Being on the cusp of changing weather, we all need to prepare our homes to protect ourselves from the harsh temperatures of winter. Winterizing our homes early on in the fall might save us a lot of inconvenient situations. This is important for many different reasons, a few of them being comfort, efficiency, and, of course, saving money. Let’s discuss a few ways to winterize your home efficiently:
Sealing the Gaps Around Doors and Windows
Sealing the cracks in places like your windows or doors is the first step to ensuring your home is ready for the temperature drop in winter. Doing this will help keep your home warm and cozy all winter long, as these gaps around the windows and doors let cold air in and warm air out. Not only will it be unpleasant, it will also be expensive, as it will likely lead to increases in the cost of heating.
Maintenance of Heating Systems
Checking your heating systems such as thermostats, fireplaces, or any kind of heat source you have, will be extremely helpful because if there is a problem with anything or the system needs some kind of maintenance, you can get out ahead of it and not have to be without heat.
Buying a Smart Thermostat
Investing in a smart thermostat could be one of the best decisions you make this fall, and an extremely practical choice all year long as it helps you adjust the temperature to your liking. Not only will it be a tremendous help in regulating the cold, but it also helps you in the summer to keep your place at optimum temperatures. All seasons come with extremes, and this will be a great investment in helping you control the temperature conveniently and with ease.
Adding Insulation
In cold weather, most of the heat and warmth can escape through the breaches in insulation. Insulating the walls, the attic and the crawlspace around the house will help in retaining the heat. This will help in keeping the place warm as it stops the heat from escaping and blocks the cold from outside.
Cleaning the Gutters
One of the most important maintenance tasks in your home for the winter would be cleaning the gutters. Gutters can gather leaves, dirt, twigs and several kinds of waste over the summer which leads to clogging and blockage. Water will overflow due to clogging and it can lead to severe structural damage to the foundation and the roof. The formation of ice dams is a possibility that can lead to leaks around the house. Maintenance and cleaning of the gutters should be done every 6 months to prevent disturbances at the wrong times.
Checking Carbon Dioxide and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
In the winter, fireplaces and furnaces as well as other heating sources are used frequently, increasing the danger of carbon monoxide buildup. To ensure the safety of your home and family, checking carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide detectors before the temperature drops would be a healthy decision. What you may not know or realize is that these gasses are severely dangerous and lethal in some cases, so if you have been using the same detectors for more than 7-10 years, it would be best to replace them with newer models.
Stocking Up on Emergency Supplies
In winter, there is the likelihood of storms, power outages and several more circumstances that would require you to stay inside the safety of your house. Stocking up on supplies like groceries for a few weeks, necessary medication and first aid kits, torches and flashlights, as well as batteries, is an important step in preparing for the winter.
Inspecting the Roof and Chimney
Inspection of the chimney and the roof is severely necessary before the temperature drops. Flawed or damaged shingles in the roof can lead to water leaking inside the house, particularly if it has snowed. Leaks can damage the structure of the house, and to prevent things like this, you need to inspect the roof beforehand. In addition to that, a proper inspection of the chimney will be needed as debris could have been building up there throughout the summer months.
Winter is Coming… Be Prepared
Winterizing your home can help you avoid costly repairs and seasonal issues. While the Jenkins Fall Home and Garden Shows have wrapped up for the year, you can still look forward to the 2025 Spring shows for expert advice on seasonal home care. In the meantime, take proactive steps now for a smooth transition into winter. Visit the Jenkins Home and Garden Show website for more information and to find a show near you in 2025!
