The leaves are changing, the air is getting colder, and kids everywhere are dreaming of snow days. But before you can enjoy all these things for yourself or your loved ones, it’s important to prepare your home for winter. There are many steps you can take to make sure that when winter does arrive, everything will be in order at home. Well, here are 6 great tips that will help you get your home ready for winter without too much hassle!
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1. Fix Cracks and Leaks
One of the most important things you can do to prepare your home for winter is to seal all entry points and inspect for cracks and leaks. This means checking windows and doors for cracks and sealing them up with caulk or weatherstripping. You’ll also want to check around your home for any other cracks or leaks, like vents and chimneys. Sealing up these areas will help keep the cold air out and the warm air in. The biggest door would be in your garage, and if that door isn’t sealed properly, a lot of cold air can enter the house. So, hiring a garage door repairman to fix that is necessary. Also, consider adding insulation to the garage door, so heat doesn’t escape.
In addition to sealing windows and doors, it’s essential to make sure your roof is in good condition. If you notice any signs of damage, like missing shingles or water stains, it’s a good idea to reach out to a Redmond WA roofing contractor. A professional can assess any potential issues and ensure your roof is well-sealed and ready to handle the colder months. This extra step can prevent heat loss and help avoid costly repairs down the line. Taking care of your roof now will make your home more energy-efficient and keep it protected from the harsh winter weather.
2. Redecorate
Another way to keep the warm air in during winter is by hanging your curtains. This can be done by closing the curtains during the day when the sun is out and letting them open at night when it’s cooler. You can also buy thermal curtains that are specifically designed to keep the heat in. Thermal curtains are made with materials like cotton, wool, or polyester that help trap air and keep it close to your body – which is especially helpful if you tend to get cold at night! Also, a programmable thermostat is a great way to save money on your energy bills during winter. With a programmable thermostat, you can set the temperature of your home to be lower when you’re not there and higher when you are. This can make a huge difference in your energy costs, especially if you work full time. The only thing you need to worry about is making sure the temperature doesn’t get too low, or someone at home could freeze!
Kids and pets love winter more than any other season, so make sure you get their houses ready for them too! Get a humidifier and dehumidifier (which will help prevent your wood floors from getting warped), set up a fire alarm (in case of emergencies or something setting the house on fire), test all smoke alarms in the house, clean the fireplace and chimney, getting new heaters for their rooms if needed, purchase pet beds with extra warm blankets for cold nights and feel free to get new bedding sets that match this season’s holiday colors! And don’t forget to stock up on food and water for them too, in case of emergencies.
3. Buy A New Mattress
This may seem like an unusual tip, but one of the best ways to prepare for winter is by buying a new mattress. That’s because certain mattresses are more efficient than others at keeping people warm during the cold months. An innerspring mattress can help distribute heat evenly throughout your body, while foam mattresses are good insulators that will stop some heat loss through conduction and convection – especially if they have memory foam! However, if you go with traditional materials, it’s important to purchase a thick and fluffy mattress. A great option is to buy a mattress pad to put over your current mattress. This will add an extra layer of insulation and protect your mattress from spills, dust, and dirt.
4. Make Sure Your Car Is Ready For Winter
Driving on snow and ice is no fun, but it’s even worse when your car breaks down unexpectedly because you didn’t winterize it properly. If you live in an area where winters are particularly harsh, be sure to check out this guide, which will tell you everything you need to do before the weather turns cold. You can also replace old windshield wipers or refill your anti-freeze fluid, so the windows don’t fog up while you’re driving! Another important thing you will need is a set of snow tires. If your regular tires don’t have enough traction for the snow, you’re going to be in trouble.
5. Clean Off The Outside Of Your Home
Falling leaves can clog drains and gutters, allowing rainwater to build up and freeze into ice that could damage the exterior of your home. Also, other debris can easily get caught in your gutters during autumn, which will cause problems when it starts to snow. The weight of the snow can easily pull the gutters off your house, or even worse, cause them to freeze and burst! So, it’s a good idea to get your gutters cleaned before winter sets in. This way, you won’t have to worry about any potential damage that could be caused by the snow. It’s important to avoid this by cleaning off the outside of your home with a broom, rake, or leaf blower before winter hits. However, if you know ahead of time that there is going to be ice or snow accumulation on your roof, then hiring professionals is most likely needed to keep it from crumbling down and damaging the exterior of the structure. If you already have gutters that have seen better days, it would be a good idea to call in professionals who handle repair/replacement of Residential Gutters, so you can get this sorted and secure before that first snowflake hits the floor.
6. Stock Up On Winter Food
It’s not a fun task, but it’s important to stock up on food that will last throughout the winter. This means buying items like grains, canned goods, meats, and vegetables that can be stored in a pantry or cupboard. Having these items on hand will help you avoid having to go to the grocery store every time a blizzard hits, or you just don’t feel like cooking. You’ll also need to organize these foods and place them somewhere where the temperature is right for that. For example, the freezer and refrigerator should be organized (and defrosted if it’s not frosted).
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These are just a few of the many things you can do to prepare your home for winter. By following these tips, you’ll be able to rest easy knowing that your home is ready for whatever winter throws your way!
