Winter can be a harsh season for your home, but with a little preparation, you can ensure that it stays safe, warm, and cozy throughout the colder months. Here are ten tips to get your house winter-ready:
Clean Your Gutters
Falling leaves can clog up your gutters, leading to water damage and ice dams during winter. It's best to have your gutters professionally cleaned by someone who is insured and licensed. Gutter cleanings can be dangerous, so it’s often worth investing a few extra hundred dollars to hire an expert.
Check Your Fireplace and Chimney
If you plan to use your fireplace, ensure that it’s in good working condition. Hire a chimney inspector to check for any blockages or issues. This usually costs a couple of hundred dollars but will help prevent any fire hazards.
Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Most ceiling fans have a switch to reverse the direction. By reversing your fan in the winter, it will push warm air down from the ceiling and circulate heat more efficiently throughout your home.
While you are up there, don't forget to dust and change any burnt out bulbs.
Replace Smoke Detector Batteries
Winter often means more time spent indoors and more use of heating systems. Make sure your smoke detectors are working properly by replacing the batteries at the start of the season.
Pro Tip: Most Smoke Detectors take 2-3 AA Batteries. You mine as well get new batteries for your flashlights too.
Organize Your Garage
Make space for winter tools like shovels, snow blowers, and salt by organizing your garage. Having these items easily accessible will save time when the first snowstorm hits.
Garages are also where a lot of preventable fires start. As you can see from the photo below, the entire garage is full of dry leaves, all it would take is one cigarette bud and 5 minutes alone, for that entire garage to become enflamed.
Check Your Roof
Inspect your roof for any damage or missing shingles. A leaky roof during winter can lead to costly water damage, so it's best to address any issues before the snow arrives.
Insulate Your Pipes
Exposed pipes are vulnerable to freezing during the winter. Insulating them can prevent costly repairs due to burst pipes and ensure you have uninterrupted water flow during freezing temperatures.
Service Your Furnace or Heating System
Schedule a professional service for your furnace or heating system to ensure it’s in top condition. A well-maintained heating system will run more efficiently, saving you money on energy bills.
Seal Doors and Windows
Check for drafts around doors and windows. Use weather stripping or caulk to seal any gaps, keeping the warm air in and the cold air out. This can help lower your heating costs throughout the winter.
Have a Backup Portable Heater
In case of heating system failure or an emergency, it’s a good idea to have a portable heater on hand. If your heating goes out or pipes freeze, this can provide temporary relief while you address the issue.
By taking these steps, you’ll be able to protect your home and ensure a comfortable and safe winter season. If you're looking for professional help with any of these tasks, reach out to licensed and insured experts in your area...
Need Help? Campus Hands is Here!
If you need assistance with any winter preparations, from cleaning gutters to organizing your garage, our Campus Hands team is ready to help! We offer a free booking service through our website, making it easy to schedule the services you need.
This winter, we're also offering snow removal contracts in Madison, WI! Get ahead of the snow and ensure your driveway and walkways stay clear all season long. Visit our website today to request services or inquire about snow removal options.
Stay warm and prepared this winter with Campus Hands!
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