As the seasons change it’s important that we also make changes to our homes to prepare. Getting your home ready for the upcoming winter season will not only ensure you are comfortable, but also ensure that your home is running efficiently. Read on to learn more about how to prepare your home for winter.
HVAC Tune Up
Your HVAC system worked hard to keep your home cool and comfortable during the summer months. Now it’s time to switch gears and heat up your home. Regular maintenance on your HVAC system is necessary to ensure it is running efficiently and can extend the lifetime of the system. An HVAC tune up in the fall will ensure that all ducts and filters are cleaned. This is important to keep heating bills down and also to prevent any possible fires. If you haven’t had an HVAC inspection this fall, learn more about the importance of one and book an appointment before it’s too late.
Seal Drafts
In order to maximize the efficiency of your recently tuned-up HVAC system, it’s important to seal any drafts. This can include all of your doors, as well as windows. Start by checking all entryways for a draft. You can do this by simply lighting a candle and holding it by the door. If the flame blows towards you (inside the home) then this is a sign of a draft. Installing weatherstripping around your entry ways, or door sweeps, will stop the drafts.
Your windows can also be the cause of cold drafts entering your home. Be sure to check all window frames. If you notice any cracks that are larger than the width of a nickel, be sure to have them re-caulked. These small cracks can result in a lot of heat loss during the winter, so do not ignore them.
Reverse Fans
If your ceiling fans have a reverse switch, you should be reversing your fans once you turn your heat on. By running the blades in a clockwise direction the fan will now produce an updraft. In doing so, it will push down heated air into the room. Without this change, heated air will remain at the top of your rooms (remember heat rises) and it won’t do much good there! This small but important change can help to reduce heating bills and may even allow you to turn down your thermostat a couple degrees.
Update Thermostat
Installing a programmable thermostat can help you save on heating costs throughout the winter. With the ability to automatically lower or raise your home’s temperature it will help to keep temperatures consistent. It can be easy to forget to shut your thermostat off when you leave, resulting in wasted heat. Updating your thermostat will have your back when you forget.
Use Window Coverings
Window coverings, such as blinds, drapes, and curtains, are a great way to keep your home warm during the winter. While they may seem like they don’t do much, window coverings have the ability to conserve heat in your home. Installing window coverings on all windows and drawing them when you are away and at night will help to keep the house warm, saving on heating costs. If you don’t have window coverings, have a pro install them today.
Even though the harsh weather conditions happen outside your home, it’s just as important to prepare the inside for the winter months. Making sure you are doing the small things prior to the winter months will have a huge impact on your home, keeping you comfortable and saving you money. Check off your to-do list this fall or connect with a pro to help you out today!
