How to Prepare Your Home For Winter
Winter is on its way, and if you prepare your home now, you’ll still be warm when the cold winds blow. Even small projects can have a big impact on your comfort and energy bill.
Here are some great DIY tips from our friends at ABODO.com on how to prepare your home for the winter.
Close the Gaps
One of the easiest and most beneficial things you can do is seal up any cracks or gaps in your foundation and walls. Pick up some expanding foam insulation and some printable caulk, and hunt for every gap you can find. This also prevents rodents from sneaking into your warm house when the temperature drops.
Reverse Your Ceiling Fans
Each fall, you should reverse the direction of your ceiling fans so the blades turn in a clockwise direction. This is because hot air rises. Reversing your fans creates an updraft, so they will push warm air down into the room. This especially helps if you have cathedral ceilings.
Change Your Furnace Filter
Changing the dirty filter on your furnace is a simple yearly task that can have big dividends. Particles and dirt keep your furnace from running at peak efficiency, so changing it will reduce your energy bills.
Clean the Gutters
It’s not everyone’s favorite chore, but it is an important part of fall home prep. Clean out any leaves or debris, and think about investing in a gutter shield so you don’t have to do it year after year. This is also a good time to check for any rot in the fascia board, and inspect the roof for any missing or damaged shingles.
Divert Your Downspouts
It’s smart to add extensions to your downspouts so they eject water at least 4 feet away from the wall. This will prevent water from freezing against your house. You should also ensure that the water from the downspouts doesn’t go across any walkways, so no one slips on the ice that will form.
These are just a few of the things you can do to protect your investment and keep your home safe and warm over the winter months. Using these DIY tips to prepare your home will help you save money on your utility bills and stay more comfortable.