It is easy to imagine yourself being alongside a fire when there is a winter storm brewing outside. But if you do not take the time to prepare the house for this kind of weather, you will find out that you are spending a lot less time in the cozy atmosphere near the fire. Getting a winter-ready home is not just all about comfort but, being exposed to severe chill can lead to a negative effect on your quality of life. These lower temperatures result in people making more errors and we are going to have lesser productivity. At a time when several people are working in remote conditions and from home, it is more a reason for getting the home winter ready. Here are some tasks you need to perform for this.
1. Get the chimney inspected: There is an obvious reason to get the chimney inspected – Santa Claus makes his way down it. The second most obvious reason is that, if you are considering igniting a fire in the house during winters, you have to ensure that the chimney is in good condition and safe. It must not develop smoke or fire problems because that is more than what you bargained for. Get a pro to inspect and clean the chimney. These pros must remove dust and soot. Also, check for different blockages and the feathery friends making a residence inside. Get the recommendations for repair and replacement as required.
2. Put up all the winter weather protection and storm windows: Storm windows do not just serve the purpose of keeping the storms out. They will also help in getting your home winter-ready and more comfortable at the time of cold winters. These storm windows are common in older housing and they help decrease condensation and development of frost. These windows give you additional insulation from cold winters. When you already have the energy-efficient windows installed, you are not going to need storm windows. But you can consider additional options for keeping out the draught.
3. Use detection and protection instruments: The winter months mean you need to use various fuel and heating alternatives. Several people prefer to use heating sources such as wood, fireplaces, kerosene heaters, and oil-burning stoves, which means opportunities for toxic fumes and fire that may adversely affect yourself and your family. Make sure that your smoke detectors are in good working order. You may have to replace the batteries if required and test them regularly. You can add carbon monoxide detectors that will be a lifesaver for any home. Also, ensure that you have a fire escape plan prepared with a fire extinguisher in case of any emergency.
4. Use tree trimming services: After working on the inside of the home to get it winter-ready, take a close look at the outside of your home. Do you have trees located on your property a little too close for your comfort? If there is a harsh storm it may send one of them crashing inside the house. This will wreak havoc on your possessions and can injure some of the family members. If you can cut off the branches, it will provide additional peace of mind. Don’t worry these branches grow back in the springtime.
5. Tune up the HVAC: Although you might be waiting to turn on the heaters when things get cold, it doesn’t mean that you must wait for testing the equipment till the winter has arrived. Take some time to schedule an inspection and tuning during the fall to ensure that everything is working correctly. Some of the common problems include maintenance problems and ductwork leakage. Handling these issues proactively will save a lot of money on monthly bills and reactive repair as you raise the unit’s efficiency. You don’t want to face this problem after the cold has arrived.
6. Inspect and repair the plumbing: The freeze during winter months will wreak havoc with the spouts and pipes around your home when you are not well prepared. Fixing these leaks in advance is critical and you need to ensure that the chances of new leakage and pipe issues are minimal. You can wrap the pipes that are not used frequently. It is beneficial to perform preventive maintenance and drain the water heater to ensure that the plumbing makes it through the colder months without any hitches.
Sometimes you would have done everything to get your home winter ready but, you are still freezing. This probably means you are not in the right house. Some of the older houses are quite picturesque but they are not designed for modern HVAC systems. In such cases, it may be a good idea to begin buying a new house that will be suitable for your needs. If you are looking for movers in Chicago, IL area, you can get in touch with 2 Guys And A Van for your moving needs.
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