Brrr-ing Your “A” Game this Winter

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The leaves are changing, and winter is just around the corner. Now is the time to check your house for updates and get repairs done before the cold weather comes. Let’s get prepared for the cold season so we can enjoy the break from the heat and save some money.

 

Recaulking Doors and Sealing Windows

Sealing off gaps between the siding and the frames of doors and windows is one of the easiest and quickest updates for your winter preparation checklist. If the gaps between the siding and the window and door frames are thicker than the width of a nickel, it is time to update. Simply stripping away the old glazing and caulk should be no trouble for a master Do-It-Yourself-er, but using a professional to get the job done is always a smart move. Using a silicone-based caulk is typically recommended for outdoor renovations because it won’t shrink, and it is more resistant to the elements. Recaulking gaps between frames and siding can reduce your energy usage.

 

Air Quality

Have a technician check your furnace or heat pump, and make sure to replace your air filters. Clean air filters can help you save on energy use. Even though a technician should do all of the technical work, there are still things you can do. Making sure your heat vents are clear so air can flow freely is crucial since a clean heat pump and new filters are no good if they can’t get heat to your home.

 

Also, while well-sealed homes may keep the heat in, this isolation can lead to a number of interior air pollutants increasing in your home. During the colder months, be sure to regularly clean cloth products, like carpets and linens that are usually skipped in your routine cleaning. Also, letting in as much sunlight as possible helps to deter allergens from accumulating.

 

Freezing Pipes and Sprinkler Systems

Frozen pipes are broken pipes. While icy pipes may not always burst, ice inside a pipe can block water trying to flow through it. Though not as dangerous as a burst pipe, this is a major inconvenience. The simplest way to prevent frozen and bursting pipes is to insulate exposed piping. Exterior faucets are another concern when preparing for the winter season. You should turn off water access to outdoor faucets and be sure to drain all water from any hoses you store outdoors.

 

Outdoor Updates

If you plan on examining your own roof, safety should be your top priority. When checking for loose or missing shingles, be sure to have on comfortable closed-toed shoes and someone watching your back. Even for an amateur with experience, it is always safest to hire an expert. Before the weather drops too low for you to want to do anything besides sit by a fire, make sure to clear out your gutters from all the autumn debris. Since most people stay indoors during the winter season, be prepared to cover or store your lawn mowers and patio furniture. If you have a deck, you might want to consider giving it a fresh coat of sealer now while the weather is nice.

 

Energy Saving Tips

Hot air rises. It is unrealistic to assume you spend any amount of time on your ceiling, so how do you bring the hot air down? If your ceiling fans have a switch that determines the direction the blades spin, flip it. Once the fan is spinning clockwise, the fan will push the hot air downwards and into the room. When the warm air is being circulated better, you may be able to turn down the thermostat and save energy. Another thing to help you decrease your energy use and increase your savings is to have your insulation checked. Updating your attic’s insulation can help reduce energy waste year-round. There is a variety of materials you could purchase to help insulate your attic, and professionals make for a less stressful installation. Also, holiday decorations that have LED lights use about 75% less energy than those with incandescent lights. If you prepare for the winter season by purchasing LED containing decorations now, you can save on energy costs during the winter season.

 

The most effective repairs are complete repairs. These are not the repairs to hold back on if you want to reduce energy waste and be protected in the colder months. To ensure that your home is prepared to withstand the winter weather, you should check your house for any projects you might need to tackle. Make sure that you take care of any needed updates and purchase all the energy saving necessities to prep your house for winter. Hard work done today makes for a relaxing tomorrow.

 

Emerald Devereux

Home & Yard Magazine