Winter is coming, and now is the best time to start preparing your home for those long, cozy, and peaceful nights. There can be a surprising amount of preparation to be done, some in quite unexpected areas, so it’s always good to get started early. There are all the usual smart moves such as duct cleaning and wrapping your water pipes.
But did you know that you might need to call a chimney sweep? That’s right. All your vents need to be cleaned well and in good repair. Let’s take a look at other problem areas that we can fix to guarantee a hassle-free winter.
Update and Insulate
When was the last time you had your heater tuned? If the answer is not since last winter, then you know what you have to do. You do not want the heater to act upon a freezing night. Hire a heater technician or a reliable contractor to look through your heater system and make sure that it is clean and in good condition. Once that is done, try to get some tips on where to get a good deal on insulation that you can install yourself for your water pipes, attic, and basement.
The majority of water pipe damage happens in cold basements, and the bills can add up. There may not be enough technicians, as there are people with burst pipes. Installing insulation yourself can be a self-service solution to a problem that you do not need to have this winter. Make sure to select the right insulation for your needs and check with a professional before winter starts to ensure that it is installed the right way.
Swap in and Swap Out
Swap out all your window screens and replace them with glass storm windows. This will give you an added layer of insulating air that can make all the difference between losing heat through your windows and keeping the inside of your home warm and cozy. If you want to be extra sure to keep heat from seeping out, use anti-rain silicone caulk to seal in all your window and door edges for that added layer of protection and peace of mind.
In the same way, it might be time to check on your roof tiles. If any are cracked, broken, or loose, it may lead to heat loss and even cause leaking. It can seem like a small issue, but these are the kind of small situations that snowball into massive heating and repair bills. Luckily, roofing tile is easy to replace with a little know-how, and you can also find great DIY videos on the Internet.
Divert the Dams
Did you know that ice can form dams against the sides of your home and sometimes even within the walls? All it takes is one small crack, and you could be dealing with major repairs that could run into thousands of dollars’ worth of damage. The easiest way to avoid such a thing from happening is to ensure that you divert all water sources and collection ducts away from the house.
Clean your gutters to ensure that nothing will slow or stop the flow of water and use additional piping if you must to extend the reach of run-off water hoses. This also ensures that if the nights turn cold and the run-off water freezes, it will not be in danger of causing harm to your foundations. Remember that water expands as it freezes, so make sure to use adequate storage or disposal methods.
Stock up on Essentials
All the care you take of your home is so that you can take the best care of what matters most: family. Once you are done ensuring that your home is a safe and warm haven, the next step is taking care of your family’s needs. Stock up on canned goods that can be combined to create savory and filling stews and soups. If you start looking now, you may even find preholiday deal or coupons that can help you get what you want at very good discount prices.
It’s never a bad time for a good bargain. Try searching for coupons and vouchers online. It may even be possible to find vouchers with the services mentioned above. Everyone enjoys a good deal, and both supermarkets and servicemen will appreciate one less person to add to their holiday rush stress. They may also give you a better deal and a “thank you.” You never know until you ask, so ask away.
