10 Crucial Tips for Winter Proofing Your Home

Wintertime is almost here. Before it arrives, make sure that you, your family, and the house you live in are prepared for what it brings.

Wise Ways to Winter Proof Your Home

Here are smart ways to keep in mind so you can keep your home and family cozy and ready this winter.

1.    Service your heating.

Your heating system needs regular tune-ups and maintenance so it can function well and keep everyone inside your home comfortable. You can either do the servicing by yourself or call a professional who can take care of the job for you.

2.    Ensure your gutters are fastened securely.

The last thing you want to discover is your gutters falling off the fascia board, causing overflow and build up because they weren’t fastened securely. To prevent that from happening, double check them and remove sticks, leaves, and other debris you’ll see in the process. Some of the equipment you’ll need to complete this task successfully are a scraper or spatula and a good hose rinse.

3.    Mind the gaps.

Your foundation and walls could have gaps in them. If they do, make sure they’re sealed to prevent sneaky rodents and chilly air from getting inside.

4.    Program your thermostat.

Set it to where it will turn the heat down automatically when no one is at home and up when everyone’s in.

5.    Test your alarms.

Replace the batteries in your smoke alarms, then do a test to make sure they’re working properly. This is because the risks of household fires are normally higher during the winter months.

6.    Do a check on your pipes, too.

Your pipes should be good candidates for insulation. You’ll know they are by simply touching and feeling them. If they are warm, then you know you’re good. You have less chance of having to deal with a burst pipe. But if you want to be prepared in case an emergency happens, you’ll need a pre-slit pipe foam, duct tape, heat tape, and a pair of scissors. Have these equipment ready in case the winter freeze causes a burst pipe.

7.    Keep your walkways and steps clear.

Clear your walkways and steps of any obstruction by using eco-friendly products. If your walkway is made of concrete, avoid using salt as it can cause it to crack. Also, clear the snow from your doors and windows to prevent issues with mold.

8.    Check your air vents.

Keep snow away from your air vents so they can continuously bring air in for your hot water tanks and furnaces.

9.    Bleed your radiators.

To keep your home toasty this winter, give your radiators some TLC through bleeding. You can do this by turning off your heating first. Prepare a cloth and the bleed key. Then turn the valve anti-clockwise and wait for you to hear a hissing sound. Wait for the water to start to flow then tighten the value up. It’s that easy!

10. Move your plants indoors.

Most houseplants are tropical so you shouldn’t want to leave them out during the cold weather. Inspect each potted plant for fungal diseases. If you observe any, hose them off by spraying water on them forcefully or use insecticidal soap if this doesn’t work.

Safeguard Your Home This Winter

Is your house ready to deal with blowing snow and harsh winter winds? Can it stand up to winter temperature and keep the warm air in and the cold air out? If your answer is no, it’s best to get started with this checklist. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Written by Lindsey Rentals. Lindsey Rentals offers the best equipment rentals in Columbia, MO.