How to Prepare Your Home for Winter

Service Your Heating System

It’s always a smart idea to service your HVAC system before the peak heating and cooling seasons start. Plan to make an appointment with your HVAC technician to ensure your system is running like it should. Spring and fall are the best times for checkups since HVAC companies tend to be less busy. Plus, if there are any issues, you can address them before the cold winter months or hot summer months set in.

Once your HVAC system has been serviced, change your filters every one to three months. You should also periodically check and clean the air intake and exhaust vents to ensure your system continues operating at peak efficiency.

Insulate Your Windows

Your heating system may be working at full capacity, but it means very little if your indoor heat is escaping out the window. Check the seals and insulation around your windows to ensure there are no weak spots or leaks. If the insulation needs to be replaced, you’ll want to call in a professional to do the job right, but there are a few things you can DIY.

For instance, you can buy caulk from a hardware store and apply it around the interior and exterior of your windows to seal any cracks or air gaps. You can also apply weather stripping around your windows.

For an extra level of protection, consider switching out your window coverings for thermal curtains. You can change them back in the spring or even use them year-round. They will help reduce the amount of cool or warm air that moves through your windows, keeping your home feeling warm during the winter and cool during the summer.

Weatherproof Your Doors

Just as heat may escape via your windows, it can also escape through your doors. Check the doors that lead from the outside to the inside of your home to ensure they are properly sealed.

If you notice any gaps around the door, apply weatherstripping just as you did for your windows. You can also install a door sweep to seal the gap between the bottom of the door and the threshold. This will keep snow, pests, and debris from entering your home.

In addition to sealing any gaps around your windows and doors, look for other areas of your home where heat may be able to escape—such as outlets along exterior walls. Consider adding insulation to these spots as well.

Protect Your Pipes

Pipes can freeze and burst during the wintertime. To prevent this from happening, seal any cracks with caulk and apply the proper type of insulation. Be sure that you’re also regularly turning on all the faucets in your home. Simply run a small amount of both hot and cold water to minimize the risk of your pipes freezing up.

Clean Your Gutters

Gutters need to be cleaned at least twice a year. This will prevent them from clogging and causing damage to your roof or home. Start by clearing any leaves or other debris from them. Then use a hose with a spray nozzle to remove any debris. Check the downspout to ensure it is clear and that water drains properly.

Once your gutters are clean, inspect them for any cracks or other signs of damage, such as mold, rust, or sagging. Such damage may be a sign that your gutters need to be repaired or replaced.

You’ll also want to check whether there is any standing water, as this could be a sign that your gutters are not properly sloped and may need some adjustment. Finally, check for leaks, and if you notice any, patch the area with gutter sealant.

If you feel uncomfortable climbing a ladder or cleaning your gutters yourself, call in a professional to get the job done for you.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

Installing a programmable thermostat is a quick and easy way to cut down on your home energy bills. With a programmable thermostat, you can set the thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature of your home when you’re sleeping or typically away, such as when you’re at work. Turning down the heat or air conditioning for part of the day can help maximize cost savings. You can also program the thermostat to return to a comfortable temperature just before you wake up or arrive back home.

Since you pre-program the thermostat, you won’t need to worry about remembering to adjust the temperature by hand each day. Programmable thermostats are a convenient way to cut back on your home energy bills without sacrificing coziness and comfort.

Tend to Your Landscaping

During wintertime, heavy snow can accumulate on trees and may cause branches to break. Plan to trim any branches that are close to your home to minimize the risk of damage. You should also remove outdoor furniture or make sure that it’s covered and protected. If your home has a deck, you may want to apply a protective sealant to it to shield it from snow, ice, and moisture.

Invest In Energy-Efficient Upgrades

If you’re wondering how to prepare your home for winter while also maximizing energy efficiency, consider scheduling a home energy audit. This is a professional assessment that identifies areas of energy loss within your home to determine what type of energy-efficiency upgrades would be most beneficial for you.

You may even be eligible for a tax credit for making qualified energy-efficient improvements. We recommend consulting with your accountant to determine your eligibility.

If you want to explore ways to finance energy-efficient upgrades or other home improvements, contact us. We can help with customized financial solutions that will not only prepare you for winter but also set you up for a solid financial future.