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As the cold winter months approach, many people wonder how to prepare their homes for an extended period of inactivity. This article will discuss making your home less susceptible to damage caused by harsh weather conditions and other factors that could lead to costly repairs.
Check on Your HVAC System
Checking the HVAC system is a must-do before winter. If you’re still using the old furnace from your parents’ house, it’s better to have them come and look at it or even replace it. The last thing you want during an unexpected cold snap is for your HVAC system to go down.
There are a lot of signs you can look for to determine if your HVAC system is ready for winter or not. First, make sure that you change and clean all the filters as this will help with airflow throughout the home during heating mode. Second, check on any leaks around doors and windows because even small ones over time could lead to big problems such as mould growth in places where there shouldn’t be any, like behind walls and under floors; dampness encourages mold growth. Contact DUCTZ of North Alexandria & Central Fairfax to fix these issues immediately before they become worse than what they already may be.
Third, make sure that the vents are clear of any debris, which can also cause problems with both air distribution and performance. Fourth, check on your ducts to ensure you seal them properly because if they aren’t, then it means you will be wasting energy by heating all those cold spots in addition to having potential issues like mold growth down the road.
Work on Your Drainage and Plumbing System
Your drainage and plumbing system should be fully functional as the winter months approach. A good time to work on your drainage and plumbing system is in the fall before there’s a chance of freezing weather.
Begin by keeping areas clear where water can drain freely. For example, check that leaves or other debris don’t block them during rainfall if you have gutters. Then clean out any accumulated mushy material from around downspouts; this will help divert rainwater away from the foundation of your home instead of allowing it to collect near entry points for moisture and cold air.
Clear these drains regularly throughout autumn, so you don’t need to do an emergency repair at some point when heavy rains arrive earlier than expected. If possible, increase the ground slope away from your home to allow water to drain freely.
Ensure Your Heaters Are Fully Functional
Ensure that your heaters are fully functional before winter. You should also check for any other appliances and devices in the home which you need to use during colder weather, such as humidifiers and dehumidifiers.
If you live with children or pets, ensure their room temperature is not too low at nighttime, so they do not get sick due to a cold climate. Also, ensure there are plenty of blankets available throughout the house just in case one gets cold. Finally, if you have a wood fireplace, make sure it is in working order and well maintained to avoid any accidents such as house fires during the winter months.
Mind Your Energy Bills
Minding your energy bills is important because you can save a considerable amount of money if you are careful with your energy usage. There are many ways to help reduce the cost associated with heating and cooling your home, but one of the most effective ways is by ensuring that your home is well insulated.
Many people are surprised to hear that most home heating and cooling gets lost through the ceilings, floors, and walls. This means that making sure you have the proper insulation in your attic or crawl space can be very beneficial from an energy efficiency perspective.
In addition to this, it’s essential for homeowners with older air conditioning units (or no AC at all) to ensure you seal your windows and doors as well as the gaps around electrical outlets where wires run throughout their homes. Not only will these minor changes help reduce your monthly energy bill, but they can also significantly improve comfort levels inside your home during hot summer days!
Inspect Your Lawn
As the days get colder and shorter, it’s time to start thinking about getting your lawn ready for winter. The key is to give it enough water before temperatures drop below freezing so that the grass won’t dry out and die off over the cold months ahead. It would help if you also were mindful of how much you mow because cutting too short can further stress the grass during these final weeks of chilly weather. Finally, if possible, try leaving an extra inch on top so that when snow does hit, there will be enough insulation to help the lawn survive until spring.
In addition to taking care of your grass, you should also look at any trees in your yard. Falling leaves can be a nuisance, but they are also beneficial because trees absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen as part of the photosynthesis process. When you rake up those fallen leaves in preparation for winter, make sure to compost them or else dispose of them properly so that the nutrients don’t end up polluting your lawn’s groundwater supply over time.
Check Your Gutters
Checking gutters is a must-do during the winter if you want to prevent water damage. If your gutters are not clean, often ice will build up, which can cause damage to your roof and foundation. You should check them at least twice a year, but it’s best to have them cleaned out by professionals once or more per year, depending on how many rainfalls.
Gutters are the tiny channels that carry away rainwater from your roof, and it’s essential to keep them clean. If you find any debris or dirt, carefully remove it and then rinse out with a hosepipe before letting them drain again. This will prevent soggy soil underneath, which can cause mold growth and damage the foundations of your home.
Conclusion
Winter is coming, and it’s time to prepare your home for the cold weather. This article will guide you through some tips on how to get ready before it gets too cold outside.
