Ways To Prepare Your House For Wintertime

Whether or not you embrace the change of seasons or wince at the mention of cold weather in the forecast, it's time to start thinking about readying your house for winter. There are a number of things you can do yourself before the first winter chill sets in to save on utility bills and keep your house and family safe. 

Furnace repair
Keeping your furnace or heat pump in top condition is crucial during the colder months. To reduce the risk of failure, call in a skilled heating contractor for a tune up. He'll make sure the unit is clean, swap filters and check for any carbon monoxide leaks. Replacing an older thermostat with a programmable one is something you can take care of to save on heating costs. For hot, forced-air units, modify dampers to pump more heat to lower levels and away from unused rooms. Outside central air conditioning units should be covered to defend against snow and ice. Window units should be removed or covered with inexpensive, insulated liners to get rid of drafts.

Windows & Doors
Stopping air leaks around windows and doors will increase comfort and decrease heating bills. Examine and replace any rotted wood frames, add or replace weatherstripping and caulk inside and out. Storm doors and windows should replace screens, and repair or replace any broken glass.

Ceiling Fans
With many properties including paddle fans in their homes to provide a comfy temperature year-round, you'll want to reverse the blades to operate in a clockwise direction. This will allow the updraft made by the fan to push the warmer ceiling air down, into the room. This will help in areas with cathedral ceilings and may even allow you to reduce the room temperature.

Winter weather can cause chaos on your home and property. By spending a little extra time integrating these tips into your winter preparation routine, you and your family should be safe and comfortable through the harshest conditions ahead.

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