The hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving and Halloween have passed and autumn is coming to a close. As winter and cold temperatures approach, there are certain steps you must take for your home to ensure a worry-free winter. Here are some tips to help prepare your home for a cold season.
Prepare Your Yard
Your backyard is your escape in the summertime and in order to ensure it stays tidy and inviting all year round there are certain winter preparations it may need. Patio furniture is not made to withstand the freeze and thaw of winter, it is best to store it away until the spring. Certain flower bulbs should be pulled, labeled and stored in a warm, dry place for the winter. To extend the life of outdoor hoses and prevent freezing pipes, detach the hose from your outdoor tap and put it in a sheltered location during the colder months. Taking these steps will help preserve your summer oasis and give you something to look forward to in the spring.
Give Your Heating System a Tune Up
Regardless of the type of furnace you may have, a wise move when preparing for winter is to give it a tune-up. A heating and air conditioning contractor can inspect, repair and clean your furnace to ensure that it is running at the manufacturing efficiency level to get you through the winter. Regular changing of your filters will also increase the efficiency of your furnace, reducing your utility bill in the winter and eliminating the risk that you may need emergency repairs on the coldest day of the year.
Clean Your Gutters
High winds and the cold temperatures cause leaves and debris to block your eavestroughing. In order to avoid ice build up and overflowing gutters from melting snow, ensure to clean them out before the snow falls. The empty gutters will allow any rainfall or melting snow to drain naturally away from your house, preventing water damage and any ice from falling from your roof.
Install Insulated Blinds
A simple, yet chic way to increase the thermal efficiency of your windows in winter is to install insulated blinds. According to Green Energy Efficient Homes, installing insulated blinds can reduce up to 65% of heat loss through your windows. The extra layer of insulation will reduce any drafts, and keep your house feeling warmer. On calm sunny days, the blinds can be opened and the heat from the natural sunlight can be used to assist in warming the house.
Trim Your Trees
Prepare your yard and protect your home from potential damage by trimming the trees and tall shrubs on your property. Taking this step will not only allow your trees to continue growing at a healthy rate, but it will also prevent any potential trees falling from heavy ice or snow while making your property safe for the winter.
Amongst the many things we do in order to prepare for the winter season, your house should be the main priority. Taking steps such as trimming trees and insulating your windows will help you get your home ready for a stress-free, safe and warmer winter. For more information on preparing your home for the winter weather visit the Caliber Homes Blog