Simple Ways to Winterize Your Home

Nothing compares to the moment Fall arrives – seeing the first leaf hit the ground and feeling the air get crisp. But with Fall just around the corner, it also means colder winter months are on the way.

Winter signals a dip in the temperature as well as an increase in unpredictable weather, including snow and ice.

The comforts of a cozy, warm home make winter more enjoyable. Here are some of our favorite winterizing tips to make sure your home is ready for the season:

Have Your Furnace Serviced

By remembering to change out your filters every month, you can help your HVAC system stay in peak condition. However, heating systems run constantly during the winter months, so it’s important to have them inspected annually to ensure they’re running properly. Annual furnace inspections also prevent carbon monoxide leaks.

Add Extra Insulation

Because warm air rises and leaves your home through the roof, it’s smart to inspect and add to the insulation in your attic. You can also add insulation to your crawlspace to keep your floors warmer.

Take some time to insulate the rest of your home to keep the winter chill out. Seal all areas that may be allowing warm air to escape the living area, including windows, doors, plumbing vents and attic entrances. Weather stripping and caulk are both great for filling cracks and gaps.

Any pipes located in your attic, crawlspace, basement, or near outer walls are more likely to freeze in extremely frigid temperatures. Insulate them with foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves to prevent them from freezing. Remember to let your faucets drip overnight during unusually cold temperatures.

Winterize Outdoor Faucets

It’s easy to forget and leave your hoses out all summer, so make sure you remove all hoses and devices attached to your outdoor spigots. Cover your outside spigots with an outdoor faucet cover to keep them from freezing during the cold temps.

Clean Your Gutters

Make sure all your gutters are clean and securely attached to help prevent ice dams. Also, remove any debris or branches surrounding your HVAC system that could cause damage.

Service Home Generator

Just like your HVAC system, it’s smart to have your backup generator serviced annually.

Having an expert regularly come out and take a look at your generator will prevent major repairs, ensure your generator is running optimally, and give you plenty of time to get any issues fixed before a major power outage.

Preparation For Winter Storms

Power outages and snow or ice storms are more likely to occur during the winter season. It’s smart to prepare for a winter emergency by ensuring you have a plan and certain items to help you make it through safely.

Keep plenty of the following items on hand: flashlights/lanterns, extra batteries, drinking or bottled water, nonperishable food items, and extra blankets/sleeping bags.

Consider having a standby generator installed to provide reliable backup power so you and your family stay safe and comfortable no matter what.

If you’re not sure what size or type of generator you need, give us a call at 501-315-7213 for a free estimate.