When winter arrives, you will likely want to power up the heating, pull on your coziest clothing, and stay indoors. Unfortunately, if your home isn’t prepared for the chilly temperatures, it could lead to you feeling more than a little cold, and it may even cause damage to your property.
Yet, most of these problems are preventable, and a little forward planning will make sure you feel snug in a safe, comfortable home throughout the season. Here are four steps to take before winter arrives.
Step 1: Prepare Your Heating System
Prepping your heating system is one action to prioritize before a cold snap. A breakdown of your boiler, furnace, or heat pump could lead to a chilly home, frozen pipes, and an expensive repair.
Prevent the worst from happening this winter by arranging an annual tune-up to ensure it’s working well before the busiest season. This will provide plenty of time to replace a key part or fix a problem. You could even stock up on spares for the winter, such as a new furnace filter.
If you have an oil tank, order discount heating oil in advance so your tank is full before winter. It provides peace of mind that you and your loved ones will enjoy a warm, safe home when temperatures start to drop.
Experienced heating specialists such as Multi Fuel Cooking & Heating provide boiler servicing, heating system maintenance and wood-burning stove installations, helping homeowners keep their properties warm and their heating equipment working efficiently.
Step 2: Protect Your Plumbing
Freezing temperatures can play havoc with your plumbing if left unprotected. They cause water to turn to ice that expands in the pipes, causing a buildup of pressure that may lead to a burst. It typically happens in unheated or poorly insulated properties, which is why you must protect your plumbing before and during winter.
Prevent plumbing issues this winter by:
- Insulating exposed pipes in garages, basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
- Heating your property during winter, even when you’re not at home.
- Shutting off and draining outdoor faucets, consider installing frost-free spigots.
- Disconnect and drain garden hoses.
Step 3: Take Care of Your Exterior
Snow, wind, storms, and freezing temperatures can pose various safety risks during winter, which you should prepare for before the cold season arrives.
Start by cleaning your gutters and downspouts to prevent clogging, and ensure the water drains away from your home’s foundation. Also, arrange a roof inspection to identify and replace any missing, cracked, or loose shingles to prevent an unwanted leak and water damage.
Insulating your attic will also allow you to enjoy a warmer property while preventing ice dams this winter. Don’t forget to trim any nearby tree branches to protect your home, car, and power lines during a storm.
Step 4: Buy Winter-Warming Accessories
If you often feel cold during winter, despite cranking up the thermostat, you could feel cozier this season after investing in one or more winter-warming accessories. Hot water bottles and electric blankets are a must-have during chilly temperatures, as they are a low-cost way to feel warmer on a cold winter’s night. You could also treat yourself to a thick sweater, hoodie, or hooded blanket, and regularly use a foot warmer or heated seat pad in a home office.