Home Improvement Tips: How to Winterize Your Home
Cleaning the eavestroughs on your home before winter will prevent damage caused by ice and snow.
Living in the Okanagan means plenty of summer sunshine followed by a comparatively mild winter. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t experience really frigid days this year.
To ensure your home is ready to fight off the chill, try doing these quick and easy winterization tips before the snow starts to fall.
1. Check for drafts
The windows and doors in your home are typically the main sources for cold air drafts. If your home is older and these items haven’t been replaced yet, it may be time to schedule a house improvement project to replace them.
2. Reinsulate the attic
If you find your furnace is running more often and your home still doesn’t feel much warmer, there’s a good chance the warm air is leaking from the attic. You may want to consider having a professional come in and reinsulating the attic space.
3. Service the furnace
There’s no better way to prepare for winter than to make sure your furnace is in tip-top shape.
4. Stock up on furnace filters
A dirty furnace filter will impede your furnace’s efficiency rating. To ensure it’s working properly, change the filter every two to three months.
5. Clean the gutters
During the fall, eavestroughs and gutters fill up with leaves and other tree debris. It’s important to clean them before the roof develops a layer of snow to prevent future ice blockages.
6. Service the air conditioner
If your home has an air conditioner, it’s time to tuck it away for winter. Since you won’t need this unit until the spring, make sure it’s drained. If you have a water valve connected to it, turn it off.
7. Dry up the irrigation system
If you’ve got an underground sprinkler system, you’ll need to winterize it before the ground freezes. Turn off the water connection and blow out the pipes with air.
8. Install a programmable thermostat
Your wallet and your family members will thank you!
9. Reverse the ceiling fans
Fans paddling in a clockwise direction will push warm air down and help circulate the air appropriately.
10. Stock up on sidewalk ice and sand
Get ahead of the game by purchasing de-icer and sand now. When the first snowfall comes and ices up the driveway and sidewalks, you’ll be prepared.
11. De-clutter the garage
If your garage is full of summer and winter gear, consider finding new homes for it. When the colder weather comes, you’ll most likely want to park inside. This is a great job to tackle while the weather is still nice.
Looking for ways to keep busy this winter besides refinishing the basement? Check out our previous blog for suggestions: 5 House Renovation Ideas to Keep Your Home Warmer.
Do you have a wintertime home remodelling and renovation project in mind? Consider Rafter 4K Contracting! We’re dedicated to providing eco-friendly options, high attention to detail, and many years of experience. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote.
