5 Ways to Prepare Your Home For Winter
Winter is right around the corner, so it's time think about preparing your home for the cold nights ahead. You need to make sure that everything is working well for those cold days. Here are 5 ways to prepare your home for winter:
Check The Gutters
Looking at the leaves falling from the trees is one of the most beautiful things about autumn. Despite your love for the scenery, the leaves tend to accumulate on your home and in your gutters. And with winter coming, this can mean you'll have a problem.
So a simple task you need to tackle is to clean the gutters before the temperatures start to fall. If you don't clean the gutters, dirt and moisture can build up. The freezing temperatures will turn this small mess into ice dams on your building. And the water can seep right into your home.
Seal Your Doors And Windows
Make sure that all the doors and windows are working well as you check both the exterior and interior seals. One of the things that you can do to prevent the heat from getting out and the cold to come in is to install a door sweep. They are usually seen at the bottom of the doors and they're quite inexpensive and work very well.
In what concerns to the windows, you need to inspect them as well. Check all the windows to make sure that there are no gaps, cracks, or broken glass. Also see the window frames, especially if they're made out of wood. If you notice a nickel-wide crack between your windows and siding, use silicone caulk. This works very well for the exterior.
Check The Heat
Before you use your burners and heating system, make sure they are ready for continuous use. You should change the filters, check the pilot light, and test the systembefore you need it. Make sure there is not a dust or soot build up and that carbon monoxide detectors are working.
If you have not serviced your heating and air conditioning systems, now is the time to do so. Our technicians will service and prepare your HVAC system for the winter weather. They are more than capable of taking care of these checks for you. Regular service can find any problems before you don't have heat when you need it most.
Check The Vents And The Roof
Checking the ventilation and your roof before winter strikes is always a good idea. Make sure to look for missing or damaged shingles and replace them if needed. You need to check the ventilation as well to know your home has the proper ventilation. If you need help with them, contact an HVAC professional. Don't forget to cover the vents to prevent rodents.
Drain And Shut Off The Water Lines In The Exterior
If you have water pipes and lines outside you need to drain and turn them off before the snow starts to fall. This will help you avoid serious problems. This includes frozen or even burst pipes due to the cold temperatures.
Don’t wait for the weather to become dangerous before you start to think about your heating system. If you want help getting your home and HVAC system setup for winter, call Ardmore Fresh Air today. We have been helping Chicagoland homes and businesses with HVAC needs for over 40 years. We offer emergency service 24/7 if needed.
