The start of fall is the perfect time to think about preparing for Michigan winters. As winter approaches, there’s something comforting about knowing your home is ready to deal with the colder months. Winterizing your home isn’t just about staying warm; it’s about ensuring your property remains safe and energy-efficient. Let’s dive into a practical guide to get your home ready for winter.
1. Seal Up and Insulate:
Start by giving your home a quick inspection. Check for drafts in your home’s nooks and crannies. Add insulation where needed and use weatherstripping and caulk to seal windows and doors. These simple steps for winterizing will help keep the cold air outside and the warmth within.
2. Show Your Heating System Some Love:
Your furnace or heat pump deserves some winterizing before the chill sets in. Schedule a professional check-up to make sure everything is running smoothly. Remember to change the filters regularly, ideally once a month, to keep the air flowing freely and your home toasty.
3. Fireplace Care:
If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, make it ready for cozy evenings in the winter. Get a professional to clean and inspect your chimney, ensuring it’s safe and free from creosote buildup. And don’t forget to check the damper for snug closures when the fire isn’t crackling.
4. Gutters and Downspouts:
It’s time for a little TLC for your gutters. Clear them of fallen leaves and debris to prevent ice dams, which can cause roof damage during winter storms. If you’d like to make life easier, consider gutter guards.
5. Time to Bid Farewell to the Garden Hose:
Your garden hose deserves a break during winter. Disconnect it, drain it, and shut off outdoor faucets. It’s all about protecting them from freezing temperatures and costly repairs.
6. Keep Drafts at Bay:
Repair any damaged window screens and seal any cracked glass. Storm windows and heavy curtains or thermal blinds are your allies against drafts and chilly windows during the coldest winter days.
7. A Programmable Thermostat:
Consider a programmable thermostat if you haven’t already. It’s your budget-friendly best friend, allowing you to lower the temperature when you’re out and still come home to warmth and savings even while staying cozy this winter.
8. Give Your Ceiling Fans a Winter Job:
You might be surprised to learn that ceiling fans can help in the winter. Switch their direction to help circulate warm air that tends to hang out near the ceiling.
9. Emergency Kits:
It’s always good to be prepared for winter storm caused power outages. Put together emergency kits with essentials like flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, bottled water, and warm blankets.
10. Don’t Forget Your Plumbing:
Keep your pipes cozy, too. Insulate them or use heating tape. When the winter temperatures drop to freezing levels, let your faucets drip a bit to prevent any pipe surprises.
Winterizing your home isn’t just practical; it’s a way to ensure your home remains a cozy space throughout the cold season. These simple steps will not only keep you warm but also save on energy costs and prevent unexpected issues. So, snuggle up and prepare your home for a winter that’s as inviting as your favorite blanket.
If you run across any issues, contact Beachy Builders to help repair your home.