Winterizing your home is an important step in protecting your investment. Without the right knowledge of how to properly care for your home throughout the seasons, it can quickly deteriorate. This can leave you with expensive repairs or even a loss in value. Winterizing your home helps prevent damage from freezing temperatures, snow, and ice while also keeping your home comfortable and efficient. Follow these 7 steps to best prepare your Childersburg home for the cold.
The weather stripping around your windows and doors can deteriorate over time due to extreme temperatures, harsh weather conditions, and regular wear and tear. Before the cold sets in, check that your weather stripping is not damaged or deteriorated. If it is, replace or repair it. For extra protection, you could also invest in storm doors or windows. They help to better regulate temperatures in your home and they hold up better over time, saving you money in the short run on energy bills and in the long run on maintenance.
Before lighting up your fireplace for the first time this season, it’s important to check it and clean it if necessary. Since it likely hasn’t been used in a while, there could be buildup of debris in the chimney that needs to be cleaned out before lighting a fire. Check the chimney to ensure there is a clear path leading outside, and call a professional if anything is blocking the way. This will ensure the safety of your home and your family.
Much of a home’s heat loss is due to improper insulation in the walls or the attic. If you’re experiencing uncomfortable temperatures and high energy bills, check to make sure your home is insulated properly. It’s possible that pieces of insulation have cracked, flaked, or been moved around over the years. If your home doesn’t have insulation in the attic, you’re sacrificing comfort and money. Ensure there is sufficient insulation in your attic without cracks or gaps to keep heat from rising out of your home this winter.
While outdoor equipment is made to be used outside, it’s usually not made to withstand harsh weather conditions. Outdoor furniture, grills, and other equipment can be damaged by freezing temperatures, ice, and snow. To avoid deterioration or the need for repair, bring these outdoor items into your garage, basement, or shed if possible. If you’re unable to move them inside, cover them with the proper material to withstand the cold. If you have plants that can be damaged from temperatures below 45 degrees, move them inside as well. They can usually be brought into your home to help with better air purification.
Now’s the time to invest in a smart or programmable thermostat if you haven’t already. These thermostats allow you to set temperatures depending on your schedule for optimal temperature control and efficiency. In the winter, while you’re away, you can program the thermostat to be set at a lower temperature, saving you money with minimal effort. Since temperature settings are controlled on a schedule, or from your smart device, your home can be warm again before you even return home. winterize your home
Your roof withstands the wrath of every season, so inspecting it regularly is important. Before winter hits, make sure there are no broken or missing shingles and no dents or fractures. Clear any debris from atop the roof and in the gutters. You’ll also want to check the attic and ceilings inside for leaks and repair if necessary. Make sure the attic is properly ventilated to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
While there are a few things you can do yourself, such as changing your filter and cleaning the area around your outdoor unit, to properly maintain your heating system, you’ll want to schedule preventive maintenance from your local heating and air conditioning contractor. A licensed professional from Sleeping Giant can ensure your system is working as it should before the cold weather sets in. Regular preventative maintenance also prolongs the life of your system and improves efficiency, leaving you with lower monthly bills.
However, if your system has been underperforming the past few seasons, or if it’s over 10 years old, it may be time for a replacement. Luckily, Sleeping Giant also offers top-of-the-line American Standard heat pumps and furnaces. We can come by your home for a free estimate on replacing the system you have now. Our licensed technicians are trained to make recommendations on a home-by-home basis to ensure you get the best for your home, family, and budget. If you think you may be in the market for a new system, give us a call at 256-378-6556 today.
Sleeping Giant Heating & Cooling, Inc. is your local American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning Customer Care Dealer in Childersburg, AL. We care about the comfort of your whole home and regularly provide tips and inspiration on home-related topics. winterize your home
To learn more about our company or the services we offer, visit our website at https://sleepinggiantair.com/. Feel free to call us at 256-378-6556 with any questions. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
AL License #00172
© 2024 · Sleeping Giant Mechanical
Site by Lawrence Media