It’s no secret that winters in the Midwest can be lengthy and harsh. As autumn fades into winter, it's a good idea to survey your home and make sure it's ready to endure the cold, wind, and snow that's sure to come. These five DIY tips will not only help you stay warm when it gets chilly but also prevent some of the serious issues that the extreme cold can bring.
Prepare the Exterior
When the harsh winter weather arrives, the exterior of your home is the first line of defense against the elements. Keep your exterior in top shape by taking some time to clean up leaves from your gutters. While you're up on that ladder, inspect your roof for any leaks or damage.
If your property has trees, it's a good idea to examine the branches and remove any that could potentially break under the weight of ice or snow, which may damage your or your neighbor's homes.
Winterize Your Plumbing
Burst pipes and water damage are one of the leading causes of home damage during the winter months. Fortunately, these issues are easily preventable with a few, inexpensive steps.
To avoid costly water leaks due to burst pipes during freezing temperatures, disconnect and drain outside hoses, shut off outside water valves, wrap water pipes with insulation sleeves, and leave faucets on with a slow trickle to stop water pipes from freezing.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats are digital devices that allow you to set your home to an exact temperature, saving up to 2% on your utility bill for every degree you raise or lower the temperature. They also help you save money by allowing you to set a schedule that mimics your routine, turning on heating or air conditioning just before you arrive home for a perfect internal atmosphere.
Ready Your Doors
Exterior doors are a major source of heat loss during the winter months. To tackle this issue, follow these simple steps:
- Check your doors for air leaks. Run your hand around the door to feel for any drafts and visually inspect if any light is coming through around the doors.
- If leaks are found around the frame of the door, install weatherstripping foam or felt material around the inside of your door frame. This will help prevent warm air from escaping.
For drafts found under the door, install a door sweep. This will keep cold air from entering.
You can purchase both weatherstripping and door sweeps for an affordable price at your local hardware store.
Seal Windows
If you're feeling chilly drafts coming in and are losing heat, you may have air leaks in your windows. To fix this problem, start by inspecting your current caulking. If you notice any gaps or drafts, apply an extra layer of caulk to seal them off. Be sure to inspect the inside and outside of your windows to ensure that they are properly sealed.
These five easy steps can help protect your home and save you money as the temperatures drop and the snow starts falling. It's best to complete them early before extreme cold, ice, and snow make outside repairs challenging. If you're not comfortable doing them yourself or your to-do list is already too long, don't worry - our expert contractors are here to help! Contact us today for your free estimate because you can’t put a price on that warm, cozy feeling during the winter.