With winter on the way, it is important to prepare your home for the lower temperatures and even snow. Thankfully, preparations for the change of season don’t have to be difficult, and these easy ways to prepare the home are a great start.
Inspect Your Heating System
Perhaps the worst time to find out that your heating system has a major problem is on the first chilly day of the year. Not only will you be forced to call for a repair at the same time as everyone else in the area, you may have to go without adequate heat within the home. Prepare to use more of your heating system in the colder months by having it inspected in the Fall.
Repair the Roof
A few missing shingles might not seem like a big deal in the summer, but after a heavy snow in the winter it can cause major damage to the roof and even lead to leaks in the home. A quick trip up a ladder to check on the status of the roof might be enough, or you can hire a professional to inspect and repair any roof damage that might have occurred over the past year.
Add Insulation
Utility bills often rise in the winter, since your heating system has to work harder in order to keep the home at a comfortable temperature. To reduce utility costs, adding in new insulation can be a key way to retain heated air. This is especially true in older homes that haven’t had their insulation upgraded in over a decade.
Invest in a Caulk Gun
Homeowners who might notice a draft under doors or around windows in the summer or fall will absolutely be bothered by it come winter, when freezing air can easily make its way into the home. A basic caulk gun can help you create a waterproof seal around doors and windows, preventing cool air from coming in or heated air from going out.
Clean the Gutters
Before the first big freeze or snow of the year, take time to clean out the gutters of a home. Forgetting to do so can cause water to build up and damage the roof or the walls, or it may even create an ice dam.
Professional Help
For more information about adding insulation, contact USI online to get a free quote. USI believes that excellence in every step of the process and ensures timely completion and quality of service, time after time.
Image via: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter