The holidays can be a magical time of year, from snowflakes and Christmas lights to sipping hot cocoa by the fireplace – it truly can be magical. But before dreaming of holiday joys begin ringing through your head, there are a few things that need your consideration first – winterization must come first!
Insulate Your Windows
Windows area thing of beauty – but they can also let in cold air. Now is not the time to be wasteful with energy costs! Insulating your windows can be an efficient and cost-effective way to keep Jack Frost at bay and create a cozy winter environment in your home. Use weatherstripping or insulation film on leaks around windows in order to seal them properly and block out cold air coming through. Remember a properly insulated window is your first line of defense against winter’s chill – making a cozy warm home!
Protect Your Pipes
Now is the time to focus on protecting our unsung household heroes – our pipes! In wintertime, they’re vulnerable to freezing, which can result in costly damage. But don’t leave them out in the cold – insulate them! Pipe insulation can be found at most hardware stores and installation is easy – try heat tape in colder environments such as garages and basements as an extra measure if necessary! On especially icy nights let your faucets drip lightly so as to decrease chances of freezing. Keep those cozy pipes snug – they’ll thank us by not burst!
Clean Out Your Gutters
Now it’s time to move our focus upwards: gutters! Though seemingly minor in detail, gutters play an essential part in protecting your house from water damage. With autumn leaves falling quickly this fall and filling the gutters rapidly before winter hits can create ice dams – no one wants that on their property! So put on your bravest face, grab that ladder, and clean those gutters out – someone has to do this work, trust us it will pay dividends later.
Check Your Heating System
Now we are getting to the core of any home – the heating system! A reliable friend in winter months, but even hardy systems require periodic checks in order to remain functional. Before winter’s chill arrives, take time to carefully inspect your heating system. If you’re not handy yourself, consider hiring a professional technician to inspect your furnace or heat pump and ensure it runs without interruption during this winter season. Keeping an eye out for potential signs of trouble can ensure an uninterrupted, warm winter. Replace your furnace filter every few months to extend its lifespan and lower energy bills.
Winterize Your Sprinkler System
Let’s expand our winterization efforts into your lawn by looking at its sprinkler system. As with a groundhog, your sprinkler needs rest during winter too. For maximum effectiveness and efficiency during this process of winterization. Frozen pipes can be dangerous. To remedy the situation, we need a plan: using compressed air for blow out, all excess water will be expelled from the system. Note of caution though; winterizing your sprinkler system can be tricky and, if done incorrectly, could lead to serious damage. If this process makes you uncomfortable, hiring professional help to winterize your sprinkler system might be more appropriate – your system will then be ready for its winter rest!
And there you have it – our top five winterization strategies to turn your home into an inviting winter wonderland (without frozen pipes and rising energy bills!). Just a bit of effort now will save a lot of cold and hassle later – so put on those DIY gloves and start winterizing – after all, wouldn’t you rather spend winter sipping hot cocoa by the fireside than dealing with an igloo home? We thought so too!
