Home Improvement Tips: Prepare Your Home for Winter

Are you ready for winter? If you haven’t begun to prepare your home for the winter months, then plan to start soon. It is a lot easier to take care of outdoor tasks, like putting in storm windows, before the chilly winter air hits our area. For tasks that require an expert, we’ve got you covered! We have several companies throughout our publication to help you get your home ready. Still not sure who to use? Give our office a call at 610-789-0600 and we’ll refer you to the right professionals!

Check Your Heating System – Get your home heating system inspected now before it’s too late! You don’t want to be stuck in the dead of winter with a broken heating system. You’ll also want to replace your air filters. Purchase a carbon monoxide detector and install it if you don’t already have one. Having a carbon monoxide detector is just as important as having a smoke detector. Both will save you and your family’s lives.

Switch Direction – Did you know that you can use the ceiling fans in your home to help warm it? Most ceiling fans have a switch on the base to change the direction of the blades. Switching their direction will create an updraft which, because hot air rises, will push down the heated air and warm your room. This may even allow you to turn your thermostat down a few degrees and save you some money.

Check for Drafts – Drafty windows and doors can cause you to spend more money on heating than planned. Take the time to check around your windows and doors for any gaps. Use caulk to fill them in and prevent heat from leaving your home. If you can see daylight around your door, then replace or add weatherstripping to keep the cold air out. Don’t forget to take out any screens and replace them with storm windows!

Before You Burn the Yule Log – If you have a fireplace and plan to use it this winter, have a chimney sweep inspect your fireplace and chimney to be sure it’s safe to use. They will be able to check for any fire hazards and remedy them before you use your fireplace.

Outside Tasks:

Check Your Roof – Make sure that there are not any missing, damaged or broken shingles. Replace any you find to prevent a leak in your roof. Always have someone hold the ladder when checking your roof. Remember, safety first! Or you could have a professional do the checking for you.

Clear Out the Gutters – Clearing your gutters of debris will help to avoid water backing up into your home and ice dams from forming. Check to see that all gutters are attached securely to your home. Snow and ice can get very heavy and is able to pull down loose gutters.

Put Seasonal Items to Bed – Clean your patio furniture and put it in a safe, dry location for the winter. If you have an outside air conditioning unit, clear away any debris and then cover it with an air conditioner cover. All window units should be removed for the winter. If you are unable to remove a window unit, make sure you cover the outside portion with an air conditioner cover. You can also find covers for inside. Drain all outdoor faucets and put garden hoses in storage. Make sure to empty leftover fuel from your lawn mower before storing it away for the winter.

Stock Up – Purchase shovels, snow blowers, ice melt and all of the necessary supplies before the snow hits. It never hurts to be prepared!