Many people dread it, but winter will be upon us soon. Winterize your home now so you can enjoy your fall.
You’ll need to take several steps to winterize your home (and possibly your lake cabin, if you have one).
1. Dust up that Ductwork
Duct cleaning eliminates dust, pollens and molds, removing potential allergens from your home. It also increases the efficiency of your home energy system, which is vital during winter, when low temperatures can cause high heating bills. Vacuum your vents and replace furnace filters as necessary. Cleaning air ducts not only increases your house’s energy efficiency, it results in a lower concentration of microorganisms such as mold and bacteria.
Check out this step-by-step process we use; you can follow a similar process to ensure your ducts are in proper order. Or you can hire us to do it for you.
2. Inspect Your Fireplace and Furnace
Your fireplace and furnace are the key to keeping your house warm all winter, so you’ll want to make sure everything is running smoothly. Have a routine check done on your furnace or fireplace by a professional so you know everything is in order.
3. Check for Air Leaks
You can detect air leaks yourself as part of your winterization process or hire a professional. If performing a self-check, take a look at the areas outside your house where two different materials meet, such as:
- Outside corners
- Water faucets
- Areas where siding and chimneys meet
- Areas where your foundation and bottom of exterior or brick meet
Check out these areas inside your home.
- Switch plates
- Electrical outlets
- Door and window frames
- Baseboards
- Attic hatches
- Vents and fans
- Weather stripping around doors
Also, check windows or doors for rattles. If they rattle, it’s quite possible air may be able to pass through.
4. Insulate Windows and Door Frames
Heat can easily pass through window frames and under doors. Take careful steps to avoid leaks in these areas. To evaluate whether heat can escape through the bottom of your door frame, slide a thin piece of cardboard under it. Use weather sealing tape to insulate under doors and around windows. Simple kits like these are great for sealing windows.
5. Other General Preparation
- Repair any loose shingles on your house and remove debris from your roof.
- Remove branches that are hanging low near your house. Ice can weigh them down and cause them to hit your roof or the exterior of your home.
- Check for drafts. Wet your finger and place it near areas (bottom of doors, corners of your house, etc.) that are susceptible to air passing through.
Let us Help With Winterization
We can help with your winterization process. Contact us to get a quote on duct cleaning or a furnace check-up. Or just call us at (605) 332-3006.
