The winter is over, now it is time to get ready for home to another winter coming. We don't mention about getting heating oils and stocking fire woods. You might think it is just spring but some tips you take as precaution might help you to save big time for next winter.
1. Insulate Windows and Doors
If your windows have any air leaks, they may drive up your energy cost — and detract from the comfortable atmosphere you desire inside your house when it's chilly outside. According to the US Energy Department, decreasing drafts may reduce your home's energy expenses by up to 20% per year while also making your living area more pleasant.
2. Check your gutters
You should always keep your gutters clean from debris and leaves. When your gutters get clogged, they overflow, and the water pours down the side of your house, hastening the degradation of your facade. It can also cause foundation degradation, water ingress in the basement, and settling beneath concrete porches and walks, all of which can cause a slew of issues.
3. Check your roof
Roof leaks are something people never want to find out about. Before it gets even worse you must take a precaution to fix your roof. If you're experienced working on a roof, certain roofing repairs are simple to accomplish yourself, such as fixing shingles or caulking flashing. If you're not sure, you should hire a professional roof inspection. A typical roof check will cost you between $119 and $296.
4. Tree Branches Should Be Trimmed
A winter storm unleashing the fury of that big tree whose branches are arching over your roof is the last thing you need. Furthermore, overhanding limbs can cause extra water to leak into crevices in your home's roof or siding, which is why you should keep all tree limbs and branches at least 3 feet away from your property.
5. Clean your chimney and fireplace
House fires at their peak during winter. We're also more inclined to keep our homes locked up tight, making carbon monoxide a larger threat. So it is very important to detect if your fireplace is working properly. A professional chimney sweep firm can ensure that the fireplace is safe to use while also identifying any maintenance issues.
This is also the time to place your firewood order. Spend some time stacking and covering your wood in a convenient spot in the yard. Make sure your old firewood isn't rotted and get it out of the way.
6. Change the direction of your ceiling fans
If your ceiling fan includes a reverse switch, use it to flip the blades of the fan clockwise after the heat is turned on. According to Energy Star, the fan will create an updraft and force warm air from the ceiling into the room (remember, hot air rises).
This is especially useful in areas with high ceilings, and it may even allow you to lower your thermostat by a couple of degrees to save energy.
7. Prevent Ice-Dams
The majority of us take our gutters for granted. Snow and ice in the winter can wreak havoc on your gutters! Getting a good de- icing system is crucial. It is a very common mistake to think heating cables will solve all the ice dam problems. Unfortunately heated cables only can protect limited areas. Beside heated cables, heated roof mats seem like a more efficient solution.
8. Prepare for the removal of snow
Before the big snowfall, get out the snowblower and start it up. Make sure it's ready for the upcoming snowfall. If it isn't, have it fixed right away. Take stock of your salt and shovel supplies as well. After the large blizzard, you know you won't be able to find a shovel.
