November 5, 2015
Is Your Home Ready For Winter?
With two months left to the year, it’s time to turn your attention to getting your home ready for the winter months ahead. It’s been a mild fall season so far and for many of us, the milder temperatures make it seem like winter is still months away. But Minnesota winters have a way of sneaking in and reminding us that it can be a tough season if you aren’t prepared. Take a look at these tips to get ready for the cold, snowy days ahead.
- Doors and windows – replace weatherstripping and replace screens with storm windows. Check your wood framed windows and doors for rot or decay. It’s best to have the rotted frames replaced before the deep cold sets in. Put a fresh bead of caulking on the windows both inside and out to prevent heat loss. Replace any cracked or broken glass as well.
- Roof and gutters – to prevent leaks check for loose, missing or damaged shingles and replace them. Be sure to check the flashing around your chimney, skylights, and vent pipes for gaps and reseal as needed. Clean any debris from the gutters, downspouts and drainage areas to prevent water backup to the roof and walls or flooding of the basement area.
- Lighting – Shorter days and less daylight mean your outdoor lights will be on for longer periods of time. Make sure to check and replace any broken bulbs outside your home. You may want to consider Energy Star LED bulbs that should last longer and help you save on energy all winter.
- Insulation – now is a good time to make sure there are no air leaks in your home. You can cut your heating bills up to 10% by simply sealing air leaks. Check the insulation in attic access, ceilings, walls, floors, and around heating ducts. Pay particular attention to pipes and vents that go through walls to the outside.
- Heating and cooling systems – remove window unit air conditioners, or at least cover them with an insulated liner and seal the area around where the unit meets the window frame. Clean or replace the air filters in your furnace to improve efficiency and air quality.
- Thermostats and fire detectors – if your home has older thermostats, consider upgrading to the programmable version that automatically turns heat down and up on the schedule you prefer. And now is the best time to test your fire detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to be sure they are in good working order. Replace batteries for added safety.
These tips are a great way to make your home feel warm and inviting during the holiday season. Enjoy!