This Checklist Will Help You Get Ready for the Cold
It doesn’t seem possible that winter is right around the corner. But before we know it, the snow will be falling, the heat will have to be turned on, and the heavy coats will be hauled out of the basement. Before that happens, make sure you and your home are prepared for the falling temps. If you don’t properly prepare, you could be setting yourself up for a lot of high bills and inconvenience during the coming months. This checklist will help you determine if you’re all ready for the winter months or if you have some tasks to complete before the first freeze.
Get Your Heating System Checked
When you haven’t turned on your heater for months, you have no idea if it’s working properly. Some systems need cleaning every year while others just need a quick once-over to make sure there are no leaks or other issues. It’s a good idea to have a pro come out before you switch the system on to make sure everything is in working order.
Check Your Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors
The heating system in the home is one of the main causes of carbon monoxide leaks and structure fires. To keep your family safe, check all your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in the home to make sure they are functioning correctly and don’t need new batteries.
Take Care of Your Pipes
Frozen pipes are a major source of home damage in the winter months. To prevent it, make sure you insulate your pipes that are near windows and doors in unheated areas of the home. Also, make sure you disconnect your garden hose from the outside faucet and never let the temp in your home dip below 55 degrees even when you’re out of town.
Prevent Ice Dams
Ice dams are very damaging to your roof. They are mainly caused by improper insulation and venting in your attack that allows ice to build up in your gutters. It’s a good idea to have a professional like those at Hometown Roofing come to take a look at your roof and attic to make sure you are doing everything possible to prevent ice dams this winter. While they’re on your roof, the pro can also ensure your roof doesn’t have any damage that could lead to trouble over the coming months.
Determine if You Have Sufficient Insulation
Adequate insulation is one of your home’s best friends when it comes to cold winter weather. If you don’t have enough insulation, your heater will work overtime, and your family could experience drafts and other unpleasant situations. Check your insulation in your walls, attics, and crawlspaces, and add more if you find it to be lacking.
Reverse Those Ceiling Fans
Your ceiling fans did a good job of circulating air and keeping you cool during the summer months. But did you know they also serve a purpose in the winter as well? When you switch the fan blades to run clockwise, you push heated air down where you and your family can enjoy it. This is especially important in rooms with high ceilings where the heat hovers above the living space.
Clear Gutters
The fall months have likely wreaked havoc on your gutters by filling them with leaves, sticks, and other debris. If you don’t clean them out, rain and melted snow won’t drain properly, leading to ice dams and possible damage to your roof and foundation. If you don’t feel comfortable on a ladder or if you have gutters that are difficult to access, hire a pro to clean out your gutters before winter hits.
The change of season is the perfect time to give your home a good once-over and ensure it’s ready for the weather that’s coming up. By completing the above tasks, you can make sure your family is safe and comfortable this winter. Need help with a roof inspection or repairs? Give our pros at Hometown Roofing a call!
