1. Check your thermostat’s batteries
Batteries are important because they allow the thermostat to maintain the temperature your family wants. Even if you think you’ve changed them recently, it doesn’t hurt to change them again. The most common batteries for home thermostats are AAA, AA and C. These should be replaced every 3-6 months.
2. Caulk around windows and doors
- Caulk around windows and doors
Now that you’ve taken care of the easy stuff, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get down to some real business. If you have a caulk gun, use it; if not, just use your hands. You’ll need to start with a clean surface on which to apply this caulking compound. Remove any old caulk using a utility knife or razor blade scraper, then apply the new caulk in a smooth line along the edges of the door frame or window sill where they are joined with another structure or surface. If you’re worried about keeping your lines straight, place painter’s tape on either side of where you want to place the bead of sealant—it will make for easy cleanup once everything has dried. Make sure not to put too much caulk on, though; squeezing out more than necessary will only result in a bigger mess for you later when you realize there’s no way for it all to dry properly at once. Smooth out any drips with a wet finger (you can also use gloves if you don’t want sticky hands), then remove any excess from its tube after applying it around all your doors and windows. It may be tempting to let them sit overnight before removing the tape so that everything is completely dry before bothering with cleanup, but trust us: take off whatever tape is still stuck down now and come back tomorrow morning—it’ll be worth it!
3. Seal your driveway
If you want to keep your driveway in good condition, sealing it will be a great help. Sealing your driveway will reduce the build-up of ice and snow by creating a barrier that keeps moisture out and prevents water from seeping into any cracks or holes. Sealing will also help protect your driveway from the salt and chemicals used to melt ice, which can cause damage over time. For residents of warmer climates, sealing is a preventative measure for cracking, oil stains and weed growth.
4. Fertilize your lawn
Your lawn is used to being fed regularly during the summer months. It’s had a break from its regular diet, and now your grassy patches are starting to feel a little peckish. This is the perfect time to give it some much-needed nutrients as it settles in for its winter hibernation.
For those of us without green fingers, a quick Google search will tell you that fertilizer adds nutrients to soil, helps grass grow thick and green, and makes it more resistant against the cold of winter. As a bonus, fertilized grass recovers faster once spring rolls around again. If you want your lawn looking spectacular next year without resorting to fake turf then fertilizing your lawn should be done in the fall. You can do this yourself or hire a professional who will know exactly how much fertilizer is appropriate for your yard’s dimensions and condition.
5. Clean out your gutters
Your gutters will collect any leaves that fall on your roof. If you don’t clean them out, they can start to rot and create an ideal environment for insects and bacteria to breed in. This is not what you want happening above your head!
You should also be prepared for water to come pouring over the top of your gutters if they’re clogged up. This could cause damage to the exterior of your home, or worse, lead to damp inside the house which could spread into walls and ceilings.
If you’ve never cleaned a gutter before, it is recommended that you hire a professional roofer or handyman instead of doing it yourself unless you are comfortable working at height. Even for professionals however there is risk involved in cleaning out gutters so make sure you hire someone with public liability insurance just in case anything goes wrong. When looking for a tradesman, always use reputable sites like Rated People to ensure they are properly vetted and qualified.
In addition to removing all organic material from the gutters, look out for tile fragments or rust spots too as either of these could be signs that there is a bigger issue at play – no one wants their roof caving in during winter!
The best way to keep ahead of this job is by doing it twice a year – once when all the leaves have fallen off the trees after summer and then again in spring once new ones begin growing back on. A good rule of thumb here is if 3/4ths of your trees have lost their leaves then it’s time to grab your ladder!
6. Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans
For those of you with ceiling fans, one way to ensure your home is heated efficiently this winter is to reverse the direction of your ceiling fans.
Most ceiling fan rotates in a counterclockwise direction, which pulls warm air up and pushes it out across the room towards the ceiling. This can be good during the summer months because it helps cool us down by creating a wind-chill effect. However, in cooler seasons, we want to push warm air downward, not up and out toward the ceiling. By reversing your blades to turn clockwise at a low speed setting, you’ll be able to push warmer air back down into living spaces more effectively (source).
7. Insulate your attic and basement
Step seven is to insulate your attic and basement. If you need to add insulation, or you’re not sure, it’s a good idea to hire a contractor. They can check your existing insulation, help you choose the right materials for your needs and climate, and explain what will be involved in terms of cost and time.
Here are some basic facts about insulation:
- The most commonly recommended option is fiberglass batting that comes in premeasured rolls.
- If it’s properly installed by spraying or rolling it on the floor of an unfinished attic or basement room, fiberglass batting forms a blanket of protection between the inside of your home and the outside world.
- The recommended minimum level is R-49 for floors, R-38 for walls, and R-30 for ceilings (R stands for resistance).
As with all parts of home maintenance, do not skimp on materials! And make sure you hire someone who knows what they’re doing! Trust us—you do not want to have to redo any part of this process.
8. Replace furnace filters
- Replace furnace filters. Replace your home’s filters at least once a year, and you may need to do it more often if you have pets or allergies. Filters are inexpensive and can be found at just about any hardware store. Replacing them will help protect your unit and improve the quality of the air that circulates throughout your house.
9. Have your furnace serviced by a professional
As your furnace gets older, it becomes more likely to run into problems. And when the temperature drops, you’ll want to make sure your heater can keep up with demand.
A professional HVAC technician can service and repair your furnace, making sure that it continues to operate safely and efficiently. They’ll be able to clean or replace filters, check for potential issues or leaks, and make tweaks that will improve efficiency and longevity.
10. Add weather stripping to exterior doors
You may have heard of weather stripping, but you may not know what it is. It’s a simple foam or rubber strip that fits around windows and doors to prevent drafts and keep heat in the house. It’s cheap, easy to install, and can make a big difference in your heating bills this winter.
To install weather stripping, first remove the old stripping (if there was any) with a utility knife or other cutting tool. Clean out the channel of dirt and debris with some compressed air or by hand. Then follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the new weather stripping using brackets or adhesive. You can buy weather stripping at most hardware stores or online.
Prepare (and maintain) your home for the winter months with these simple tips!
- Have your furnace inspected. Don’t wait until the temperature drops to find out whether or not your furnace is in good working order. Furnaces should be checked once a year by a professional, so schedule an appointment before the chill sets in. If you can’t remember the last time your furnace was inspected, it’s been too long.
- Don’t skimp on filters! Cheap filters do their job, but they don’t allow air to flow freely through your home. As a result, your furnace has to work harder to pump heat throughout your house, which will cost you more money on utilities and might even cause damage if it overheats. The extra few dollars will be well worth it for energy savings down the road and peace of mind about proper heating for the winter months ahead.
As the holiday season approaches, it is time to get your home ready for winter.
Here are some tips from the experts at [company name] on how to prepare your home for the cold weather:
1. Get a new heating system. A new heating system can not only help you save money by being more efficient, but it will also help you keep your family warm throughout the season. 2. Insulate your home from outside cold air by using plastic on windows and doors. This will also make sure that heat stays inside the house! 3. Make sure your fireplace is in good condition so you don’t have any problems when using it this holiday season! 4. Clean out gutters and downspipes so water runs off smoothly during heavy rainfall periods – this helps prevent ice dams forming on roofs that can lead to damage or leaks inside homes causing costly repairs down the road! 5. When shoveling snow away from sidewalks or driveways, be careful not to pile it up against any exterior walls – this creates an insulation barrier against cold temperatures which means less energy usage (and cost!) during winter months! 6. If possible, replace windows with double-paned ones that have a low-E coating on them which blocks UV rays from entering the house while
The holiday season is upon us, and that means it’s time to prepare your home for winter! When the weather turns cold and wet, you’ll want to make sure your home is ready. Here are a few tips on how to get your house ready for the big freeze.
To start with, you’ll want to check your windows for any cracks or leaks in the caulk around them. If any of those are present, seal them up with some fresh caulk and add weather stripping if needed.
If you have a fireplace, clean out the flue before using it for the first time each year. This will prevent smoke from coming back into the house when you light a fire.
Next, make sure all of your smoke alarms are working properly! It’s easy to forget about these as they don’t require much attention — but one day it could save your life!
Once those things are taken care of, it’s time to think about what will keep you warm inside during those long winter nights when temperatures plummet outside and snowflakes start falling from the sky like tiny pieces of ice cream melting on a hot summer day!
One way is by installing some insulation in your attic or walls (if they aren’t already insulated). You can also buy
Winter is coming, but don’t worry—we’ve got your back. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get your home ready for the cold weather ahead.
1. Get a holiday calendar. The holidays are the busiest time of year, and it can be hard to keep track of what you need to do and when, especially if you’re managing multiple families’ schedules. By getting yourself a holiday calendar, you’ll be able to keep track of important dates, like getting the house ready for Santa!
2. Clean up your yard. It’s easy to let things pile up during the summer months when everything is growing so fast. Make sure you take the time now to clear out any debris or clutter that could lead to damage over the winter season, such as branches falling off trees or old leaves clogging gutters or drains.
3. Clean out your gutters and drains. Speaking of gutters and drains, make sure you clean them out! This will not only prevent clogs from forming over wintertime but also keep your roof in good condition because there won’t be any water build-up near it (which could cause rot).
4. Save on energy costs by installing new windows with insulated glass panes that block out drafts
Winter is coming, which means it’s time to get ready for the cold. You might be thinking: what do I need to do to make sure my home is ready? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Here’s a handy checklist to help you prep your home for the cold months ahead.
Clean your gutters and check your roof shingles.
Check your furnace and replace its filters.
Insulate your water pipes and install a heat tape on them if necessary.
Seal up any cracks so that warm air stays in—and no pests make their way inside!
Inspect windows and door frames for air leaks; seal any leaks with caulk or weather stripping.
Tidy up your garden and bring any plants indoors that might be susceptible to frost damage (or buy a plastic covering for outdoor plants).
If you have an outdoor faucet, make sure it’s been shut off from the inside of your house; turn on the hose bib so that water can drain out. Clean up any remaining water in the hose bib area by turning on both hot and cold taps until they run dry—this will prevent freezing pipes!
If you have a fireplace, clear out ashes and sweep down chimney flues before
Winter is coming, and if you’re not prepared, it can really sneak up on you. It’s time to get your home ready for the coldest season, and what better way to do that than with a few simple tips that even a child could follow?!
First, clean out your gutters! Clogged gutters can cause major problems down the road. They can lead to ice forming in your gutters, which is a major weight risk—especially if your roof is already compromised or in need of repair. And because it prevents water from draining properly, all of that water will back up into your house, damaging everything from your siding to your foundation.
Next, make sure you get an inspection! Inspections are crucial. From checking for mice in the attic to ensuring there aren’t any leaks near your pipes (a major winter concern), having someone come through and verify that your home is as safe as possible will be more than worth it when you don’t have to scramble at the last minute because all of your pipes froze over.
Finally, ensure that all of the windows and doors in your home are sealed properly. This may sound like a no-brainer, but there is nothing worse than finding out mid-winter that you’ve been heating
Ah, winter. The time of year when it’s too cold to go outside and all you want to do is lay on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate and your favorite blanket. While that sounds nice, there’s one thing you have to deal with first: preparing your house for the cold weather.
But don’t worry! We’ve got your back. Here are some tips for getting your home ready for winter so that you can enjoy the double-digit temperatures and snowfall in peace.
1) Prep your fireplace: If you have a fireplace, now is the time to make sure it’s ready for use. Clean out all of the ash and get your chimney ready by hiring a professional to come sweep it out before putting anything in there.
2) Put away summer toys: If you’ve got any bikes or grills hanging around outside, make sure they’re stored away before it gets too cold out—otherwise they might get damaged from wind or frostbite.
3) Take care of heating/cooling systems: If you’ve got an HVAC unit then now’s the time to call an expert who can check on it and make sure everything is running smoothly before winter comes around (or after it passes).
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No matter where you live, the winter season does a number on your home. From the inevitable cold drafts to icy sidewalks and driveways, it’s important not to forget about preparing your home for the winter months. Here are a few of our top tips, including some that are specific to your region!
1. Check Your Heating System
It’s best to check your heating system before things get too chilly. Check all filters and replace them if necessary. Make sure vents aren’t blocked and that there aren’t any objects in front of radiators or baseboard heaters. You can also hire a professional to inspect your heating system and clean it out, which will help keep things running smoothly all winter long.
2. Seal Drafts Around Doors, Windows, and Pipes
If you live in an area with freezing temperatures, you’ve likely dealt with frozen pipes at some point before. This is because drafts from doors, windows and other gaps around the home let cold air into areas where pipes are located—making them more likely to freeze during particularly chilly nights. To prevent this from happening as much as possible, seal any drafts around doors and windows with weather stripping or caulk. You can also insulate pipes with fiberglass sleeves or an electric heat tape