How to Get Your Home Winter Ready
The farmers almanac calls for a harsh winter here in Maryland. With the cold and the snow comes a laundry list of things to prepare for the harsh weather to come. The first freeze can sneak up on you, so getting your home ready now can make sure that your home is prepared.
1. Insulate pipes
One of the most important things to check is any exposed pipes that run along any outside walls. Pipes without insulation can become frozen, and frozen pipes break and crack and can leak causing damage to your home. They are easy to protect however! A little insulation is all they need. You can pickup pipe insulation at a hardware store and it is easy to install!
2. Inspect tree branches
With winter also comes snow! If you have trees it is very important to check your property for old and dying branches. These can be a major hazard to people or and property. Heavy falling branches can wreak havoc on vehicles, roofs, or power lines. Sometimes trimming smaller branches is feasible to do on your own but large branches can be difficult and even dangerous for a homeowner to remove or trim. We suggest hiring a professional tree removal company!
3. Clean out gutters
Clean gutters are important during the winter months to help keep water where it is supposed to be. Clogged gutters can cause heavy freezing which can damage the gutters and roof. If you have a 1 story house this can be an easy task of getting a short ladder out and scooping out the leaves. But taller houses means taller ladders which can be expensive and dangerous! We highly suggest having a professional clean your gutters. Give us a call to help out with this!
4. Prevent door locks from freezing
If you have older locks on your home they can become stuck during extensive freezing. To prevent this grab some powered graphite lubricant and spray it into the key hole. This will coat all of the gears and make sure you can open your door on those chilly mornings.
5. Drain sprinklers
We love yard sprinkler systems as they are an easy way to keep your grass green during the hot months. We have seen where they are not drained before the first freeze and they can burst. Leaving a large repair bill during the next spring! Draining these can be as easy as shutting off the water source and then opening the drain valves(these can usually be found in the your basement). Make sure your drain it into a utility sink because it could be more water than you might think!
6. Mulch flower beds
Mulching your flower beds can help keep your plants safe and warm during the cold months of winter. The low temperatures can get at the roots of your perennials and mulching helps trap in a little heat and keep them healthy for spring..
7. Block drafts
Everyone likes saving a little coin. The winter can really increase your heating bill and blocking up any drafts can trap heat in and lower your bill. Use a door sock to keep drafts from coming under your doors. Caulking windows or installs window film kits can be effective in keeping drafts out as well.
8. Get the fireplace cleaned
Wood burning fireplaces are awesome and cheap ways to keep your home warm. They can also be hazardous if not properly maintained. Soot and creosote buildup in your chimney can dry out over time and can ignite causing a house fire. Get your chimney professionally swept once a year to prevent fires in your chimney.
9. Have the furnace checked
Getting an HVAC contractor to check your system before turning it on for the first time can help make sure that your furnace is operating safely and efficiently. When they check it they will also replace the filter. You should replace this filter monthly.