The harsh winter temperatures can be tough, but… if you properly prepare your home for what’s to come, it can make all the difference.
Proper preparation not only keeps the cold out, it also protects your home from the harm caused by harsh temperatures, freezing rain, snow, and sleet.
Rytech Restoration has searched the internet for some reasons and suggestions to winterize your home. Be safe. Be prepared.
A WINTERIZING CHECKLIST
Check Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Fireplaces and heaters are excellent at keeping you warm. However, some also emit a dangerous gas called carbon monoxide. Having a carbon monoxide detector helps keep you safe.
Make sure to inspect the condition of all your alarms and detectors. And keep a good supply of batteries.
Change Ceiling Fan Direction to Clockwise
During the colder seasons, your ceiling fan should rotate clockwise. This way, cool air is pushed up while warm air is pushed down. This is an easy way to make the room feel warmer. Plus, it helps reduce your heating bill.
Refresh Indoor Lighting
The days are getting shorter—and the nights longer—so you’ll be using your indoor lighting more often and for longer periods. Consider replacing your old light bulbs with energy-efficient LED lights. They require less maintenance, and they save you money.
Check for Air Leaks in Your Window and Door Frames.
You can test if you have an air leak by holding a lighted candle close to the joints and connections of the frame. If it flickers, you have a leak. In most cases there are three easy ways to stop the leak: caulking, weather stripping or applying sealant.
Update Your Entryway
Coming in from the cold often means heavier coats, more possibility for muddy floors, and risk of slips and falls. Prepare your entry with slip-proof mats and a shoe rack with seating area to remove and store shoes. Check the coat rack for stability.
Protect Your Door Lock
When the temperatures start to cool, possibly to freezing temperatures, you'll want to ensure your door lock doesn't stick. One recommendation is spraying door locks with non-aromatic powdered-graphite lubricant. This usually keeps doorknobs and locks operating smoothly.
Deep-Clean Rugs & Carpets
Carpets and rugs can keep you warm in the winter, but… moisture, dampness, and/or mildew can set in, unnoticed. In northern climates, this increases in the damper fall and winter months. A carpet extraction cleaner can not only thoroughly remove dirt and debris, but it can rid the flooring of moisture before any wetness has a chance to settle in.
Consider an Air Purifier
As it gets colder, you won’t be opening your windows and doors as much. So, why not purchase an air purifier? They are a great investment to improve your indoor air quality year-round.
Maintain Air Quality
One of the best ways to prepare for fall is by doing maintenance on your HVAC. Consider having a professional do a complete check-up. You can also do the following on your own:
Replace the filter
This should be done periodically, as often as every couple of months for some systems in some climates. It reduces the chance of damage to the appliance and reduces your energy bill since the unit will operate more efficiently.
Clean your AC unit
If you used your air conditioning unit a lot over the summer, make sure you rinse it off before fall hits. It will accumulate dirt, pollen, dust, and other small particles over time.
Winterize Your Pipes
Cracked and broken pipes can cost thousands of dollars to repair. To winterize, cut off external water supplies and let water drain from outside sources, including your sprinkler system.
To avoid water damage, insulate pipes and keep your home well-heated—especially if you plan on leaving town. Let one small pipe drip slowly during a hard freeze to keep water from freezing and bursting a pipe.
Let Rytech’s Experience Serve You When You Need It Most
With over 26 years in the damage restoration service, Rytech is the company to call when an emergency strikes. Our team handles multiple services for large and small-scale damage and loss.
