If your town or city often experiences a harsh winter, you must ensure your home is prepped and ready to handle various arduous elements, from rain and snow to thunderstorms and blizzards.
After all, nothing is more important than your loved ones’ health, safety, and comfort, especially during the colder seasons. To enjoy a warm, cozy, and stylish property from December through to March, read the below six ways to prepare your home for winter.
Drain Your Water Heater by Fall
It is recommended homeowners drain their water heater at least once per year. Ensure your property is warm and inviting all winter long by draining it by the end of fall. If you don’t, you might struggle to generate hot water in your home, which will make winter feel much colder than usual.
Sweep Your Chimney
Few moments can compare to curling up by a fireplace on a cold winter’s evening. However, before you light a fireplace this winter, you must ensure it is professionally swept to remove leftover soot, as well as any animals or birds who have turned your chimney into their home. A professional chimney cleaning will prevent unruly fire or smoke damage and protect any wildlife in your home.
Stock Up on Firewood
Once you have swept your chimney, you can then stock up on quality firewood to keep yourself and your loved ones warm and snug this winter. You can find premium kiln-dried firewood for sale at premierfirewoodcompany.com, such as white birch, mixed hardwood, or cherry firewood. As it offers a low moisture content, it’s guaranteed to burn in your fireplace or fire pit, and it offers up to 35% more heat compared to seasoned firewood.
Insulate Your Pipes
If your home features an exposed pipe along a wall or that’s positioned in an unheated location, there is an increased chance any water inside will freeze and cause the pipe to burst during winter.
Rather than hoping for the best, insulate your pipes to stop them from bursting. Most reputable hardware stores will sell pipe insulation. To get started, you’ll need to cut the insulation to match the pipe’s length before wrapping it around the pipe and securing it with duct tape.
Repair Your Roof
Warm air can escape your home, and cold air can enter due to broken or missing shingles. Before winter arrives, examine your roof to identify and repair a potential issue. It will prevent warm air from fleeing the property, which will stop you from turning up the thermostat during winter.
Reverse a Ceiling Fan
A ceiling fan isn’t only for summer. Placing a fan in reverse during winter will allow it to blow down the warm air that has reached the ceiling, which can keep a room warmer for longer. As the warm air is less likely to escape your home, you can decrease your thermostat by a degree or more. It will ensure you and your loved ones feel warm and cozy during winter while taking the pressure off your energy bills.