Quick-Fix Tips For Home Winterization
As the leaves start to turn and the breeze starts to cool here in New Jersey, it’s clear that sweater season is just around the corner. But with the fall and winter months, it’s important to remember that you’re not the only one who needs to prepare and bundle up for the cold… Your house is going to need some preparation, too!
Before the snow begins to fall and the cold weather calls for fuzzy robes and steaming cups of hot chocolate, be sure to winterize your home from top to bottom. Winterizing your home before the winter hits will relieve you of a ton of stress once the temperatures drop, and winterization can save you considerable cash and energy in the home.
Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can begin the winterization process in your home, hot chocolate optional:
Windows
The windows in your home are your connection to the outside world, including the wind chill. When winter rolls around, it’s time to take down the screens and put up the storm windows which will trap the heat inside and keep the cold air where it belongs – outside your home. If you notice any cracks in the glass of your windows, or any loose or deteriorating panes, get them fixed or replaced. And if you can’t afford to replace or install these things, then be sure to pick up a window insulator kit, which is very inexpensive and very effective.
Ducts
If your home has central heating, be sure to take a look at you ducts. Faulty ducts can hinder your heat’s ability to reach the ventilation in your home, blocking the warm air flow throughout your house. Any pinches or holes found in your duct should be fixed immediately, and also be sure that your ducts are properly insulated so heat doesn’t leak out where it’s not supposed to. Also, consider having your ducts vacuumed out, which can clear out built-up dust, hair, and any other blockages that might be trapping your heat and deterring your air flow.
Pipes
Insulating your pipes is a great way to ensure and save money on heating your water. Also, insulating will help make sure that your pipes don’t freeze up and burst once winter hits hard. Insulating is super easy, too – just pick up some pre-cut pipe foam at your local hardware store, wrap in duct tape, and you’re done.
Seal the Drafts
A tiny crack here and there might not seem like much, but when Old Man Winter comes to visit, you’ll be wishing you hadn’t ignored those little cracks before. Any openings, even ones you can’t see with the naked eye, not only allow your expensive heat to seep out, but they also allow cold, biting chill into your home. Use a candle or incense stick, carefully, to check for cracks: If the flame or smoke wavers, there could be a crack nearby where wind is coming through. Use caulking or weather-stripping to seal these gaps up easily and quickly. For pesky under-the-door drafts, there’s an even easier quick-fix: You can create your own draft snake by rolling up a towel and shoving it under the bottom of the door.
Furnace
One of the most important steps in successfully winterizing your home starts at the furnace – aka the machine that produces your household’s heat. You’re going to want to make sure your furnace area is clear of any debris or items that could affect the way your furnace operates, or flammable objects. A dirty furnace or furnace filter impedes the flow of heat, decreases efficiency, and can even cause a fire. Make sure you have a professional come to your house to check out, inspect, and clean your furnace properly. Our Immediate Appliance repair technicians are EPA certified and we offer heating/furnace services that are perfect for your immediate winterization needs, as well as an Immediate Appliance Preventative Maintenance Plan that covers your furnace check-up plus so much more!
Even though we’re still riding out the last sun rays of summer, winter is right around the corner. Don’t wait until it’s too late to prep your home for the icy cold New Jersey winter months. Start right now by using these helpful, affordable tips above to winterize your home!