How to make sure the House is ready for the Winter?

The leaves have all fallen, the sky is darker earlier and there’s a definite chill in the air. It can only mean one thing: winter is coming. While some people love winter, others find it to be a challenge to keep their house warm and comfortable. Here are 15 ways to make sure your house is ready for the winter months.

1. Tune up the heating unit: Before the cold weather hits, have your heating unit serviced by a professional. This will ensure that it is in good working order and won’t break down when you need it most. When you call in a technician for heating maintenance or tune-up, he would also check the filters and do other important tasks for just a nominal fee. During the initial heating inspection, he would check the thermostat to make sure it is working accurately and advise you on how to set it for maximum efficiency.
2. Caulk around doors and windows: One of the best ways to keep the cold air out is by caulking around doors and windows. This will create a tight seal and prevent the cold air from seeping in. You can buy caulk at any hardware store or home improvement center.
3. Inspect your roof: The most important part of your house when it comes to staying warm during the winter is the roof. Make sure that you inspect it for damage, leaks, and missing shingles. If you find any problems, have them fixed right away. A leaking roof can cause a lot of damage to your home and be very expensive to repair.
4. Turn off exterior faucets: Another way to keep the cold air out is by turning off exterior faucets. If you have any hoses or pipes that extend outside, make sure to turn them off and cover them with an insulation sleeve. This will prevent them from freezing and bursting in the cold weather.
5. Add insulation: One of the best ways to keep your house warm during the winter is by adding insulation. You can buy insulation at any home improvement store and it is a relatively easy do-it-yourself project. Adding insulation to your attic, basement, and crawl spaces will help keep the heat in and the cold out.
6. Close off unused rooms: Another way to keep the heat in is by closing off unused rooms. If you don’t use a room, close the door and close the vents. This will keep the heat in the rooms that you do use and save you money on your heating bill.
7. Hang draperies: One of the simplest ways to keep the heat in is by hanging draperies. Drape them over your windows to prevent the cold air from coming in. Not only will this help keep your house warm, but it will also help reduce your energy bills.
8. Divert water: One of the biggest causes of heat loss in the winter is water leakage. Divert water away from your house by installing roof gutters and downspouts. Make sure that they are properly connected and positioned so that the water flows away from your house.
9. Use a space heater: If you find that your house is not staying warm enough, use a space heater. This will help to heat specific areas of your house that are cold. Just make sure to keep it away from flammable objects and never leave it unattended.
10. Get a programmable thermostat: The best way to save money on your heating bill is by using a programmable thermostat. You can set it to lower the temperature at night or when you are not home. This will help to keep your house warm without spending a lot of money.
11. Install storm windows: If you have old, single-pane windows, install storm windows to help keep the cold air out. Storm windows are inexpensive and easy to install and they will make a big difference in keeping your house warm during the winter.
12. Use a space blanket: Another way to keep the heat in is by using a space blanket. You can buy them at any hardware store or online and they are very affordable. Space blankets reflect heat into the room instead of allowing it to escape through the windows.
13. Get a fireplace: One of the best ways to keep your house warm during the winter is by getting a fireplace. Not only will it keep you warm, but it will also add some extra charm to your home. Just make sure to use it safely and have the chimney cleaned regularly.
14. Install thermal curtains: Another way to keep the heat in is by installing thermal curtains. Thermal curtains are designed to keep the warmth in and the cold out. They are easy to install and can be bought at any home improvement store.
15. Get a space heater for your pets: If you have pets, get them their space heater. This will keep them warm and comfortable during the winter. Space heaters for pets are inexpensive and can be found at any pet store.

These are just a few of the ways that you can prepare your house for the winter. By taking these steps, you can make sure that your home is warm and comfortable all winter long. Happy winter!