Is it Too Late to Winterize Your Home?
Winterizing your home is the best way to prevent the damage that happens during the long and cold season. Many homeowners start in the late fall and finish by the time the first snow arrives. You don't need to worry about your roof leaking or your energy bills rising just because you waited too long, though. It's never too late to winterize your home. Check out some of the simple things you can do any time during the season.
Repair holes
Any holes around your home serve as invitations to rodents and other small animals. Those holes can cause other problems, including:
Heat loss
Rise in heating bills as your furnace works harder
Drafts and cold air
Repairing those holes is easy because you just need a little caulk. Fill each hole with a small amount of caulk and let it dry. Pay special attention to the holes you find around your doors and windows. This simple tip helps you prepare your home for winter.
Inspect your roof and roofline
Inspect both your roof and roofline for any signs of damage, such as missing shingles and clogged gutters. Those missing shingles increase the risk that your roof might spring a leak. Clogged gutters are dangerous because they can overflow and cause water to freeze on the roof. The water forms icicles that can injure people and do a lot of damage to your home. Both Gutter Shutter and The Gutter Magician are local Kentucky companies who can inspect and repair your roof and gutters.
Do HVAC maintenance
It's never too late for HVAC maintenance, which is a major part of the winterizing process. You want to make sure the thermostat and furnace work well and that the heat kicks on as the temperature drops. Clear away any clutter around the furnace and remove any dust you see. You can also use a carbon monoxide detector to check for leaks and replace the old air filter. Hire a local HVAC crew if you don't feel comfortable handling the maintenance yourself.
Add pipe insulation
While some types of insulation keep you warm without raising your heating costs, others protect different areas of your home. Pipe insulation looks similar to the pool noodles you use in the summer. They wrap around each pipe to keep them safe from the cold weather. It's never too late to add pipe insulation or hire someone to do the job for you. It only takes a few hours of exposure to temperatures 20 degrees Fahrenheit or lower for your pipes to freeze. There's also a risk that the pipes will burst when they thaw.
You don't need to spend the whole fall getting your home ready for winter. Even if you wait until later in the season, you can still winterize your home. It's never too late to add pipe insulation, inspect the roof, repair holes, and do HVAC maintenance. Find even more tips on winterizing your home and getting through the cold season when you follow TheHomeMag on Instagram and Facebook.
