5 Important Ways to Prepare Your Home for the Winter
During the summer, a lot of people do work on their homes, from painting to fixing roofs to restoring bricks and shingles. However, that focus on improving the home and keeping it in good condition tends to fade in the winter. As such, the home goes into a sort of seasonal state of disrepair. Instead of letting that happen, take the time to protect your home from all the harmful elements and situations that arise during this season. Take a look at these important ways to prepare your home for the winter.
Seal Any Exterior Holes and Cracks
This preparation step is important in more ways than one. Sealing will protect your home from any drafts or leaks, and it’s also vital for pest-proofing your space. Pests and rodents such as mice, rats, and pesky insects look for warm places to stay during the winter. Seal any holes or cracks to make sure they don’t call your house their home.
Add Attic Insulation
Another way to keep those pests out of your house and to ensure a warm home this winter is to add or replace attic insulation. Though the cost may seem hefty, it will be worth it in the long run. Insulation keeps the warmth inside, so people who live in a cold area need to update the insulation in their attics and basements.
Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
If you have ceiling fans in your home, check to see if they have reverse switches. If they do, flip the switches after you turn on the heat. This will produce an updraft that pushes the heated air down from the ceiling. This is great for those of you with high ceilings.
Caulk Around Windows and Doors
Similar to sealing any holes or cracks, you need to make sure to caulk around windows and doors. When gaps between siding and windows or door frames are bigger than the diameter of a nickel, then you need to reapply caulk. This will keep any cold air from seeping into your home.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
If you can, install a programmable thermostat before the crazy winter weather hits. A smart thermostat will let you preset specific temperatures from your smartphone. Turn the heat down when you leave for work, and turn it back up to a decent temperature when you return. This will save you money and keep you from needing to replace furnace filters too often.
