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It’s getting cold out there, it’s time to prep your home before the real cold of winter sets in. But first, did you get the leaves out of your yard?
While winter brings festive holidays and the opportunity for snow-filled fun, it also brings the challenge of keeping your home warm and comfortable. To help you prepare your home for the colder months ahead, we’ve compiled a list of essential steps to ensure you stay warm and cozy all winter long.
- Inspect and Seal Windows and Doors: Start by inspecting your windows and doors for any drafts or gaps. Seal them with weatherstripping or caulk to prevent cold air from seeping in and warm air from escaping.
- Check and Clean Your Heating System: Schedule a professional inspection of your heating system, whether it’s a furnace, heat pump, or fireplace. Replace filters and ensure everything is in good working order to keep your home warm efficiently.
- Install a Programmable Thermostat: Investing in a programmable thermostat allows you to set specific temperatures for different times of the day. Lower the temperature when you’re away or sleeping and raise it when you’re home and active to save on heating costs.
- Insulate Your Home: Proper insulation in your attic, walls, and floors is crucial for retaining heat. Insulating your home will not only keep it warm but also reduce energy bills.
- Protect Your Pipes: Frozen pipes can lead to costly damage. Insulate exposed pipes and consider letting faucets drip during extremely cold nights to prevent freezing.
- Clean the Gutters: Clear leaves and debris from your gutters to ensure proper drainage. Clogged gutters can lead to ice dams, which can damage your roof and walls.
- Reverse Ceiling Fans: Most ceiling fans have a reverse setting. In the winter, running your fan in reverse will help distribute warm air more evenly throughout the room. Consider re-using your cooling fans as well.
- Stock Up on Winter Supplies: Make sure you have essential winter supplies on hand, such as shovels, ice melt, and sand for slippery walkways and driveways.
- Prepare an Emergency Kit: In case of a power outage or severe weather, prepare an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, blankets, non-perishable food, and water.
- Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Winter is the season when heating-related fires and carbon monoxide leaks are most common. Ensure your detectors are in good working condition.
By taking these steps to prepare your home for winter, you’ll not only stay warm and cozy but also save on energy bills and reduce the risk of cold-weather-related problems. It’s essential to start early and address any issues before the coldest months arrive, ensuring that your home is a comfortable retreat from the winter chill.
Stay warm, stay safe, and embrace the beauty of winter from the comfort of your well-prepared home.
In the cold of winter, entertain yourself with a Nintendo Switch OLED from Best Buy.
