Well now that it’s pretty much officially winter, there’s a couple home maintenance tasks you’ll need to cross off your list. Here are some tips and tricks to follow on how to winterize your home…
Winterizing Your Home
1. Watch for Drafty Doors and Windows
Make sure the weatherstripping on your doors is in place and you’re not letting cold air seep in. You can purchase draft stoppers online or even create one on your own. Also caulk your windows to prepare yourself from the winter weather.
2. Flip Your Ceiling Fan Blades
Switching your blades to run clockwise will push the warmer air down to the ground, saving you money on your heating bill!
3. Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
If you’re at work all day long and your furnace is running at normal temps, you’re wasting a lot of money for something no one is using. With a programmable thermostat, you can lower the temps while you’re at work and have it jump back up to warm up your place before you even pull in the driveway. Plus programmable thermostats are widely available for as little as $50, and the average family will save $180 a year with one.
4. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
I always replace the batteries in my smoke and carbon monoxide detectors twice a year, usually at the start of winter and summer. Also, if you replace one battery, go ahead and change all of them out throughout your home even if they’re not beeping. Better to be safe than sorry.
5. Clean Your Gutters
The build up of leaves and debris combined with heavy ice or snow can really cause a lot of damage to your gutters, which could potentially cause water leaks inside your home. Clean them out before the next big storm so the water can drain freely.
6. Winterize your Air Conditioner
Drain any pipes or hoses coming from your A/C unit so they don’t freeze during the winter months. Also make sure to vacuum out any pools of water you have in the air conditioner’s drain pan. You can also cover your central air unit with a plastic air conditioner cover. The cover will keep water and snow out of the unit and prevent rusting.
7. Change Your Furnace Filters
It’s important to replace or clean furnace filters during the heating season. Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy demand.
Filtrete Filters start at just a few bucks, last up to 3 months, and can be purchased at a lot of big retailers like Lowe’s, Target, Walmart and your local hardware store. Change your filter at the start of every season as a reminder!
Credits to: https://howtonestforless.com/how-to-winterize-your-home/