With fall in the air, it’s time to start thinking about winterizing your home. Keeping your family safe and comfortable when the temperatures plunge is important, and you can do several things to help ensure that your home is the safe refuge from the cold that it should be.
- Check your weatherstripping.
Weatherstripping runs around your doorframes and window frames and helps prevent heat from escaping. Over time, it deteriorates and needs to be replaced. However, some older homes may not have weatherstripping at all.
- Door sweeps.
Turn out the lights in any room with an exterior door. Can you see daylight underneath the door? If so, you have an air leak. Installing a door sweep will help prevent heated air from escaping and cold air from entering.
- Wrap exposed pipes.
Any exposed pipes could freeze during harsh winter weather. Wrap any exposed pipes with insulation to help prevent this. You should also leave a small stream of water running if the temperature is expected to get very low to help prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
- Have your heating system checked.
You should have your HVAC system checked and serviced twice per year – once in the spring and then again in the fall. This ensures that the system is working properly. If you don’t have central heat, check your heating system for operation. This includes baseboard heaters, radiators, space heaters, and more. If you use a fireplace, have the chimney professionally cleaned and make sure that the fireplace/wood stove is ready for the coming winter.
- Clean out those gutters.
Your gutters play an important role in moving water safely away from the home. However, they can easily become clogged with leaves, twigs, and other debris. As soon as the last leaves have fallen from the trees, have your gutters cleaned. You can also clean them yourself, but you’ll need a ladder tall enough to reach them. Note that cleaning gutters on two-story houses can be very dangerous, so hire a professional if possible.
- Check your windows.
Make sure your windows are ready for the cold. Gaps around the windows can allow cold air in and warm air out. Single-pane glass does a poor job of insulating your home, too. Caulking can help you close gaps, but it’s usually best to replace old, worn-out windows.
Keep your home warm and your family safe this winter with these six winterizing tips! Contact Rusco Windows & Doors to learn more.