Winter is around the corner. For homeowners, that means one thing – it’s time to begin making plans to beat the cold season. Alair Homes offers the following proven home improvements and heating tips to help you protect your home as well as keep you and your family warm throughout the often dreaded season.
Protect your pipes
Water expands when it freezes. In the home, this can cause pipes to expand and possibly burst, resulting in expensive water damage. To prevent this from happening, drain all water from the sprinkler system and all outdoor faucets, disconnect and store all outdoor hoses, and insulate indoor water pipes that run through open areas.
Prevent ice dams
An ice dam is a pool of water that forms when ice on the roof melts and settles there. This can result in leaks or even cause water damage. To prevent ice dams, clean all gutters, seal all places that may allow air to leak, and consider installing snow and ice slides to prevent snow from settling on your roof. If you’re adding a home addition or completing another major home renovation, discuss your insulation options and needs with your general contractor.
Clean and store away lawn equipment
Don’t let your gas-powered equipment bear the brunt of the freezing weather. Begin by emptying fuel from the equipment, then clean the machines, sharpen their blades, and store them safely in the basement or garage until you need them again.
Add storm windows and doors
You never know how bad winter weather can get. In the past, we’ve seen strong storms blast through doors in some areas. So, don’t take risks. If you’re located in a high-risk area, consider installing storm doors and windows for extra protection.
Tips to Improve Home Heating
There are several home improvements you can make that target the heating in your home during the cold weather. But, the following three strategies stand out;
1. Prepare the fireplace
There’s nothing like a glow of fire on a cold winter evening. However, to get the most from your fireplace, you must prepare it now. Begin by ensuring that the fireplace and chimney are clean. For the chimney, use a professional chimney sweep to remove any debris and clean out soot.
2. Seal windows and doors
Spaces around the doors and windows are escape routes for warm air and also serve as inlets for cold air. Install weather stripping around exterior doors and caulk windows to prevent this. If the doors and windows are old, consider installing new, energy-efficient double-pane windows and insulated doors.
3. Stock up on cold weather essentials
Winter storms are frequently accompanied by power outages. To avoid situations where you’re left in total blackout for whole nights, prepare yourself with an emergency power kit. We recommend an alternative light and heat source such as a generator or wood-burning stove and a fully charged fire extinguisher in case something catches fire.
Don’t Forget to Communicate
Aside from the above home improvements and safety tips, ensure to communicate with your neighbors about a response plan in case a winter storm hits when one of you isn’t home.