Insulate Your Pipes
1. Get a free in-home energy audit to ensure your insulation levels are at the advised level for your region.
2. Insulate your exterior walls, crawl space, basement, attic, and even your pipes.
3. Consider using weatherstripping or caulking to seal any gaps or cracks around doors and windows where heat can escape.
4. Install a programmable thermostat to help regulate the temperature in your home automatically.
5. Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells so that warm air can circulate around plumbing fixtures on exterior walls.
6. Disconnect any hoses from outdoor faucets and drain them before winter sets in.
Caulk Cracks Around Windows and Doors
1. Inspect the area around your windows and doors for cracks.
2. If you find any cracks, use a caulking gun to fill them in with caulk.
3. Make sure to smooth out the caulk so that it forms a tight seal.
4. Repeat this process for any other cracks that you find around your home.
5. By sealing up these cracks, you will help to keep warm air inside your home and save money on your heating bill.
Install Weather-Stripping and Door Sweeps
1. Start by removing the old weather stripping or door sweep. If there is any adhesive residue, use a putty knife to scrape it off.
2. Measure the width of the door and cut the new weather stripping or door sweep to size.
3. Apply adhesive to the back of the weather stripping or door sweep and press it into place.
4. For a more permanent seal, use nails or screws to secure the weather stripping or door sweep in place.
Clean the Gutters
If you live in an area where it gets cold in the winter, then you know that one of the most important things you can do to prepare your home for the season is to clean your gutters. Gutters play a vital role in protecting your home from harsh winter weather. They help to keep melting snow and ice from building up on your roof, which can lead to serious damage.
In addition, when gutters are clogged with leaves and other debris, they can actually cause water to back up into your home, which can lead to flooding and other problems. So, it’s important to make sure that they are clean and clear before winter sets in.
Fortunately, cleaning gutters is relatively easy and only takes a few hours. You’ll need a ladder, a bucket, gloves, and a garden hose. Start by removing any leaves or other debris from the gutters using a garden hose or small hand shovel. Then flush out the gutters with water to remove any remaining dirt or debris.
Once the gutters are clean, you should inspect them for any signs of damage such as cracks or holes. If you find any damage, be sure to repair it before winter arrives so that your gutters will be able to do their job properly.
Clean the Fireplace and Chimney
1. Inspect the chimney at least once a year for soundness and freedom from deposits.
2. Keep the flue closed when not in use to avoid debris from catching fire.
3. Purchase a Home Warranty from American Home Shield to cover your appliances and key components in your home systems.
4. American Home Shield guarantees that your appliances and key components will be covered, and will not be held liable for any damages.
5. American Home Shield has a variety of plans to choose from, each with different coverage levels.
6. Shop ShieldPlatinum to get the best deals on seasonal protection products.
Five Winterization Tips to Protect Your Home and Save Money
1. Insulate your home: Proper insulation will help keep the heat in and the cold out. Check your insulation levels and add more if necessary.
2. Seal all cracks and leaks: Even the smallest crack can let in cold air and cause your energy bills to skyrocket. Inspect your home for any cracks or leaks and seal them up.
3. Check your heating and cooling systems: Make sure your furnace is in good working order and that you have enough fuel to last the winter. Also, check your air conditioner and make sure it’s properly covered for the winter months.
4. Clear your snow and ice from your driveway and walkways: Not only is this a safety hazard, but it can also damage your concrete or asphalt surfaces if left unchecked. Be sure to clear snow and ice regularly throughout the winter season.
5 following these tips will help you protect your home from freezing weather this winter season!
How Confident Are Homeowners in Winterizing Their Homes?
A majority of homeowners in the US aren’t confident in their ability to do winterization measures on their own, according to a new survey. This lack of confidence may lead to increased costs and unnecessary repairs down the road.
There are some simple steps that every homeowner can take to winterize their home and prevent costly damage. First, find local electricians, hand people, and plumbers to help with your project. Second, get quotes from top-rated pros to get help with your project. Finally, follow these nine tips to protect your house from freezing winter weather:
1. Inspect your roof and gutters for damage.
2. Clean your gutters and downspouts regularly.
3. Install gutter guards or covers over your gutters.
4. Trim trees around your home so that they don’t damage your roof or gutters during a storm.
5 . Seal any cracks or holes in your foundation with caulking or expanding foam sealant.
6 . Check around doors and windows for gaps or cracks
How Often Should You Winterize Your Home?
If you live in an area with cold winters, it’s important to winterize your home at least once a year. This will help to prevent damage from freezing temperatures. Springtime de-winterization is also a good idea, to help reverse any effects of winterization that may have occurred.
If you’re not sure how often you should winterize your home, it’s a good idea to hire a local handyperson to complete a walk-through. They can help identify any areas that need attention. Alternatively, annual inspections of your home can also be helpful in preventing problems before they start.
Either way, if you’re not comfortable completing the work yourself, there’s no shame in enlisting the help of professionals. Plumbers, heating specialists, and other handy people can all help with inspections and repairs as needed.
