While spring is rearing its beautiful head, we’re still sure to have a bit of winter remaining this year. Winter is a beautiful time. Temperatures cool, offering a reprieve from the sweltering nature of summer heat, and depending on your region there may also be snow. Winter can also be a devastating time for your home. Water pipes can freeze, central heat can malfunction and there can be any number of other problems including an increased possibility of house fires. Proper winter home preparation is very important but so many people are unsure how to properly prepare. Keep reading for some really simple tips.
Heating System Tune Ups
Heating systems, like most other appliances, do not function well without maintenance. The longer they go without necessary annual maintenance, the worse they tend to function. That is why it is important to get your heating unit checked out by a technician in autumn, well before that first cold snap. The cost is anywhere from $80 to $100 but the money you spend will save you hundreds of dollars on your utility bill as well as saving your sanity and allowing your unit to continue to function at peak efficiency for many years to come. As a very important bonus, the technicians also check carbon monoxide leakage, which may ultimately save your life.
Reverse the Ceiling Fans
If you have a house with ceiling fans, it is important to reverse them after you turn on the heat. Reversing your ceiling fans allows them to create a downdraft which pushes heated air back down into
the room. This trick is very helpful in rooms with high ceilings as less of the heat reaches the floor in these kinds of rooms. Even better, you might be able to lower your thermostat a degree or two.
Check Your Roof
Look carefully at your roof with binoculars. Check for any damaged or missing shingles. If there are only a few which need repairing, you can call a handyman to repair them. If the section is larger, then you should call a roofer. Make sure that all the flashing around windows and doors is sealed tightly, while you are at it. This will stop potential leaks. Preparing your home for winter is very important. It can mean the difference between a few minor repairs and one for which you must pay thousands of dollars. Furthermore, properly preparing your home for winter ensures that you will save money on your utility bills. A little planning can make preparing for winter much easier.
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