December has arrived and its just going to keep getting colder out. So getting ready for those winter days is critical to making sure that you are kept toasty
Keep Warm This Winter
Keeping warm involves making sure that your furnace is in good working order. A broken furnace in the middle of a freezing day is the last thing you want. But if you call a tech then, you’ll be behind every other person who waited last second to get their furnace checked or repaired. So before the coldest day in the season hits, it’s a good idea to contact a tech to closely inspect your furnace to make sure it is functioning properly. We recommend that you start an annual maintenance regimen with an HVAC company that you can trust.
You should also consider reapplying Caulk around your windows. Caulk is a flexible material used to prevent air leakage from happening. These air leaks come from gaps in your windows which can result in higher energy costs. This is because your furnace needs to be working more often to keep the house warm, so it loses its efficiency. You can even sometimes feel the coldness coming in from the outside between the windows. It is recommended that you contact an expert to caulk your windows because some windows act as vents allowing for fresh air to come in and provide better air quality. Its worth noting that Caulking doesn’t always fit everywhere but weather stripping might work much better.
Speaking of keeping warm, let’s talk about that Chimney!
You’re going to want to clean out your chimney. Not doing this can cause a house fire and cause carbon monoxide to become backed up into your home. This is not good for your health, it can even be deadly when too much gets into your bloodstream. Contact a professional you trust to inspect your chimney.
Keep Water And Ice Out
When all of that snow goes to melt away from a chilly winter, it’s worth being ready it. You don’t want water leaking into places that it doesn’t belong. One of the ways to prevent this is to make sure that you have adequate drains. You want to make sure that your gutters are clean so then water has a clear pathway. Another thing that we mentioned to help keep water out is Caulking your windows. This not only keeps out chilly air but unwanted water too.
Many people also forget to unhook and drain garden hoses which can cause them to freeze and get damaged. It’s good practice to remember to store them inside for the cold season. This doesn’t only apply to garden hoses, but other pipes that can be prone to freezing in your home.
It’s also worth looking over your roof for any leaks that there might be. Some signs of leaks might be wet spots in your ceiling or even missing shingles. If you have signs of a leaky roof you’re going to want to fix it quickly. As the leak has a snowball effect into more problems, such as rotten insulation or mold. Which is bad for your health. It’s worth having a reputable inspector look over your roof. The longer you wait, the worse the problem might get.
One final thing you should look at is your sump pump. This is your final defense against water damage. While this should be done every few months. Pour a few gallons of water over it to make sure it’s actually working.
Final Thoughts
Make sure that you are ready for the worst-case scenario. Ask yourself questions like
- Do I have a working generator?
- Do I have canned food inside?
- Do I have water stored?
- Do I have the snow removal equipment I need? (Shovels, salt, snow blowers)
- Is aforementioned equipment serviced?
- Is my lawn irrigation system off and drained?
- Am I stocked up on firewood?
- Do I have an emergency supply kit with a first aid kit, flashlights, and radio?
It is worth being the one who can bear the brunt of the storm this winter.
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