Getting yourself ready for winter is easy. Coat? Check! Scarf? Check. But readying your home for a long, cold season is another story. You can’t just rug your house up with extra layers, there’s some organising to do. We’ve got the tips to help you.
Strategy for Saving
Organising your home for winter can seem like an annoying and perhaps unnecessary chore. But the financial benefits will outweigh any feelings of being “put out.” Winter heating costs can skyrocket if your windows are poorly insulated, your plumbing breaks, or if the heating system is out-of-date. Ensuring your home is prepped properly can save you a chunk of change while protecting your property for years to come.
Break It Down
Looking at a giant to-do list is overwhelming. To save frustration, break it down into two or three jobs you can tackle over the next three to four weekends. First up, windows. Check each one in the house for drafts and insulation needs. The following week, inspect pipes to avoid an unfortunate burst. You can make things even easier by dividing the jobs among the family. Assign each person a room to inspect and report back on whether it’s ready for winter.
Three Steps to a Safe Season
1: Prep the Plumbing
Drain the water from your outdoor taps and garden hoses and arrange to have any in-ground sprinkler pipes blown out. Roll up the garden hoses and store them inside. Identify any “problem” pipes that are prone to freezing in the house and consider using heat tape to keep them warm during extremely cold weather. If the worst happens, ensure everyone in the family knows how to turn off the water at the source. This will minimize leaking when and if a pipe bursts.
2: Heat Things Up
Everyone enjoys cosy evenings by a crackling fire? Ensure your fireplace is ready to provide warm nights all winter. Be sure to have the chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional before the first use. Also, have a professional perform a routine check of the heating systems before cold weather arrives. This should include vacuuming the vents and other heating components. If your heater has a filter, check to see if it needs replacing. For more energy savings, consider installing a setback heater that keeps the home cooler when you are asleep or away.
3: Seal the Leaks
Keep drafts to a minimum this winter. If you have them, install storm windows and doors. Add or replace worn weather stripping around the doors and windows and caulk any gaps. If doorstops are worn, replace them. If any pipes or ducts travel through an exterior wall, be sure to use caulking and weather-stripping around all entry points. These steps will block any potential entry points for cold air.