process to make sure you get only the BEST house cleaners near you, period. In extremely sunny regions with mild winters, such as Florida and the Southwest, a sort of sister technology may be a better option.
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