When you think of winterizing your home, you probably focus on protecting against the cold and snow. But there are several important ways to prepare for the season. A winter preparedness home checklist is a handy tool to help you create a plan to keep your property and family safe in the cold months ahead. Here are some tips for homeowners that are ready to begin winterizing their home.
7-Step Checklist for Winterizing Your Home
Tip 1: Prepare Your Property
To start, perform necessary maintenance on the outside of your home. Start by having any encroaching trees trimmed, dead trees removed, and outside shrubbery protected. Clearing these hazards will go a long way in keeping your family safe from harsh winter weather.
From there, move on to other exterior portions of your home. Gutters, roofs, and chimneys all collect debris all year long. These should all be flushed and cleaned appropriately to prevent severe weather damage. If you plan to burn wood in your fireplace this winter, cleaning your chimney should be a priority.
If a winter storm is headed your way, take the time to pre-salt walkways, driveways, and sidewalks. And always have supplies (salt, shovels, etc.) ready for when colder weather rolls around.
Tip 2: Check Heating Systems/HVAC
In colder weather, the health of you, your family, and your home is reliant on proper heating and ventilation. It’s recommended that you have your HVAC heating system inspected annually, especially before any extreme weather conditions occur. If your system is older, it may be time to consider replacing it with a newer, more efficient model.
Bonus Tip: Save money on your power bill during winter months with a smart thermostat! You can set smart thermostats to a preset schedule which can improve energy efficiency. Learn more ways to be more energy efficient here.
Tip 3: Seal Cracks or Leaks in Doors and Windows
One of the best ways to keep your home warm and cozy all winter is to properly seal your doors and windows. Precious (and expensive!) heat can escape from your home in a variety of ways:
- Cracks in the walls
- Home foundations
- Attics & crawlspaces
- Compromised sealant in doors and windows
Address minor cracks or gaps by placing weather stripping around openings, by using caulks or gels, or by installing energy-efficient window treatments like shutters and shades. Taking care of these leaks will not only help you save on utilities, but also prevent air leakage. Even small leaks can lead to indoor air quality issues and even mold growth in some cases.
Tip 4: Save Your Pipes
Water damage is easily one of the more destructive and headache-inducing events a homeowner can experience. Unfortunately, 14,000 homeowners experience some form of water damage every day! And at an average cost of $11,605 per insurance claim.
Leaking pipes or burst pipes are common causes of home water damage. Winter can be especially harsh on your pipes, as the colder temperatures can cause water in the pipes to expand. As the water expands, it stresses the pipe causing it to crack.
To keep your pipes in shape during the winter, be sure to insulate them (both inside and outside of the house. You can use foam or heat tape to prevent freezing. You should also always leave a small trickle of water running when you know temperatures will dip below freezing. This will keep water moving through the system and reduce the likelihood of your pipes freezing or bursting.
If a pipe does burst in your home, CPI security offers smart devices and sensors that can help mitigate the damage. Take a moment to learn more about CPI water sensors and the benefits of a CPI smart water shut-off valve. When the water sensor detects a leak, it communicates with the water shut-off valve to automatically shut the water off and prevent further damage. Read this post to learn more ways to prevent water damage in your home.
Tip 5: Check Your Roof for Damage
Winter weather can take a toll on your roof. So be sure to check it over thoroughly before the first snowfall arrives, and times throughout the season. Look for loose shingles or tiles, water stains, and any other signs of wear and tear. Repair any small problems as soon as possible so they don’t turn into bigger issues when the temps drop.
Tip 6: Switch Ceiling Fan Direction
Did you know that the direction that your ceiling fan spins can have a big impact on your home’s heating efficiency?
It’s true. This interesting fact can end up keeping your home warmer and save you a little money too. According to EnergyStar.org, “In the winter, reverse the motor and operate the ceiling fan at a low speed in a clockwise direction.” This will produce a gentle updraft, which forces warm air that has risen to the ceiling back down into the occupied spaces of your home. It is a trick that will take you just a few seconds to complete and will save you hot air and some money on your utility bill.
Tip 7: Check Your Detectors
Unfortunately, water damage isn’t the only threat that causes homeowners anxiety. It is important to be prepared for the threat of smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide poisoning as well.
There are many ways to heat your home: your heating system, a gas stove, fireplace, electric area heater, etc. Each of these methods (without proper use and maintenance) can potentially harm your or your loved ones. That is why safety precautions for your heating elements is also essential this time of year.
An essential first step is to inspect your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for malfunctioning units. If your safety detectors are coming up short, or are starting to age out, now is the best time to replace them with more modern smart technology.
Whether you are staying indoors or braving the chilly weather outside, winter can be an incredibly fun and exciting season. Just make sure that your home is prepared for winter and for whatever the weather may bring.
Contact us today for a free quote to ensure that your home is protected against all types of threats.
