Get Your Home Ready for Colder Weather
Doing winter home improvement before the coldest weather arrives will reduce your heating bills, keep you and your family more comfortable, and help you avoid problems later on. Complete these steps now to save a lot of stress later.
Hire a Technician to Fine-Tune Your Heating System
Hire a technician to examine your entire heating system, from the ductwork to the furnace itself. They will be able to diagnose any issues and advise you on ways to improve efficiency. This winter home improvement task is well worth the cost, especially if it helps you avoid a costly breakdown later on.
Perform Winter Home Improvement by Cleaning your Gutters
Clogged gutters may form ice dams, which keep your gutters from draining and cause damage to your roof. Clean your gutters now to prevent serious issues over the winter months.
Reverse the Ceiling Fans
Many ceiling fans come with a reverse switch that will change the direction in which the blades rotate. Setting your fan to rotate in a clockwise direction in the winter redistributes the heated air near the ceiling back down into the room.
Check the Roof
Now is the perfect time to check the roof for missing or damaged shingles. Replace them as soon as possible. If you have issues with your roof and fail to make repairs, you could have a leaking roof and a hefty repair bill after a snowstorm hits.
Seal Gaps for Winter Home Improvement
Air leaks cost money by increasing your energy consumption. Inspect your windows for old, loose, or missing caulking. Remove old caulking and reseal the windows to keep cold air outside and warm air inside.
While you are looking at your windows, don’t forget to also check the weatherstripping on your doors. Replacing worn or damaged weatherstripping will prevent drafts and keep the heat inside your home.
Diverting Water is Good Winter Home Improvement
Water that’s not properly diverted from the downspouts will damage your foundation. Adding extensions to your downspouts helps divert water away and preserves the integrity of your foundation.
Look for standing water the next time it rains. If you see water pooling around your foundation, check your downspouts and find ways to move water away from your home.
Turn Off and Drain Outdoor Faucets and Sprinklers
Turn off and drain any outdoor faucets and sprinklers. Faucets that freeze will damage your pipes. Remove any hoses and store them inside for the winter. Fully drain your sprinkler system thoroughly before the first expected freeze.
Gorge Quality Home Inspections offers inspections in the Columbia River Gorge area. Contact us to request our services.