Winter is a harsh season to both you and your house, meaning that it can cause a lot of damage if safety measures aren’t taken. Winter-proofing your house can ensure that you and your home don’t come to harm.
The main danger of winter to your home is ice-buildup. The formation of ice can block water flow. Also, since water expands when it turns into ice, it can cause tears where water used to linger. After multiple cycles of thawing and freezing, the damage can add up.
Since ice is formed by water, it’s important to make sure that water doesn’t flow where you don’t want it to. Even cracks in your paint will retain water in them. The eventual freezing of that water can damage your walls, which costs money to repair. Examining your house for unusual water flow can be a great preventative measure.
Wall and ceiling cracks can appear from the building settling in or the wood of the wall warping. It can be due to humidity variations, temperature changes, or just time passing. Regardless, regular assessments of your property can prevent further damages.
Gutters are also a source of vulnerability. Gutters are used to direct water away from your siding and roof. A clogged gutter means that water isn’t flowing properly, leading to ice buildup in the winter. This can introduce roof leakages and ice dams that are unpleasant to take care of in colder weather.
Winter also has an adverse effect on your utility bill. To reduce the bill, try to insulate your house. Check to see that your doors and windows are strongly sealed when closed so that your heater doesn’t have to do as much work. It’s both a way to save money and to go green.
It might also be a good idea to check up on your heater. If there are any blockages, it can reduce the heater’s efficiency. You can ask a professional to fix the equipment in preparation for winter.
Make sure your family has a warm, safe place to come in from the cold by preparing your furnace for the winter.
Clean & Replace Air Filters: Furnace filters should be cleaned once a month and replaced every 3 months. The filters capture dirt and other airborne particles during the intake of air. If they are not maintained, they can clog, take longer to heat your home and potentially raising your utility bill.
Test the Thermostat: make sure it starts up properly.
Get Your Ducts in a Row: ductwork with holes or other damages can cause the furnace to work harder than usual. It runs up your energy bill. It’s better to replace collapsed and damaged ductwork so no obstructions can prevent airflow.
If there are any malfunctions, it’s recommended to hire a professional to inspect and repair the unit!