With the temperature quickly dropping and fall coming to an end, now is the perfect time to get your home ready for winter. Investing a little time and money in winterizing now will help keep your home safe and warm during the colder months, as well as saving you money on utility bills. Here are 7 easy things that Ben’s General Contracting Corp. suggests homeowners do to prepare their homes for colder temperatures:
1. Make Sure Gutters and Downspouts Are Clean
Falling leaves can build up in gutters and downspouts leading to clogs that cause damage to your roof, fascia and foundation. It is important to clear away leaves and debris so that excess water can flow off the roof smoothly. Scoop out debris and use a hose to flush out any remaining finer materials or debris. Consider installing leaf guards on the gutters to minimize future clogs. If you aren’t comfortable standing on a ladder, you’re better off hiring a professional to do the job.
2. Protect Pipes to Prevent them from Freezing
Taking preventative measures before temperatures plunge below freezing can drastically reduce the risk of frozen pipes. Installing foam pipe insulation in the attic, crawlspace and garage is an easy way to decrease the chances of your pipes freezing while helping keep heating costs down.
3. Winterize Your Lawn Sprinkler System
Make sure to winterize your sprinkler system before the weather gets too cold. Turn off the water supply and have compressed air blown through the irrigation lines. This will water being left in the lines and freezing.
4. Reverse Ceiling Fans
Most ceiling fans come with a switch that reverses the direction of the blades. Blades should be turning clockwise during winter months and counterclockwise during the summer months. Because heat rises, reversing the blades to the clockwise position will help circulate the warmer air during the winter, without producing the cooling breeze that comes with the counterclockwise rotation used during the summertime.
5. Get Your Heating System Inspected
Have your HVAC system inspected and serviced by a technician and make sure filters and ducts are clean. Regular maintenance of your heating system will ensure it is working efficiently.
6. Check for Air Leaks
Now that it is cooler, you can probably feel the draft coming in from various spots in your home. Try to locate these spots on a windy day and weather seal them before it gets too cold. Common areas for air leaks is around windows, doors and switch plates. Many times, weather-stripping or caulking will do the trick to reduce drafts and save you money on your heating bill.
7. Inspect Your Roof
Before winter sets in, it is a good idea to do a thorough check of the roof, preferably with the assistance of a professional. Any loose, missing or damaged shingles will need to be repaired before winter. Flashing should be inspected, and any loose flashing should be secured.
Ben’s General Contracting Corp. can help you do a thorough roof inspection and make necessary repairs to give you the peace of mind to get through the winter.
Need help getting those winter projects done? Call us at 516-623-2945. We can help!
Article Written By Lauren Norinder
