The fall is the ideal time to give your home a once-over and ensure it’s prepared for winter. Additionally, having it inspected and repaired by an expert will guarantee its structural stability in preparation for any storms that may come your way.
Maintain Your Heating System
A well-maintained furnace is essential to keeping your house warm and comfortable during cold weather. It should be checked regularly to make sure it’s functioning efficiently, and any carbon monoxide leaks are detected before they cause irreparable damage. While having a professional technician inspect the system can cost around $80-$100, this saves you money on energy bills while decreasing the chance of carbon monoxide damage in the long run.
Insulate Your Attic and Basement
In addition to keeping your house warm, insulation can also reduce energy bills. If your house is older or poorly insulated, it’s worth spending the extra money now before winter arrives and you have less to worry about.
Replacing outdated or worn-out insulation in your home can save you a considerable amount of money over the years. A professional should inspect the insulation at your residence and suggest the most cost-effective course of action.
Seal Your Doors and Windows
Drafty door and window drafts can cause major problems with your HVAC system in wintertime. Installing or replacing weather stripping on your doors and windows will help keep air from escaping, while caulking will fill gaps and cracks.
Altering Ceiling Fan Blade Rotation Based on Seasons
In warm weather, ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise to push cool air down and help your furnace distribute heat evenly throughout your home. In wintertime, switch the fan rotation back to clockwise in order to push warm air from above into rooms.
Trim Overgrown Branches Away From Your Roof and Power Lines
In wintertime, branches hanging over your roof or power lines can become damaged due to snow and ice. They may break off or even fall onto the lines themselves, posing potential threats both to them and your electrical system. It is therefore important to trim back overgrown branches away from these places.
Maintain a Clean and Clear Gutters
Gutter maintenance is especially essential during winter to guarantee melting snow and ice can drain away from your property correctly. Clearing gutters of debris helps prevent ice dams, which could cause water leaks or structural damage.
Consider investing in a Roof Rake to help clear away snow and ice from your roof after a heavy storm. You can purchase one at most hardware stores.
Rearrange Furniture to Move Away from Heating Vents
Placing beds or couches near air vents is a common mistake that can cause heat loss and moisture buildup in the room. Moving them further away will prevent this issue from arising.
Set Your Furnace Thermostat Low to Warm Up Your Home
A thermostat set too high can make your furnace work harder than necessary, leading to higher energy bills. Turning down the thermostat by just one degree can save you up to ten percent on utility costs.
