10 Ways To Prepare for Winter
No. 1
In many cases, clogged gutters are the direct cause of ice dams. When water freezes in your gutters because of debris preventing drainage, it forces the melting ice and snow underneath the shingles on your roof and into your home. This causes mold, leaks, and water stains
No. 2
Make sure your generator is clean, oil and the oil filter are changed, the air filter is new, change out spark plugs, check your fuel filter and check the battery. Do not run your generator in the rain or snow unless you have a proper cover/ enclosure for it. Your generator must be outside of your home, at least 15ft away and point the exhaust away from your home.
No. 3
If you have water faucets on the exterior of your home you want to make sure these are emptied, and the water is shut off to prevent any pipes freezing and bursting. If you have an irrigation system, make sure you get the lines blown out before the cold weather sets in.
No. 4
Have your boiler or furnace serviced every 12 months. This will ensure that your heating system is working safely and efficiently. Filters should be changed out, pipes properly insulated, and electrical connections checked to ensure all components are working correctly.
No. 5
Code requirements continue to change and there are tax benefits to installing new insulation by the end of 2019. If you have an unfinished attic, adding blown-in insulation above the ceiling is the easiest place to bump-up the R-value. The rim joist is also an easy place to add insulation to improve the comfort and energy efficiency of your home.
No. 6
According to Energy Star, about 45% of a home’s energy is utilized for heating and cooling (averaging over $2000 annually). Using programmable thermostats properly, you can save about 10-30% on your bills. During the winter, set your heat to shut off 30 minutes before you leave home each day and turn back on 30 minutes before you arrive home.
No. 7
You want to make sure you have functional window treatments either blinds or drapes. In the wintertime, you can close these at night to help keep the heat in and open them in the day to allow in the sun to warm up the home. This will help save you money on your energy bills
No. 8
Winter weather is harsh and damaging to masonry and chimneys. Creosote is a flammable substance that builds up in fireplaces and needs regular cleaning to prevent the risk of having a chimney fire so it is important to have your chimney cleaned prior to seasonal use.
No. 9
Did you know that changing the direction of your ceiling fans can help reduce energy costs? In the winter the air flow should go from the ceiling down to the floor to keep warm air where you want it. There are two ways to accomplish this : 1. Flip the switch on the fan, or 2. Flip the blades.
No. 10
January 2020 is the perfect time to hire an architect to help you design a project that will break ground Fall 2020